News | International
8 Jan 2025 2:20
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   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.


    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 Australian Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved

     Other International News
     07 Jan: Demi Moore's Golden Globes speech is a glittering crown on a 45-year career
     07 Jan: Kamala Harris presides over certification of Donald Trump's win
     07 Jan: Who could replace Justin Trudeau as Canada's new prime minister?
     07 Jan: Sarkozy allegedly got millions from Gaddafi. Here are his other legal woes
     07 Jan: Why is Justin Trudeau resigning? Explaining the Canadian PM's political woes
     07 Jan: Why we get bored at work — and what you can do about it
     07 Jan: Winter blast of snow, ice and wind grips US from Midwest to east coast
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    Mahonri Schwalger has officially resigned as coach of the Samoan men's rugby team after six tests in charge More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    A grocery commentator says the markup on food products reveals the power supermarket giants have over shoppers More...



     Today's News

    Politics:
    Act's Treaty Principles Bill has been attracting unprecedented public interest 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Jesse Eisenberg has shunned social media because he fears he'll "say something inappropriate" 21:44

    Law and Order:
    Multiple people have been arrested after an alleged "smash and grab" at Auckland's Saint Lukes Mall 21:17

    Entertainment:
    Pamela Anderson believes 'The Last Showgirl' has changed the course of her career 21:14

    Entertainment:
    Jade Thirlwall hopes to "surprise people" with her solo music 20:44

    Entertainment:
    Soul singer Brenton Wood has died 20:14

    Entertainment:
    Ariana Grande thanked "Botox and Juvederm" after receiving the Rising Star Award at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Friday (03.01.25) 19:44

    Entertainment:
    Jake Lloyd feels "pretty good" after completing an 18-month stay at an inpatient mental health facility following a psychotic break 19:14

    Accident and Emergency:
    One person's been rushed to Hawke's Bay Hospital, after being found with serious injuries in Havelock North 18:57

    Entertainment:
    Denise Richards ruptured both her implants on 'Special Forces: World's Toughest Test' 18:44


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd