RuPaul’s Drag Race has issued an emotional statement following the tragic death of former winner The Vivienne. The drag star, who won the first season of the UK series in 2019, died aged 32 over the weekend.
The Vivienne, originally from north Wales, went on to compete in the seventh series of All Stars in 2022, become the first drag performer to appear on Dancing on Ice and made various other TV appearances including on the likes of Celebrity Juice, Emmerdale, CelebAbility, Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and This Morning.
The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones confirmed that the star passed away aged 32 over the weekend. No further details have been released at this stage.
The official page for the RuPaul’s Drag Race show, posted a moving tribute on X on Sunday night (January 5), which read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne.
The Vivienne also competed in Dancing on Ice -Credit:PA
“Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration. 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. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
As World of Wonder, the producers of the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise, posted: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of James Lee Williams, AKA The Vivienne this weekend. Her talent, humour and kindness were an inspiration. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, who request the time and privacy required to grieve.”
Announcing the tragic news on Sunday, Simon Jones penned: “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.”
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 the Wicked Witch of the West for The Wizard of Oz and reprised the role on the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.