RuPaul expresses deep sorrow over the passing of The Vivienne, a beloved Drag Race winner, in a heartfelt Instagram tribute
Colwyn Bay: It’s a tough time for the Drag Race community. RuPaul has shared a heartfelt tribute to The Vivienne, who sadly passed away. In an emotional Instagram post, RuPaul called The Vivienne “an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was found dead on Sunday. RuPaul expressed his grief, saying, “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne.”
This star shot to fame in 2019 after winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. They also appeared in shows like Morning T&T and The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood.
They even made a splash on Netflix with I Like to Watch and participated in the 2020 Christmas special of The Great British Sewing Bee. Plus, they were the first drag performer on Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place!
The Vivienne also took on the role of the wicked witch in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz. They reprised this role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
Originally from North Wales, The Vivienne moved to Liverpool at 16. They were set to return to the stage next month in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, playing the Childcatcher.
Their publicist, Simon Jones, shared the heartbreaking news, saying, “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.” He added that their family is heartbroken and proud of all that James achieved.
They’ve asked for privacy as the family processes this loss. It’s a tough moment for everyone who loved The Vivienne.
