The Vivienne: RuPaul's Drag Race UK and musical theatre star dies aged 32
2025-01-06
Category: entertainment

James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne, has died aged 32.Publicist Simon Jones said the performer, who died over the weekend, was "an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person".The Vivienne won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019.Mr Jones asked for privacy for the star's family and said no further details would be released at this time.
RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said the news of The Vivienne's death was "heartbreaking".Writing on social media, Visage wrote: "Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all."You were a beacon to so many... I love you my darling. You will be so missed."
RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash also reacted to the news, writing on Instagram: "I'm so sorry I'm in total shock".Cheryl The Queen - who used to go by Cheryl Hole - took part in the same series of Drag Race as The Vivienne. She also shared the statement on Instagram, writing: "I will love you forever Viv."Mr Jones said these were words he "never ever wanted to write"."No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other," he said."I'm so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years."
Williams was born in Wales, and adopted the drag name because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.As well as winning Drag Race, The Vivienne came third on the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice, and performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical.The performer reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.In an Instagram post on Boxing Day, The Vivienne put up a series of photos, captioning it: "24' highlights.""What a year it's been. Here's to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25," the star wrote, before signing off: "Viv xxx."
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