{"id":46297,"date":"2025-01-06T10:36:01","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T10:36:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kede.com.br\/news\/rupauls-drag-race-uk-and-musical-theatre-star-dies-aged-32\/"},"modified":"2025-01-06T10:36:03","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T10:36:03","slug":"rupauls-drag-race-uk-and-musical-theatre-star-dies-aged-32","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kede.com.br\/news\/rupauls-drag-race-uk-and-musical-theatre-star-dies-aged-32\/","title":{"rendered":"RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and musical theatre star dies aged 32"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n
\"GettyGetty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n
\n

James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne, has died aged 32.<\/p>\n

Publicist Simon Jones said the performer, who died over the weekend, was “an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”.<\/p>\n

The Vivienne starred in musical theatre and TV productions, and won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.<\/p>\n

The show paid tribute to the drag star on social media, saying they were “deeply saddened” by the news of the performer’s death.<\/p>\n

Cheshire Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the performer’s death.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

In a post on X<\/a>, RuPaul’s Drag Race said: “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”.<\/p>\n

It added: “Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”<\/p>\n

The show’s judge Michelle Visage also called the star “a beacon to so many”.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Watch: Moment The Vivienne wins RuPaul’s Drag Race UK<\/figcaption><\/p>\n
\n

Writing on social media<\/a>, Visage called the news “heartbreaking”, adding: “My darling The Vivienne, we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK.”<\/p>\n

“You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.”<\/p>\n

“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all.”<\/p>\n

Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash also reacted to the news, writing on Instagram: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.<\/p>\n

Cheryl – who used to go by Cheryl Hole – took part in the same series of Drag Race as The Vivienne. The performer wrote on Instagram: “I will love you forever Viv.”<\/p>\n

John Hyland, community partnerships lead at Sahir, a LGBTQ+ and HIV charity in Liverpool, also paid tribute. Drag fans have been donating to Sahir’s latest campaign as a mark of respect for The Vivienne, who posted about the appeal just days before their death.<\/p>\n

John said: “It says a lot to Viv’s character that her last social post was about our Pound for Sahir campaign. She just wanted to give back.<\/p>\n

“If you look at the response tonight, I think we’re going to be in mourning in this city for a long time. The Vivienne was an amazing character, an amazing influence.”<\/p>\n

Natasha Von Spirit, a Liverpool drag queen, said that The Vivienne had put British drag “in the mainstream” and that they would be playing songs in tribute to them throughout the night.<\/p>\n

They said: “Whenever she was out on the scene after drag race she was just one of the Liverpool gays.<\/p>\n

“I’m going to play all sorts for Viv tonight – definitely Walking in Memphis because before Drag Race she sung that none stop, and definitely a bit of her own music as well.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n
\n
\"GettyGetty Images<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The Vivienne pictured with RuPaul<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n
\n

Williams was born in Wales, and adopted the drag name because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.<\/p>\n

Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, where Williams was a former pupil, said it was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the star’s death.<\/p>\n

“The Vivienne’s successful career as a performer and artist proved a source of inspiration and joy to so many”, the school said in a statement.<\/p>\n

As well as winning Drag Race, The Vivienne came third on the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice, and performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical.<\/p>\n

The performer reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.<\/p>\n

The Vivienne also competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise in the US in 2022, and starred in BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020.<\/p>\n

In an Instagram post<\/a> on Boxing Day, The Vivienne put up a series of photos, captioning it: “24′ highlights.”<\/p>\n

“What a year it’s been. Here’s to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25,” the star wrote, before signing off: “Viv xxx.”<\/p>\n

Mr Jones said words announcing The Vivienne’s death were ones he “never ever wanted to write”.<\/p>\n

“No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other,” he said.<\/p>\n

“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years.”<\/p>\n

Mr Jones asked for privacy for the star’s family and said no further details would be released at this time.<\/p>\n

Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, called the news “deeply sad”, adding: “We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.<\/p>\n

“Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

‘Now I’ve got a crown’: The Vivienne reacts to RuPaul’s Drag Race UK win in 2019<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/div>\n