The primary winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne, handed away on the age of 32.
The Vivienne, in any other case often called James Lee Williams, served because the UK Drag Ambassador for Drag Race in 2015 and later went on to compete and win the primary season of Drag Race UK. As a part of her prize, she was awarded a six-episode collection on WOW Presents Plus, The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood. She additionally appeared and positioned third on Dancing On Ice in 2023 and appeared on stage in productions of The Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
In a press release posted to Instagram over the weekend, The Vivienne’s buddy and publicist Simon Jones mentioned, “It’s with immense disappointment that we let our beloved James Lee Williams — The Vivienne, has handed this weekend,” Jones wrote. “James was an extremely liked, warm-hearted and wonderful particular person.
“Their household are heartbroken on the lack of their son, brother and uncle. They’re so happy with the great issues James achieved of their life and profession. We won’t be releasing any additional particulars. We please ask that James’s household are given the time and privateness they now must course of and grieve.”
Social media over the weekend was flooded with tributes from The Vivienne’s prolonged drag household. In a publish on Instagram, Crystal mentioned, “RIP to this beautiful, humorous, inspiring particular person. I bear in mind so clearly your confidence on set – almost 10 years youthful than me and simply bursting with it. It was apparent to everybody you have been going to do huge issues. I’m actually glad to have recognized you.
One other UK queen, Cheryl, acknowledged, “All I can say proper now could be THANK YOU to you. Thanks for being essentially the most unbelievable buddy, mentor and sister & most significantly preserving me in examine. thanks for the unbelievable moments, milestones and reminiscences. Each second spent with you was really electrical and magical. Your legacy, love and lightweight will shine on perpetually!”
Baga Chipz posted images of the 2 collectively and mentioned, “My stunning boy. My James. Our Viv. You taught me the true that means of sisterhood however extra importantly you taught me learn how to do a minimize crease. I’m sending all my like to your mama and household, me and the ladies will all the time be there for them. I’m gonna bloody miss you buddy.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race decide Michelle Visage shared a tribute of her personal, posting images of herself with the late star. “Heartbreaking,” she wrote. “I do not know learn how to say how I really feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we return to once I began coming over right here to the UK. You have been all the time there, all the time laughing, all the time giving, all the time on level. Your laughter, your wit, your expertise, your drag. I liked all of it however I liked your friendship most of all. You have been a beacon to so many.”
The Vivienne will certainly be missed. RIP.
