Vale Lionel: SA icon, Rundle Mall’s beloved ‘dancing man’, has died

One of Adelaide’s much loved icons, who showed us all that the best things in life are free, has passed away.

Lionel Willis danced whenever and wherever the mood struck him. Picture Mark Brake

An Adelaide legend, who danced like no one was watching while bringing joy to millions, has died.

Lionel Willis passed away on Monday night, at age 84, after a short battle with cancer, a relative told The Advertiser.

“He was as mad as a hatter and a really fun guy - he put a smile on everyone’s face,” they said.

Lionel was a cult figure and, like superstars Madonna, Cher, Adele and fellow South Australian icon Hans, everyone simply knew him by his first name.

While Lionel lived at Clearview, Rundle Mall was his home away from home; a regular of the shopping strip he was often spotted there, busting some serious moves while buskers played.

His obvious love of dancing, and natural ability, never failed to attract the attention of onlookers – locals and visitors from interstate and overseas.

Lionel. Picture: Bernard Humphreys

They would film him on their phones and then share their videos, with hundreds and thousands of people around the world, via social media.

Lionel didn’t restrict his dancing to the mall and would frequently pop up at other places in the CBD, in the aisles at concerts, at Carols by Candlelight and, naturally, in his street where he would jive in his neighbours’ driveway much to their delight.

A dapper gent, Lionel was also admired for his style.

It was always colourful, and often flamboyant, and his out-there outfits earned him a spot on The Advertiser’s best-dressed list.

He was also a valued client of Rundle Mall’s Knightsman Bespoke Tailors, who gave him a shout out on social media a few years ago: “Most of you, when in Adelaide, would’ve come across Lionel Willis, dancing along to the buskers of Rundle Mall. Lionel commissioned us to make him this vibrant pink suit for an upcoming party. For us this is a huge honour, to make something so personal for someone who sparks so much joy is something that tailors dream of.”

Lionel. Picture: Bernard Humphreys

Lionel was also snapped – in both candid and posed shots – by a number of photographers. They included the late Chris Oaten, who had talked about staging an exhibition in Lionel’s honour, and portrait photographer Humans of Adelaide, whose social media was “swamped” with requests for more images of him.

Former Advertiser photojournalist Bernard Humphreys, who described Lionel as Adelaide’s “dancing man” and a “living treasure”, also photographed him.

In 2015, Lionel made headlines on The Advertiser’s website.

He was described as a “happy-go-lucky chap who likes to get his groove on in Rundle Mall”.

The article also noted “passers-by couldn’t help but stop and smile at Lionel’s impressive moves and infectious spirit”.

Vale Lionel. Thank you for the joy. Adelaide will miss you.

A GoFundMe - “Dancing Lionel” an Adelaide icon - has been set up to help with the costs of his funeral and establishing a memorial in his honour.