RuPaul Drag Race UK Winner The Vivienne Passes Away at 32
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RuPaul Drag Race UK Winner The Vivienne Passes Away at 32

Drag star The Vivienne, the first-ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, passed away at 32. James Lee Williams, better known by their drag name, The Vivenne, was integral to putting British drag into the mainstream. Their tragic death has shocked many as tributes pour on social media from across the world.

The Vivienne died at the age of 32

Simon Jones, The Vivienne’s public relations representative, revealed in an Instagram post on Sunday, January 5, that the drag artist has died over the weekend. “James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the post reads in part. “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.”

The publicist explained that they would not reveal any details about The Vivienne’s death or cause of death. The note further reads, “We will not release 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 separate post, Jones has also paid tribute to The Vivienne’s artistry, shedding light on the artist’s ever-expanding work and passion for art.

“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,” Jones mentioned in his note. “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.”

For the uninitiated, The Vivienne rose to fame when they became a UK drag ambassador for the US series of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015. Later, they won the first UK series of the show in 2019, performing a hypnotizing rendition of Wham’s “I’m Your Man” in the grand finale.

Subsequently, The Vivienne competed in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022. Apart from Drag Race, The Vivienne became the first-ever drag artist to participate in Dancing on Ice in 2023. The artist finished in third place at the end of Season 15 of the show.

Originally reported by Arpita Adhya on ComingSoon.

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