The showbiz world has paid tribute.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
Announcing the sad news on Instagram tonight, Sunday, January 5, The Vivienne’s publicist and friend Simon Jones said: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“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. 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.”
In a later post, Jones continued: “These are words I never wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager.
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“Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other. I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre, Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in.
“I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend, you left us way too soon.”
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from those who knew The Vivienne. Their Drag Race UK co-star Tia Kofi said: “Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv’.”
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote: “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.
“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.”
Drag Race star Bimini said: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”, while Doctor Who boss Russell T Davies shared a picture and said: “What a talent! On the cusp of graduating to West End stardom. What a world. Night, darling.”
The Vivienne won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and also competed in 2022’s All Stars series. They also competed in Dancing on Ice in 2023, coming in third place, as well as taking part in Celebrity Hunted in 2022 in aid of Stand Up To Cancer.
They starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and later reprised the role in London’s West End. They were most recently seen on TV on Blankety Blank, which aired on Boxing Day.
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