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8 Jan 2025 7:31
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  •   Home > News > International

    The Vivienne, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, dies aged 32

    The star, who previously won RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019, passed away over the weekend their publicist confirmed in a statement on social media.

    6 January 2025

    James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne, has died aged 32.

    The news was announced by their publicist Simon Jones, who shared a statement on social media.

    "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams — The Vivienne, has passed this weekend," the post read.

    "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."

    Mr Jones asked for privacy for the star's family and said no further details would be released at this time.

    An official cause of death has not been shared.

    Williams, whose drag name came from their love of the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, was the winner of the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 after lip syncing in the final to I'm Your Man by Wham!

    The series paid tribute to the star on social media, saying they were "deeply saddened" by the news.

    As well as winning Drag Race, The Vivienne went on to compete in the inaugural All Stars All Winners season in 2022 and came third on the 2023 UK edition of Dancing on Ice.

    More recently, the drag artist played the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on tour and previously portrayed the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of the Wizard of Oz musical.

    Following the news, tributes began pouring in from The Vivienne's friends and supporters.

    RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said: "Heartbreaking, I don't know how to say how I feel.

    "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."

    RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash wrote on Instagram: "I'm so sorry I'm in total shock."

    Australian drag legend Courtney Act wrote: "Oh gosh, Viv. Heartbroken."


    ABC




    © 2025 ABC, NZCity


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