“Utterly Heartbroken”: Drag Race Star The Vivienne Dies at 32
The world of drag and entertainment is in mourning after the tragic death of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, at the age of 32. The devastating news was confirmed by publicist Simon Jones on Sunday night in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – has passed this weekend,” the statement read. “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.”
The news of The Vivienne’s passing has left fans and friends reeling. Thousands took to social media to express their shock and sadness, with many celebrities sharing their condolences.
Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, wrote: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.” Fellow entertainers echoed the sentiment, including Nicole Appleton, who said, “Oh Simon, I’m so sorry, sending you love,” and Sheridan Smith, who commented, “Oh my god! No!!!! So sorry, Simon.” Ashley Roberts added: “Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news.”
The Vivienne first captivated audiences in 2019 when they won the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, becoming a household name. Their drag persona was inspired by a love of Vivienne Westwood’s designs, a tribute that shaped their glamorous and bold aesthetic. Long before their rise to international fame, The Vivienne was a major figure in the UK drag scene, earning the title of UK Drag Ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015.
In 2022, they showcased their talents on a global stage, competing in the seventh series of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. The following year, The Vivienne broke new ground as the first drag performer to compete on Dancing On Ice. Paired with professional skater Colin Grafton, they dazzled audiences and finished in an impressive third place.
Beyond reality TV, The Vivienne demonstrated remarkable versatility in their career. The Welsh-born performer took on the iconic role of the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz musical, later reprising the role in London’s West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in 2022.
Fans and fellow performers have described The Vivienne as a trailblazer who brought joy and artistry to countless lives. While the cause of death has not been disclosed, the impact of their passing is profound.
As the drag and entertainment communities grieve this immense loss, The Vivienne’s legacy as a talented, kind-hearted, and trailblazing performer will undoubtedly endure.