San Francisco ‘drug legend’ Heclina found dead in London

Famed San Francisco drag performer Heclina was found dead Monday while performing at a touring show in London, England. CBS Bay Area report.

Heclina’s death, also known as actor Stefan Grigerko, was first reported in a social media post by fellow drug artist and performance partner Peaches Christ (aka Joshua Granell). 1981 Joan Crawford biopic “Mommie Dearest”.

Peaches Christ’s Facebook page and a message posted by Granell under his name read, “I’m living in a real nightmare, so forgive me if I don’t have all the answers right now.” It is written. “This morning in London, England, I picked up my best friend Heclina, who co-starred on the Mommie Queerest show here, and found her dead. Cause of death still unknown. This is shocking news. I’m stunned, but I wanted to let people know what happened.”

London’s Soho Theater, where “Mommie Queerest” was being staged, told CBS News, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of Heclina’s passing. Our thoughts are with the company Peaches and Mommy Queerest. I am with Heclina’s family.” , friends, and their wider community. ”

Details regarding the cause of death were not immediately released by authorities.

San Francisco Congressman Matt Haney also tweeted about Heclina’s death, calling her a “drag legend, an amazing performer and a pioneering community icon.”

“My condolences and love go out to Heclina’s friends, family and loved ones, and the LGBTQ and drag community at large,” he added.

State Senator Scott Wiener released a statement after the news broke, saying he was “completely devastated.”

“Heklina was a true icon. Over the years, I got to know her and helped her find her place in Oasis. “Heklina has created events and community spaces, transforming glitter, giant wigs, and loud jokes into a home atmosphere. She was the soul of San Francisco, and it’s hard to imagine…a city without her.”

“Heklina has also been a staunch defender of drag, which is currently under attack, and has created an opportunity for young drag queens to find their own space,” he added. But we must honor her memory by remembering the joy she brought us and the importance of the art form to which she dedicated her life.”

In addition to performing with Peaches Christ in various stage productions and appearing as Dorothy Zbornak in the San Francisco drug production of “The Golden Girls”, where the annual holiday show was regularly sold out, Heklina worked in the mid-1990s. He is best known as one of the co-founders of Trannyshack, a long-running drag show that began in San Francisco’s stud clubs.

Most recently, Heklina was part of a group of owners who reopened a nightclub and theater oasis in San Francisco’s SOMA district, which grandly reopened in 2014. She also made regular appearances as a host and emcee at various community her events.