James Lee Williams, widely celebrated under the stage name The Vivienne, has tragically passed away at the age of 32. The talented performer, best known for their groundbreaking contributions to the drag community and reality television, was confirmed to have died this past weekend, leaving fans, fellow performers, and the entertainment world in shock and mourning.
The Vivienne first made a mark on the drag scene in 2015, when they rose to prominence after being crowned the U.K. Drag Ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race, a pivotal moment that introduced their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent to a global audience. This prestigious title came with the honor of representing the U.K. in the American edition of the hit drag competition series, which catapulted The Vivienne into the spotlight.
The performer’s career soared to new heights when they joined the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. Their fierce stage presence, creativity, and undeniable star power quickly made them a standout competitor. The Vivienne ultimately clinched the title as the first-ever Drag Race UK winner, solidifying their legacy in the drag world. Their unforgettable final lip-sync performance to Wham!’s “I’m Your Man” remains iconic among fans of the series.
In 2022, The Vivienne returned to the screen for another high-profile appearance in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, further showcasing their impressive evolution as a drag artist. Known for bold performances and a signature style, the drag queen’s name, The Vivienne, was inspired by their love for the designer Vivienne Westwood, reflecting their elegant yet edgy fashion sense.
The heartbreaking news of The Vivienne’s death was confirmed by their publicist, Simon Jones, who shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram. The message conveyed the immense sorrow felt by those closest to the performer, emphasizing the profound impact The Vivienne had on both their personal circle and the wider entertainment industry.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved James Lee Williams, known to so many as The Vivienne, who left us this weekend,” the statement read. “James was an extraordinarily kind, loving, and talented individual who brought light into the lives of everyone around them. Their family is devastated by the loss of their son, brother, and uncle, and they remain incredibly proud of all the achievements James accomplished in their remarkable career.”
The statement concluded with a request for privacy, urging the public to allow the grieving family the space to mourn their loss without intrusion.
Following the devastating announcement, a wave of tributes flooded social media, as fans and celebrities alike expressed their heartbreak over the loss of the beloved performer. One fan expressed, “Such a terrible tragedy. Losing such an incredible talent at just 32 is heartbreaking. Rest in peace, The Vivienne.” Another shared, “Rest in paradise to the first-ever Drag Race UK winner. Your legacy will never be forgotten.”
Others echoed the sentiment, with countless messages describing The Vivienne as a “legend,” “inspiration,” and “true star gone too soon.”
Several prominent figures from the entertainment world have also paid their respects, including RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who shared her grief online, stating, “I’m at a loss for words. Utterly heartbroken by this devastating news.” Singer and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts also expressed shock, writing, “I can’t believe this. Heartbreaking news.” Meanwhile, This Morning presenter Harriet Rose offered condolences to the performer’s publicist, saying, “Simon, I’m so sorry for your loss. Absolutely devastating.”
Beyond their success on Drag Race, The Vivienne was a versatile performer who made a significant impact across multiple fields in the entertainment industry. In 2022, they participated in Celebrity Hunted to support Stand Up to Cancer, further expanding their television presence.
The Vivienne also made history as the first drag queen to ever compete on the skating competition show Dancing on Ice. Paired with professional skater Colin Grafton, they delivered dazzling performances, making it all the way to the finals and finishing in third place, a groundbreaking achievement for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream television competitions.
Their final on-screen appearance came just days before their passing, during a holiday special of Blankety Blank that aired on Boxing Day, where they entertained audiences with their signature humor and charm.
Outside the realm of reality television, The Vivienne had a passion for live performance and musical theatre. They starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in a 2011 stage adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, a role they reprised years later in the West End, further solidifying their theatrical talent.
Additionally, The Vivienne explored the world of music, releasing their debut EP, B*** on Heels*, in 2022. The project showcased their vocal abilities and stage presence, blending humor, glam, and high-energy music in true drag royalty fashion.
Though their life was tragically cut short, The Vivienne’s impact on the drag community and the entertainment world as a whole is undeniable. Their legacy as a trailblazer, artist, and advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility will continue to inspire future generations of performers.
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