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 starred in musical theatre and TV productions, and won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. The show paid tribute to the drag star on social media, saying they were “deeply saddened” by the news of the performer’s death.
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion”.
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 – who used to go by Cheryl Hole – took part in the same series of Drag Race as The Vivienne. The performer wrote on Instagram: “I will love you forever Viv”.
John Hyland, community partnerships lead at Sahir, a LGBTQ+ and HIV charity in Liverpool, also paid tribute. Drag fans have been donating to Sahir’s latest campaign as a mark of respect for The Vivienne, who posted about the appeal just days before their death.
Williams was born in Wales, and adopted the drag name because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing. Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, where Williams was a former pupil, said it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the star’s death.
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.
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