Heklina

2023 - 4 - 3

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Image courtesy of "KRON4"

SF drag legend Heklina found dead in London (KRON4)

(KRON) — Longtime San Francisco drag performer Heklina has reportedly died in London, according to a social media post from fellow SF drag mainstay, ...

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Image courtesy of "Variety"

Heklina Dead: Drag Queen, San Francisco Icon Was 54 (Variety)

Stefan Grygelko, a pillar of the San Francisco drag community who performed under the persona Heklina, was found dead Monday in London. Heklina was 54.

Heklina became a fixture of the San Francisco drag community in 1996 hosting the popular weekly series now known as “Mother,” which has hosted figures such as Lady Gaga and Charro. In 2015, Heklina co-opened the San Francisco drag venue Oasis. She has also been a frequent emcee and performer across the city’s Pride events and various fairs. Born in Minneapolis, Minn., the performer moved to San Francisco after time living in Iceland. The pair had been touring with their stage production “Mommie Queerest,” a parody of the 1981 cult feature “Mommie Dearest,” which was slated for a two-week run at the Soho Theatre. “I am shocked and horrified to bring this news to you.

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

Famed San Francisco drag performer Heklina reportedly found dead ... (CBS News)

The death of Heklina -- also known as actor Stefan Grygelko -- was first reported in social media posts by fellow drag queen and performing partner Peaches ...

She was unstoppable and a master without parallel." She would also appear regularly as host and emcee for a variety of community events. "Heklina was also a staunch defender of drag — which is under extreme attack right now — and created opportunities for young drag queens to find their space," he added. I first saw Heklina perform when I was a young gay man in the 1990s, new to San Francisco. "This morning, in London, England I went to collect my dear friend Heklina, who is costarring with me in a Mommie Queerest show here, and found her dead. "I am living in a real-life nightmare so forgive me if I don't have all the answers just now," read the post Grannell made to both the Peaches Christ Facebook page and his page under his name.

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Image courtesy of "NBC Bay Area"

Legendary San Francisco Drag Performer Heklina Dies (NBC Bay Area)

Fellow drag star Peaches posted the news on social media. The two were performing in a musical parody at the Soho Theatre. Heklina, born Stefan Grygelko, was an ...

“She really saw that, I really enjoyed doing things that would be considered nerdy. But hilarious and always sold tickets,” said Oasis Nightclub owner Darcy Drollinger. Fellow drag star Peaches posted the news on social media.

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Image courtesy of "KGO-TV"

Friends, fans mourn loss of legendary Bay Area drag performer ... (KGO-TV)

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Several sources have confirmed to ABC7 News that longtime drag performer Heklina has died. Heklina, also known as Stefan Grygelko, ...

"So shocking and sad to hear about the loss of Heklina, a drag legend, brilliant performer and trailblazing community icon. She was unstoppable and a master without parallel." "Heklina did a lot of stuff everywhere, Palm Springs, she was in London right now. Heklina was an icon in the truest sense - funny, caring, outrageous, and brave. "Heklina is not just my best friend, but a beloved icon of our community." I am living in a real-life nightmare," she wrote.

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Image courtesy of "Los Angeles Times"

San Francisco drag icon Heklina reportedly dies; fans mourn (Los Angeles Times)

Well-known San Francisco drag performer Heklina reportedly dies in London while on tour for the "Mommie Queerest" show.

[according to the San Francisco Chronicle](https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/drag-performer-heklina-reported-dead-in-london). “Heklina is not just my best friend, but a beloved icon of our community.” Heklina was expected to start a performance next week with friend and fellow drag star Peaches Christ at the Soho Theatre.

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Image courtesy of "CBS News"

San Francisco "drag legend" Heklina reportedly found dead in London (CBS News)

"Heklina was an icon in the truest sense," said Calif. state Sen. Scott Wiener, lauding the artist as a "fiercely outspoken" advocate for LGBTQ rights.

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Image courtesy of "SF Chronicle Datebook"

Beloved S.F. drag performer Heklina found dead in London (SF Chronicle Datebook)

The longtime S.F. resident, who co-founded ”Trannyshack” and Oasis nightclub, was in London for performances with Peaches Christ at the time of death.

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