Interview with Ted Brightwell/Viki
Williams
Viki has held numerous state, regional and local titles. She has competed nationally 15 times, winning Miss Gay World 1995. She currently reigns as Miss Rainbow Pride of WV 2006.
Ted received the Rainbow Power of One award in 2005. He worked as a professional female impersonator with Cowboys La Cage (a Vegas Style show) in Nashville, Tennessee. In this show; He was able to showcase his Barbra Streisand, Cher and other character illusions. The showed toured in big entertainment cites including: Atlantic City, New Orleans and New York City. During this time he also appeared on Entertainment Tonight, Phil Donahue and Sally Jesse Raphael.
Having performed in many charities, all over the country, Ted tells WVQN that his favorite charity to perform for is; Covenant House in Charleston. He has performed and directed many shows to benefit their cause(s) over the years.
He is currently working on Rainbow Pride Events for 2007.
As far as future plans go, Ted says: “I was quoted in the Charleston Gazette, that I would stop doing drag at age 30. Well, that was 23 years ago and I guess I lied. I never intend to stop being a female impersonator. I am aware that beauty fades and when that time comes, I shall become the comedic old drag queen. But, as long as, I can keep layering on the cosmetics, I shall remain young for a long time, at least; on stage and in dark bars.”
WVQN: At what age did you realize you were gay?
VIKI: I came out at 19, but looking back, I truly feel that I was always Gay and was definitely born that way.
WVQN: First day of Viki’s life and career?
VIKI: I dressed in drag the first time for a birthday party, but I, always, count March 17, 1974 as the beginning of my career. I was invited by a queen; Tonya Terrell to do a guest spot in her show at the Greek Downstairs Club (later the Grand Palace). I spent the entire day getting ready, shaving, rehearsing, wig, etc.. I performed one song: Since I Fell For You, by Barbra Streisand.
After the show, as we were going home, we stopped by Mister Donut on Patrick Street and I had a green “Kiss Me I’m Irish” garter on my leg, Which; I pulled off and gave to the guy behind the counter. It was a memorable day for me and I am sure that counter boy still sleeps with that garter by his bedside.
WVQN: Tell us about your current relationship, how did you meet?
VIKI: Kevin and I have been together for almost five years. I was at a point in my life , where I figured I would not be having any more serious relationships, which was ok. So, when we clicked and then fell in love, it was a great, unexpected pleasure in my life.
Our country is currently at war. Depression, suicide, divorce, drug abuse and addictions, and disease are everywhere we look. How important do you consider the entertainment business right now in the pursuit of happiness?
When I received the Power of One Award in 2005, I had to give a speech at the Festival. It was titled “I am an Entertainer“, and the last portion went like this: “I am not a counselor; who can help my people deal with the questions like; ‘Why can’t I be myself in the workplace?’ or ‘Why can’t I be joined, legally, with the person I love?’ or ‘Why did the person I love leave me?’, but, I am the Entertainer, who can say; Step into my world of glitz, glamour and illusion and for a few hours, let me take you away, by making you laugh or cryor just have fun and, maybe; when this entertainment that is exclusively ours, is over; life might seem a little brighter, because that is what it does for me, because you are my people and I am your entertainer.”
WVQN: What changes would you like to see in your lifetime?
VIKI: I would like to see our people enjoy the same rights and privileges as every other citizen in the US.
WVQN: Tell us something you have fantasized about doing, but have not yet done?
VIKI: I have performed Barbra Streisand all over this country, but, have yet, to see her in concert. I also, perform Cher, but did see her three times and tried really hard to meet her in Charleston, but it did not happen. So, these would be really nice things to happen.
WVQN: Did you ever consider quitting the biz?
WVQN: Did you ever consider quitting the biz?
VIKI: No, I love being on stage and I love being a female impersonator and have never taken a break from this industry.
WVQN: Describe the feeling of being chosen Miss Pride WV and what do you feel are the responsibilities that come with the title?
VIKI: I like milestones. So, I ran for the first Miss Pride and lost. So then, I wanted to be the Millennium Pride in 2000…and lost. So, I worked on the Pride Committee for a few years, helping to organize the pageants. When the 10th Anniversary of WV Pride came up, I thought; “What the Hell?”, “another milestone”, so I ran again and finally won. It was a nice victory and the support and encouragement that I received has been very nice. My main goals as Miss Pride has been to involve all the clubs in West Virginia to participate in our events and make the pageants grow. I also, intend on putting on an entertaining show for the pageant. I feel confident these things will happen.
WVQN: What words of wisdom can you offer someone just starting out in the business?
VIKI: Learn the difference between being self confident and being self centered. Your early reputation will follow you always.
WVQN: What do you feel has been your greatest achievement to date?
VIKI: Staying alive after the Swinging 70’s.
WVQN: What has been the biggest change in the local gay community that you have witnessed over time?
VIKI: When I came OUT in 1974, there could not have been a Gay Pride Parade in downtown Charleston. I get a special feeling every time I am on a float or the back of a car and look around to see my people and how far we have come in this state.
WVQN: Tell us what it is like to have lived your entire adult life in show business.
VIKI: I have seen and experienced wonderful and exciting things that I don’t think would have happened to me, if I were not a female impersonator. I have traveled to places that I, probably, would have never been to otherwise.
I have performed to an audience of three and audiences of 3000, and I try to make each performance as exciting as that first one back in 1974.
Be sure to check out this video of Viki throughout the years.
Viki Williams
Interviewed by Terry Urban and Jim Lawson
bravenet.com