RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne dies aged 32: 'Immense sadness'

James Lee Williams, who was known professionally as The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32. James appeared on the UK version of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2019 and was the first drag performer to compete on Britain's Dancing on Ice in 2023.

Simon Jones, James' manager, confirmed the shock passing, sharing a statement that read: "It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – has passed away this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person."

He added, "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."

Australian drag queen Courtney Act commented, "Oh gosh, Viv. Heartbroken."

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UK drag queen Kyran Thrax added, "Speechless. Sending you so much love. Rest in peace Viv, what an incredible human."

Others shared their heartbreak, with one user writing, "In complete disbelief."

"I’m completely undone by this news," another said. "The Vivienne’s light was unmatched, and her impact will be felt forever. Simon, my love, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss and her family. Holding you in my thoughts and sending all my love."

Michelle Visage shares heartbreaking tribute to The Vivienne

RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared a heartbreaking and lengthy tribute to James on Instagram, writing, "Heartbreaking 💔 I don’t know how to say how I feel. 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."

She added, "You were a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high."

The Vivienne's final Instagram post

Just three days prior to their death, James posted on Instagram urging fans to support SAHIR, the largest and oldest LGBTQIA+ and HIV charity in Liverpool, England.

They wrote, "Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity! ! ! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won't miss it."

James, who used they/them pronouns first rose to fame in 2015, when they were the UK Drag Ambassador for the US series of RuPaul's Drag Race. They competed on the first UK version of the show in 2019, winning the series, and later competed in an All-Stars version in 2022.

They also had a musical theatre background, The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role which they reprised on London's West End. James also released an EP called B***h in Heels, and appeared on the UK series Celebrity Hunted, where they aimed to raise funds for the charity Stand Up to Cancer.

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