The drag world is in shock after the sudden death of British drag star James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne.
The 32-year-old rose to international fame after winning the first UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019.
A Trailblazer in the Drag World
The Vivienne made history as the first drag performer to compete on Britain’s Dancing on Ice in 2023. Their death was confirmed by UK celebrity publicist Simon Jones on Monday morning, leaving fans and fellow drag performers stunned and heartbroken.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – has passed away this weekend,” Jones wrote on social media. “James was an incredible, loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle.”
Tributes Pour In
The news of The Vivienne’s passing has sent shockwaves through the drag community, with fellow performers and judges taking to social media to pay their respects.
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote, “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.” Fellow UK Drag Race contestant Tia Kofi called The Vivienne’s death “an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world.”
A Legacy of Love and Laughter
The Vivienne’s journey to fame began in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They went on to compete in the first UK series of the reality show in 2019, winning the series altogether.
Williams also explored music, releasing their debut EP, B***h on Heels, and starred in the UK reality series Celebrity Hunted to raise funds and awareness for the charity Stand Up to Cancer.
A Versatile Performer
The Vivienne’s talents didn’t stop at drag. They also ventured into musical theatre, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in London’s West End. Their passion, creativity, and dedication to their craft inspired countless fans around the world.
As the drag community mourns the loss of this talented performer, we take a look back at The Vivienne’s incredible journey and the impact they had on the world of drag and beyond. Rest in peace, The Vivienne. Your legacy will live on in our hearts forever.