Tributes have poured in following the death of James Lee Williams, better known as RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K. winner The Vivienne.
Williams’ publicist Simon Jones said that the performer, who also went on to compete in the seventh season of RuPaul‘s Drag Race All Stars in 2022, died over the weekend at the age of 32. No cause of death was given.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” Jones wrote. “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.
He added: “We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage led tributes to Williams by calling the star “a beacon to so many.” She said the news was “heartbreaking,” adding: “My darling The Vivienne, we go back to when I started coming over here to the U.K… 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.”
Fellow British drag queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K. season 3 star Bimini Bon Boulash said: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock” on Instagram, whereas Cheryl, previously known as Cheryl Hole, commented: “I will love you forever Viv.”
Williams, born in North Wales, derived his drag name from his love of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. He rose to fame after becoming the U.K. drag ambassador to the U.S. series of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015, winning the first U.K. season in 2019 with a lip-sync performance of “I’m Your Man” by Wham!
Recent performances from the drag artist include the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on tour in the U.K., and in the film Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016). Williams starred in the BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race team said on social media that they were “deeply saddened” by the news of The Vivienne’s passing. “Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration,” they wrote on X. “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. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
RuPaul himself has not yet commented publicly on Williams’ death.
