Victor Willis

The Hollywood Walk of Fame attracted a boisterous and eclectic crowd Friday – with many in costume like their favorite characters from The Village People who received a star. The 70’s disco stars still tour- in fact they opened for Cher last time she was in LA. The Indian Felipe Rose (above) was an original group member – “cowboy” Randy Jones and “cop” Victor Willis left the group years ago. The event had a fascinating twist because former lead singer Victor Willis showed up in a fake cop uniform and watched the ceremony from the sidewalk. Later he signed autographs at a Hollywood Blvd store. Victor made more money than anyone in the group because he gets royalties for writing the lyrics to their biggest hits YMCA, Macho Man, and In The Navy. For years he’s battled a raging drug problem (it destroyed his marriage to Phylicia Rashad of The Cosby Show.) Years ago at a low point he was seen selling Phylicia’s castoff clothes on the street in San Francisco. He says he’s clean now. You can see The Village People perform at the LA County Fair.