{"id":20471,"date":"2025-01-05T21:17:13","date_gmt":"2025-01-05T21:17:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.godj.com\/news\/rupauls-drag-race-uk-and-musical-theatre-star-dies-aged-32\/"},"modified":"2025-01-05T21:17:13","modified_gmt":"2025-01-05T21:17:13","slug":"rupauls-drag-race-uk-and-musical-theatre-star-dies-aged-32","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.godj.com\/news\/rupauls-drag-race-uk-and-musical-theatre-star-dies-aged-32\/","title":{"rendered":"RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and musical theatre star dies aged 32"},"content":{"rendered":"


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James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne, has died aged 32.<\/p>\n

Publicist Simon Jones said the performer, who died over the weekend, was “an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”.<\/p>\n

The Vivienne starred in musical theatre and TV productions, and won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.<\/p>\n

The show paid tribute to the drag star on social media, saying they were “deeply saddened” by the news of the performer’s death.<\/p>\n

“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”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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“Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration,” the show said in a post on X.<\/p>\n

“Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”<\/p>\n

The show’s judge Michelle Visage also called the star “a beacon to so many”.<\/p>\n

Writing on social media<\/a>, Visage called the news “heartbreaking”, adding: “My darling The Vivienne, we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK.”<\/p>\n

“You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.”<\/p>\n

“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The Vivienne pictured with RuPaul<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
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Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash also reacted to the news, writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.<\/p>\n

Cheryl The Queen – 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.”<\/p>\n

Williams was born in Wales, and adopted the drag name because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The performer reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.<\/p>\n

The Vivienne also competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise in the US in 2022, and starred in BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020.<\/p>\n

In an Instagram post<\/a> on Boxing Day, The Vivienne put up a series of photos, captioning it: “24′ highlights.”<\/p>\n

“What a year it’s been. Here’s to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25,” the star wrote, before signing off: “Viv xxx.”<\/p>\n

Mr Jones said words announcing The Vivienne’s death were ones he “never ever wanted to write”.<\/p>\n

“No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other,” he said.<\/p>\n

“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years.”<\/p>\n

Mr Jones asked for privacy for the star’s family and said no further details would be released at this time.<\/p>\n

Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, called the news “deeply sad”, adding: “We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.<\/p>\n

“Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n