RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and former winner Danny Beard have led tributes to drag star The Vivienne following their tragic death aged 32.
James Lee Williams, who was known professionally as performer The Vivienne, won the UK series of Drag Race in 2019 before later competing in the seventh series of All Stars in 2022. They also became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place.
Their death over the weekend was announced by publicist Simon Jones on Sunday night (January 5). No further details have been released.
Tributes quickly flooded in on social media, remembering the drag star as ‘warm-hearted’, ‘amazing’ and an ‘incredible talent’, who recently made their debut on London’s West End.
The Vivienne has died aged 32 -Credit:PA
Among celebrities leading tributes was RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who described The Vivienne as a ‘beacon to so many’. Sharing snaps of the two together on Instagram, she penned: “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.”
Danny Beard, another former winner of Drag Race UK from Manchester, also paid tribute, penning: “We’ve lost a friend, all of us.
“Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy.
“She was one of the most passionate, talented, geeky, girls I’ve ever known. When you worked with her you knew she was gonna show up and do the job like a pro and while you’re both there you’d be laughing your t**s off!
“Her love for creating characters wasn’t just what we all saw on TV or on stage! When you’re with Viv she’s creating them all the time! Always doing a bit, or a voice, and it made for the best f***ing time. HOWLING! There’s a piece missing now. See ya girl!!”
The Vivienne also starred in Dancing on Ice -Credit:Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo
A spokesperson for the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star took to social media on Sunday night to confirm the shattering news. In a statement, they 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.”
Simon Jones, a close friend and publicist for The Vivienne shared the news alongside a broken heart emoji. Tributes have since poured in for the late star from the likes of Sheridan Smith and Ashley Roberts.
Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts said: “Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news,” as Sheridan Smith wrote: “Rest in power. Icon”.
The Vivienne, who found fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race amassed a staggering following after winning over viewers with their quick wit and humour. They first appeared on screens back in 2015 on the American series before later appearing on the UK edition and winning just four years later.
Born and raised in North Wales, James later moved to Liverpool and was a hit performer in the drag scene where they took on a name inspired fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
As well as TV appearances, The Vivienne also delved into other ventures such as staring in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and as the Wicked Witch of the West for The Wizard of Oz, reprising the role on the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.