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James Lee Williams, better known by their stage name The Vivienne, has tragically
passed away at the age of 32. The announcement of their death was made by their
public relations representative, Simon Jones, on Sunday.
Jones shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram:
“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. Their family is 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.”
A Rising Star in the Drag World
Born in Wales, Williams rose to prominence in 2015 after being crowned the UK drag
ambassador for the U.S. version of RuPaul’s Drag Race. This pivotal moment
marked the beginning of an illustrious career that broke boundaries and redefined
drag artistry in the UK and beyond.
In 2019, The Vivienne became the first-ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The
show’s inaugural season captured the hearts of audiences across the nation, with
The Vivienne's humor, creativity, and charisma shining through. Their iconic lip-
sync performance to Wham!’s I’m Your Man in the season finale remains a standout
moment in the series’ history.
A Career That Spanned Multiple Platforms
Following their Drag Race UK win, The Vivienne continued to flourish. They
represented British drag artistry on the global stage in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars
Season 7, competing alongside other champions from the Drag Race franchise. The
Vivienne also branched out into mainstream entertainment, appearing on the UK
series of Dancing on Ice in 2023, where they showcased their talent and resilience,
finishing as a finalist in third place.
Beyond television, The Vivienne made significant contributions to theatre. Most
recently, they took on the role of the Childcatcher in the touring production of
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. In addition, they played the Wicked Witch of the West in a
revival of the Wizard of Oz musical, displaying their versatility as a performer.
Legacy of a Trailblazer
The Vivienne’s impact on drag culture and the wider entertainment industry
cannot be overstated. Known for their impeccable impersonations, such as their
celebrated portrayal of Donald Trump, and their unapologetic wit, The Vivienne
captivated audiences with every performance.
Their drag name was inspired by their admiration for fashion designer Vivienne
Westwood, reflecting their passion for artistry and innovation. As a prominent
LGBTQ+ figure, The Vivienne used their platform to advocate for inclusivity,
acceptance, and visibility, earning admiration from fans and peers alike.
An Outpouring of Tributes
The news of The Vivienne's passing has sent shockwaves through the drag and
LGBTQ+ communities. Fellow queens, friends, and fans have taken to social media
to pay tribute to the star. Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared
her condolences, calling The Vivienne “a light gone too soon.”
RuPaul also expressed their grief, stating: “The Vivienne’s talent, humor, and
kindness made them a star. They will be deeply missed by all who knew them.”
Unanswered Questions and Respect for Privacy
As of now, no official cause of death has been announced. The family has
requested privacy as they mourn this devastating loss, and further details are not
expected to be disclosed.
The untimely death of The Vivienne serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility
of life and the importance of celebrating the contributions and legacies of those
who leave us too soon.
Remembering The Vivienne
James Lee Williams, known to the world as The Vivienne, will be remembered not
only for their groundbreaking career but also for the love, warmth, and positivity
they brought to everyone around them. Their legacy as a performer, advocate, and
trailblazer will continue to inspire future generations of drag artists and fans
worldwide.
May they rest in peace, and may their family and loved ones find solace in the
outpouring of love and admiration for this remarkable artist.
