James Lee Williams, known as the drag queen The Vivienne, has passed away at the age of 32. The news was confirmed by their publicist, who announced their death over the weekend, describing Williams as “an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.”
The Vivienne gained prominence after winning the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, a landmark achievement that catapulted them into the spotlight. Their career included various performances, most notably starring as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz and reprising this role in the West End at Gillian Lynne Theatre last year. The Vivienne was also known for their participation in the 2023 edition of Dancing on Ice, where they finished in third place, making history as the first drag act to compete on the British skating show.
Born in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, James Lee Williams moved to Liverpool at the age of 16. They adopted the name The Vivienne as a nod to the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. They were known for blending talent and charisma, becoming a fixture not only on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK but also in other television projects, including a BBC Three series titled The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood and the Netflix show I Like to Watch.
Tributes have begun pouring in from peers and fans alike following the announcement of Williams’ death. Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, expressed her sorrow on social media, stating, “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.” Fellow drag artist Bimini Bon Boulash commented on the experience as “total shock,” while former Little Mix star Perrie Edwards shared her condolences through a series of heart emojis.
Their publicist stated in his announcement that Williams’ family is “heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle,” and they request privacy to grieve in this difficult time. “They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career,” emphasising the impact Williams had on those around them.
Beyond their drag performances, The Vivienne was a cultural icon within the gay community and was beloved for their infectious laughter and warm personality. Their contributions to drag culture and representation on mainstream television resonated deeply with many, making their sudden passing a significant loss for both the entertainment industry and the LGBTQ+ community.
[Picture: World of Wonder]
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vivienne – Corroborates The Vivienne’s win in the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, their role in The Wizard of Oz, and their participation in Dancing on Ice.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vivienne – Provides details on The Vivienne’s career, including their adoption of the name and their various performances and TV appearances.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEfjHgmwnSU – Confirms the news of The Vivienne’s death and their age at the time of passing.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vivienne – Mentions The Vivienne’s participation in other TV projects and their impact on the LGBT community.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vivienne – Details The Vivienne’s early life, including their move to Liverpool and their affinity for Vivienne Westwood clothing.
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FEfjHgmwnSU – Includes tributes from peers and fans following the announcement of Williams’ death.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vivienne – Describes The Vivienne’s cultural impact and their contributions to drag culture and representation on mainstream television.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vivienne – Mentions The Vivienne’s family’s reaction to their death and their request for privacy.
- https://www.eonline.com/videos/2399643203781/rupauls-drag-race-uk-season-1-winner-the-vivienne-dead-at-32 – Provides additional details on the reaction from the entertainment industry and fans following The Vivienne’s death.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Vivienne – Corroborates The Vivienne’s participation in Celebrity Hunted and their presentation at the British Soap Awards.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gw1v51yezo – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/rupauls-drag-race-star-the-vivienne-dies-aged-32/a120135753.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-vivienne-death-rupaul-drag-race-news-b2674119.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/tributes-north-wales-born-drag-30714292 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.walesonline.co.uk/lifestyle/showbiz/rupauls-drag-race-star-vivienne-30714136 – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/the-vivienne-death-cause-age-james-lee-williams-b2674102.html – Please view link – unable to able to access data
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