James Lee Williams, best known under their drag persona as The Vivienne, has tragically passed away at the age of 32, leaving fans, friends, and the entertainment industry in profound shock and sorrow.
The Vivienne first gained widespread attention in 2015 when they were honored as the U.K. Drag Ambassador for the internationally renowned reality competition, RuPaul’s Drag Race, a platform known for showcasing exceptional drag talent from around the world. This pivotal achievement marked the beginning of their illustrious career, one that would make them a household name in the U.K. and beyond.
By 2019, The Vivienne’s star power reached new heights when they competed in the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Their undeniable charisma, remarkable performance skills, and creative flair earned them the title of the show’s first-ever U.K. winner. Their crowning moment came after a show-stopping lip-sync performance to the classic Wham! hit “I’m Your Man,” which captivated both the judges and the audience. This victory cemented their legacy as a groundbreaking drag artist and cultural icon.
The Vivienne’s passion for the art of drag was reflected even in their chosen stage name, which paid homage to their love for the designs of the legendary British fashion icon, Vivienne Westwood. Their distinctive style, both bold and sophisticated, became a defining element of their drag persona, setting them apart in the industry.
In 2022, The Vivienne returned to the RuPaul’s Drag Race franchise, participating in the All-Stars edition where they once again demonstrated their exceptional talent and versatility on the global stage. Their continued success only reinforced their status as a pioneering figure in the drag community.
The heartbreaking news of The Vivienne’s passing was confirmed by their publicist, Simon Jones, who released an emotional statement on social media, mourning the loss of the beloved performer. The post, shared on Instagram, read: “It is with immeasurable sadness that we announce the passing of James Lee Williams, known to so many as The Vivienne, this past weekend. James was a deeply loved, warm-hearted, and extraordinary human being.”
The statement continued, highlighting the personal side of the performer: “Their family is utterly heartbroken, mourning the loss of their son, brother, and uncle. They take immense pride in all the incredible achievements James made throughout their life and career. We will not be sharing any further details and kindly ask for privacy during this difficult time as the family grieves.”
The announcement sparked an outpouring of tributes and messages from fans, friends, and fellow celebrities who expressed their grief over the sudden loss. Social media platforms were flooded with heartfelt messages celebrating The Vivienne’s talent and kind spirit. One fan wrote, “This is devastating. The world has lost an incredible talent far too soon.” Another added, “Rest in power to the first-ever winner of Drag Race UK. Your legacy will live on.”
Among those expressing their condolences were prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, who shared, “Utterly heartbroken. Words fail me today.” Singer Ashley Roberts of The Pussycat Dolls echoed the sentiment, writing, “I can’t believe this devastating news. The world lost a star today.”
Television presenter Harriet Rose also paid her respects, commenting, “Oh Simon, I’m so sorry for your loss. James was truly one of a kind.” The sheer volume of tributes underscores how deeply The Vivienne’s passing has impacted the entertainment world and the drag community at large.
Beyond the realm of drag competitions, The Vivienne had a multifaceted career that extended across television, music, and theatre. In 2022, they competed in Celebrity Hunted as part of the Stand Up to Cancer charity campaign, using their platform to support a meaningful cause. That same year, they made history yet again by becoming the first drag artist to appear on Dancing On Ice, where they delivered dazzling performances alongside professional ice dancer Colin Grafton, ultimately securing a third-place finish.
The Vivienne’s flair for performance was not limited to reality competitions. They also made significant strides in the theatre world, most notably portraying the Wicked Witch of the West in a 2011 production of The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised on the prestigious West End stage. Their acting talent was widely praised, further showcasing their versatility as an entertainer.
In addition to their success in television and theatre, The Vivienne explored their musical talents, releasing their debut EP, B*** on Heels*, in 2022. The project was a vibrant display of their creative expression, blending catchy pop tracks with bold lyrical themes that reflected their drag persona’s unapologetic confidence and charisma.
The Vivienne’s most recent television appearance took place just days before their passing, in a festive special of Blankety Blank on Boxing Day, further highlighting their active presence in the industry right until the end.
The tragic loss of The Vivienne has left a void in the world of entertainment, but their legacy of bold self-expression, kindness, and groundbreaking achievements will continue to inspire future generations of performers.