The Vivienne – who won the first series of the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 – passed away just a few days ago, their publicist announced in a statement over the weekend
The late drag artist the Vivienne has been described as a “talented queen” and a “lovely” person in a tribute post by RuPaul, following the news of their death on the weekend.
It was announced on Sunday night that James Lee Williams – known by the stage name the Vivienne – had passed away, aged 32. The news prompted an outpouring of tributes to the performer, whose career has included winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (RPDR UK) back in 2019.
RuPaul, 64 – who hosts the BBC show and is on its judging panel – paid tribute on Instagram this week. Alongside a photo of them together, RuPaul wrote in a post shared on Monday afternoon: “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of the Vivienne – an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”
The news of the Vivienne’s death was announced by their friend and publicist Simon Jones on Sunday night. Simon’s statement, released on the platform, began: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.”
The publicist continued: “James was an incredibly loved, warm- hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
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Former colleagues and celebrity pals joined fans in paying tribute to the Vivienne following the news. Michelle Visage, who’s also a judge on RPDR UK, wrote as part of her tribute: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel.”
She added: “We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beachon to so many. […] You will be missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL. Fly high.”
The Vivienne rose to fame as a contestant on the first series of RPDR UK in 2019, which they ended up winning. They later returned to the franchise to compete in the seventh season of All Stars – which featured previous winners – in 2022.
The following year, the Vivienne became the first drag artist to compete on Dancing on Ice and went on to place third on the ITV ice skating contest. More recently, they had performed in a West End production of the Wizard of Oz and a touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
