On Sunday, January 5, it was reported that James Lee Williams, better known as the British drag performer The Vivienne, had died at the age of 32. For fans and followers of British and international drag performers, this news has come as a shock. Not just because of the young age at which the drag artist passed away, but because the queer community has lost an important voice in the fight for LGBTIQ+ equality.
Williams’s death was announced by their publicist Simon Jones in a statement that read: “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.” No cause of death has yet been confirmed.
The Vivienne rose to international fame by winning the first series of reality television competition RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. They subsequently participated in the spin-off show RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season seven in 2022.
