James Lee Williams, known as drag artist The Vivienne, has died…
The first ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK James Lee Williams, better known by their stage name The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Simon Jones, their public relations representative, posted on Instagram on Sunday: “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 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.”
The Vivienne, whose drag name came from their love of the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, rose to prominence after winning the first UK series of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019 after lip-syncing in the final to “I’m Your Man,” by Wham! The Vivienne subsequently appeared in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022, the only non-U.S. winner invited to participate in the season.
In addition to Drag Race, The Vivienne competed on numerous other reality competitions, including Celebrity Mastermind, Celebrity Karaoke Club and was a finalist in the UK series of Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place. They also served as a host on Netflix’s Still Watching.
Following the news of The Vivienne’s death, tributes quickly began pouring in from the Drag Race community.
“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,” the official RuPaul’s Drag Race account wrote on X.
World of Wonder, the production company behind Drag Race, posted on X: “We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of James Lee Williams, AKA The Vivienne this weekend. Her talent, humor and kindness were an inspiration. She achieved so much in her career and will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, who request the time and privacy required to grieve.”
“Heartbreaking 💔. I don’t know how to say how I feel,” Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote on Instagram. “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.”
On December 26, 2024 The Vivienne tweeted their hopes for the new year.
“What a year it’s been. Here’s to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25. Wishing all the most prosperous new year.” they wrote on Instagram.
Rest in peace.
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