RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner James Lee Williams, popularly known as The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32, according to their publicist Simon Jones.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” Jones announced Sunday on X.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.”
The cause of death wasn’t disclosed.
The Vivienne, born in Wales, rose to prominence in 2015 after becoming U.K. drag ambassador for the American TV series RuPaul’s Drag Race. The performer won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. Their impression of then-U.S. president Donald Trump was beloved by fans and judges of the show and helped further establish their career.
The performer also came back for RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 in 2022.
In 2023, The Vivienne became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice, appearing as a contestant on Season 15, partnering with American figure skater Colin Grafton and finishing in third place.
The performer also made their West End debut last year, taking on the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in a new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 2011 production of The Wizard of Oz.
In a late 2024 interview, the performer said the role “was kind of like a metaphor for my life.”
Williams’s stage name was inspired by iconic English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, whose clothing the star would often wear.
Tributes pour in online
Many stars have taken to social media to remember The Vivienne.
“I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne, an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being,” wrote RuPaul on Instagram.
“Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration,” posted the official RuPaul’s Drag Race account on X.
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on.”
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration. 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… pic.twitter.com/Kf5biayP9R
Singer-songwriter Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, said on Instagram, “I don’t know how to say how I feel. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World winner Tia Kofi remembered The Vivienne on social media, writing: “This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world.”
“She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.”
