How many of the Village People members are still alive? Updates and current whereabouts
The disco group Village People took the late '70s by storm with hits such as In the Navy and Y.M.C.A. But of the six OG members of the band, only one is still donning his costume: the cop. Where are the rest of the Macho Men, and what have they been up to since they exited the group?
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Only one of the Village People's original members has passed away.
- Victor Willis struggled with substance abuse for many years after leaving the group.
- Randy Jones married his boyfriend of 20 years before gay marriages became legally binding in New York State.
- Felipe Rose now showcases his cooking skills on his YouTube channel.
Background information
| Origin | Greenwich Village, Manhattan |
| Genres | Soul, rock, disco, funk, R&B |
| Years active | 1977-present |
| Original members | Felipe Rose, Victor Willis, Alex Briley, David Hodo, Randy Jones, Glenn Hughes |
Exploring facts about the original members of the Village People
Source: Getty Images
The Village People was formed after producers Henri Belolo and Jacques Morali suggested creating a group that mirrored the diverse personalities that frequented the local bars. From 1977 to 1980, the Village People made headlines with hits such as Go West.
Victor Willis (Naval officer, admiral)
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Victor Edward Willis
- Date of birth: 1 July 1951
- Age: 74 years old (2025)
- Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, USA
As a young boy, Victor developed his singing skills at his father's church. In 1977, Morali approached him, promising:
I dreamed you sang lead vocals on my album, which became a hit. I cannot afford to pay you much now, but I will eventually make you a star!
Willis joined Village People as the lead singer, co-writing almost all their most successful singles. He took a hiatus from the group between 1982 and 2017, a decision he described to the Chicago Tribune in 2019 as "business-inspired."
From 1978 to 1982, Victor was married to Heaven Down Here actress Phylicia Ayers Allen (now Phylicia Rashad). In 2007, he exchanged nuptials for a second time with lawyer Karen Huff.
Randy Jones (Cowboy)
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- Full name: Randolph Edward Jones
- Date of birth: 13 September 1952
- Age: 72 years old (As of July 2025)
- Birthplace: Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Jones was a Village People member from 1977 to 1980, and again from 1987 until 1990. In a May 2008 interview with SPIN magazine, he said of the group's success:
We made an impression in pop music but left a mark in pop culture.
In his post-group days, Randy co-authored a book (Out Sounds: The Gay and Lesbian Music Alternative) with his husband, Will Grega, in 1996, released a solo album (Ticket to the World) in 2007, and appeared in the 2011 Postal III video game.
David Hodo (Construction worker)
Source: Getty Images
- Birth name: Richard Davis Hodo
- Date of birth: 7 July 1947
- Age: 78 years old (2025)
- Birthplace: San Andreas, California, USA
Hodo joined Village People in 1978. Two years later, he appeared with the group in the Magic Night TV special alongside Hugh Hefner and Cher.
David left the Village People in 1982, returned in 1987 and retired in 2013. He has been featured on several television programs, including The Osbournes and The Love Boat.
Felipe Rose (Native American)
Source: Getty Images
- Birth name: Felipe Ortiz Rose
- Date of birth: 12 January 1954
- Age: 71 years old (2025)
- Birthplace: Manhattan, New York City, USA
Born to a Puerto Rican mom and a dad of Lakota descent, Rose was discovered by Belolo and Morali while working as a nightclub dancer. While speaking with Out in New Jersey in May 2023, he recalled his life before joining the group:
I was a poor, gay fellow from Brooklyn working as a dancer to make ends meet. Before Village People, I was almost homeless.
Felipe was a member of the group from 1977 to 2017. In 2018, he released the single Going Back to My Roots. Today, Rose hosts The Disco Chronicles podcast.
Alex Briley (Sailor, GI)
Source: Getty Images
- Birth name: Alexander Briley
- Date of birth: 12 April 1951
- Age: 74 years old (2025)
- Birthplace: New York City, USA
The son of a Christian minister, Briley sang in church from an early age and studied music at the University of Hartford.
He joined Village People in 1977 after Victor Willis introduced him to Jacques. Alex officially retired from the group at 70. He lost his brother Jonathan during the 9/11 attacks.
Glenn Hughes (Leatherman)
Source: Getty Images
- Birth name: Glenn Michael Hughes
- Date of birth: 18 July 1950
- Age at death: 50 years old
- Birthplace: New York City, USA
Hughes was a member of the Village People from 1977 to 1996. In 1979, he was named on People's list of Most Beautiful People. A heavy smoker, Glenn was diagnosed with lung cancer after he retired from the group. He passed away on 4 March 2001 in his Manhattan apartment.
FAQs
In 2020, Village People's track Y.M.C.A. was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Below are some frequently asked questions about the group.
Are the Village People gay?
Not all the OG Village People members identify as gay. The group's name refers to Manhattan's Greenwich Village, which is popular for its large gay population.
Do the Village People still perform?
The musical group still entertains concert-goers around the world. In 2025, they performed at the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
Who are the current members of the Village People?
The group's current lineup comprises Victor Willis, Javier Perez, James Kwong, James Lee, Jeffrey James Lippold, and Nicholas Manelick.
In conclusion
As of 2025, Victor Willis is the only OG member of the Village People. The other singers, including Felipe Rose, have pursued solo careers. Sadly, Glenn Hughes passed away over two decades ago.
READ MORE: Meet the Rat Pack members: The stars behind the iconic musical band
Briefly.co.za highlighted all you need to know about the Rat Pack OG members. The original group was formed in the late 1940s and early 1950s under the leadership of Humphrey Bogart. Renowned singer Frank Sinatra took up Bogart's position after his passing in 1957.
According to Humphrey Bogart's son, Stephen, the original Rat Pack officials were his dad, Frank Sinatra, Sid Luft, Judy Garland, Swifty Lazar, and Nathaniel Benchley.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
