The Vivienne appeared on screens and was on good form just days before it was announced that the RuPaul’s Drag Race legend had tragically died aged 32
Drag Race legend The Vivienne appeared on screens just days before their death.
It was announced on Sunday night that the star TV icon, whose real name was James Lee Williams had tragically died aged just 32. A spokesperson for The Vivienne confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media and stated that The Vivienne’s family were taking time to process the news.
But just days before the news emerged, The Vivienne appeared on the celebrity edition of BBC’s Blankety Blank alongside the likes of Oti Mabuse, Jonathan Ross, Joel Dommett and TV and singing queen, Jane McDonald. During a chat with host Bradley Walsh, they left the studio audience in fits of laughter as they spoke about their Christmas experience.
In the pre-recorded episode, The Vivienne joked: “Christmas is too long. You get up, you start drinking at 8am, well I do. I want to be bladdered by the time I’m cooking, if it goes wrong, you can say ‘Sorry, I’m bladdered,” as Jane struggled to contain her laughter over the witty joke.
The Vivienne appeared on screens just days before their death
The North Wales born entertainer, who moved to Liverpool aged 16 was no stranger when it came to entertaining viewers, whether it be with her Donald Trump or Margaret Thatcher impression, or appearing on stage as the Wicked Witch of the Wrst in the theatre production of The Wizard of Oz.
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Confirming the news, Simon Jones, a close friend of The Vivienne and also their PR took to social media. In a statement, Simon said: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“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.”
Elsewhere, Michelle Visage shared snaps of herself and The Vivienne together. Writing alongside the upload, she said: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ 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 beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
