Tributes Emerge for Drag Queen Who Inspired It’s A Sin After His Passing

The recent death of Phil Lewis, a drag queen whose real-life experiences greatly influenced Russell T Davies’ acclaimed TV series It’s A Sin, has elicited heartfelt tributes from the show’s creator. Known affectionately as Pinky, Lewis played a pivotal role in shaping the 1980s-based drama about HIV/AIDS, which has been celebrated for its poignant storytelling and historical accuracy.

Davies first encountered Lewis at the West Glamorgan Youth Theatre Company, where Lewis’s vibrant personality and presence left a lasting impression. Lewis, who later became a celebrated drag queen, was a key figure in the establishment of The Pink Palace, a London flat-share that became legendary in LGBTQ+ circles and was prominently featured in the 2021 show.

In a tribute posted on Instagram, Davies reflected on the impact Lewis had on him and the series. “What a beautiful man,” Davies wrote, expressing his sorrow at the loss. “The wonderful Pinky has died, what a loss.” Davies reminisced about their early days, saying, “I joined my Youth Theatre in the ’70s; Pinky and his gang were camp, hilarious, wise, and brilliant. Camp became a way for us to express who we really are—Welsh camp too, the best!”

Lewis moved to London in the 1980s, where he, along with a group of friends, founded The Pink Palace. His charismatic presence made him a beloved figure in the Brighton drag scene. Despite losing touch for many years, Davies was thrilled to reconnect with Lewis recently, describing their reunion as joyful and full of laughter. “I didn’t see him for decades—though I heard the stories!—but we all met up recently, and my God, we laughed. Like I’d seen him yesterday.”

Davies extended his condolences to Lewis’s partner Colin, friends, family, and his beloved Jill and Jae. “Night, Pinky darling xxx,” he concluded.

It’s A Sin, the five-part Channel 4 drama, made a significant impact upon its release, breaking audience records with 6.5 million viewers streaming the series within a month. The show, despite its challenging subject matter, was praised for its powerful depiction of the HIV/AIDS crisis and received numerous accolades, including several Bafta nominations.

The series faced hurdles in its production, with Davies noting that it was a “hard sell” due to its sensitive and difficult themes. “It’s about people dying and a tough piece of work,” he acknowledged. Nevertheless, the drama garnered widespread acclaim from both critics and celebrities. Graham Norton lauded it as “the best five hours of television I’ve seen in years,” while Sir Elton John described it as “a triumph of creativity and humanity.”

Phil Lewis’s legacy lives on through the impact he had on the show and the vibrant life he led, making him a cherished figure in both the LGBTQ+ community and the world of television. His influence on It’s A Sin is a testament to the enduring power of personal stories in shaping impactful art.