Tributes have started pouring in after James Lee Williams, the popular British drag performer, actor and singer who went by the name The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said they were a “beacon to so many” who was always laughing and would be “so missed”.
“You were a beacon to so many. I‘m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times,” Visage said.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash was also among those posting messages on the official announcement, writing in an Instagram comment: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
The news was announced by their publicist, Simon Jones, who shared a statement from social media on Sunday evening.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” Jones said.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle.”
Key points
- Michelle Visage: ‘Beacon to so many'
- Bimini Bon Boulash pays tribute
American drag queen Jinkx Monsoon ‘lost for words'
21:43 , Alexander ButlerAmerican drag queen Jinkx Monsoon said in a post on social media: “I don’t entirely have words... She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages.
“It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.”
Tia Kofi pays tribute
21:34 , Alexander ButlerRuPaul’s Drag Race UK Vs The World winner Tia Kofi said in a post on social media: “This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world.
“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.”
Watch: The Vivienne's most iconic RuPaul's Drag Race moments
21:27 , Alexander Butler‘Deeply sad’, BBC Three controller says
21:26 , Alexander ButlerFiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, said: “We are currently processing the deeply sad news of the passing of James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne.
“We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
“Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”
Lorraine Kelly pays tribute
20:58 , Alexander ButlerTV presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote on X: “Oh this is so sad - such a lovely, funny, whip smart and generous person. A delight to interview. My thoughts with everyone who loved The Vivienne.”
The Vivienne’s recent achievements
20:43 , Alexander ButlerWilliams performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
The Vivienne also competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise in the US in 2022, the only UK contestant for that series.
They also starred in BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020, which saw them make their first music video.
They were joined each week by a different celebrity who helped them, with guests including Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur and American comedian Bruce Vilanch.
RuPaul’s Drag Race pays tribute
20:40 , Alexander ButlerRuPaul’s Drag Race paid tribute to The Vivienne, saying they were “deeply saddened” to learn of the drag star’s death.
A message on X added: “Her talent, humour, 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 champion.
“Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
Full statement on The Vivienne’s death
20:38 , Alexander ButlerIn a post on Instagram, The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones said: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“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 please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Watch: Moment The Vivienne wins RuPaul's Drag Race UK
20:34 , Alexander Butler‘Unbelievably sad’, Antony Cotton says
20:34 , Alexander ButlerCoronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news of the death of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, was “unbelievably sad”.
In a post on X, Cotton said: “This is so unbelievably sad. James was a real joy to be around. We loved him x.”
Bimini Bon Boulash pays tribute
20:30 , Alexander ButlerRuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash was also among those posting messages on the official announcement, writing in an Instagram comment: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
The Vivienne was an ‘incredible human’, Emmerdale actress says
20:28 , Alexander ButlerEmmerdale actress Lisa Riley has referred to The Vivienne as an “incredible human” who will be missed so much following the death of the drag queen.
Posting to Instagram, Riley said: “You incredible human. Rest in peace. Never stop shining your beautiful light over us all. Love and strength to all your family. We will miss you so much.”
Michelle Visage: ‘Beacon to so many'
20:27 , Alexander ButlerTributes have started pouring in after James Lee Williams, the popular British drag performer, actor and singer who went by the name The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said they were a “beacon to so many” who was always laughing and would be “so missed”.
“You were a beacon to so many. I‘m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times,” Ms Visage said.
