- The drag star, real name James Lee Williams, won the first UK season of Ru Paul’s Drag Race
- They also appeared in musical theatre productions
- Tributes have been paid across the entertainment world
James Lee Williams, who performed under the drag name The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32.
Their publicist Simon Jones confirmed the news that the drag star had passed away at the weekend.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the statement read.
“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.”
Police in Cheshire, where the star lived, said they were called to an address near Chester on Sunday after reports of a “sudden death”, but confirmed there were “no suspicious circumstances”.
The Vivienne’s life and career
Born in Wales, Williams chose their drag name in reference to their love for Vivienne Westwood clothing.
They won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and returned for the all stars version in 2022. There, they made a name for themselves with their humour and witty, straight-talking mannerisms.
On the show, The Vivienne described her drag style as being “like a Scouse wife who has come into money, she moved to LA and blew it all and then she’s had to move back to Liverpool”.
Later, they performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical. Last year, they reprised the role in the West End.
“You were a beacon to so many”
Tributes have been pouring in following the news from figures in the drag world and the entertainment world more broadly.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage was one of the first to pay tribute, saying she was “utterly heartbroken” to hear of The Vivienne’s death.
“I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all.
“You were a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration. 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. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
Fellow drag queen Tia Kofi added: “This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.”
Cheryl The Queen – formerly known as Cheryl Hole – also paid tribute after appearing on the same series of Drag Race as The Vivienne. “Thank you for being the most incredible friend, mentor and sister & most importantly keeping me in check. thank you for the incredible moments, milestones and memories. Every moment spent with you was truly electric and magical. Your legacy, love and light will shine on forever!
“I’m so broken but I’m so grateful to have got to know and be in the presence of the absolute superstar that is… THE VIVIENNE.”
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration. 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… pic.twitter.com/Kf5biayP9R
— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) January 5, 2025
This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv 💖 pic.twitter.com/9gnMGHJKPR
— Tia Kofi (@TiaKofi) January 5, 2025
