RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne passes away at 32

James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, has died at 32.

The performer became famous thanks to RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Williams was given the name of The Vivienne because they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.

Publicist Simon Jones confirmed the sad news of their death via Instagram tonight, writing in a statement: ‘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.

The Vivienne rose to fame as part of RuPaul’s Drag Race (Picture: PA Wire/PA Images)

‘They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.

‘We will not be releasing any further details.’

The message concluded: ‘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 hailed Williams for their ‘immense talent’ and “the light they brought to every room’.

His tribute continued: ‘I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last five 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.’

Tributes quickly flooded the comments section of Jones’s post, with Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts writing: ‘Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news ’

Williams got the name The Vivienne thanks to their love of the designer brand (Picture: Brett Cove/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)

Their death has been described as ‘an incredible loss to the drag community’ (Picture: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)

Presenter Harriet Rose commented: ‘Oh Simon I’m so sorry for your loss. That is absolutely heartbreaking’

Expressing shock, EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer also wrote: ‘Hang on What ???????’

‘Speechless. James was a joy. What a loss x’, added Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton.

Taking to social media, fellow drag superstar Tia Kofi paid tribute, writing alongside a photo that Williams’ death 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’.

Screenwriter Russell T Davies also wrote that, after meeting a couple of times, he found Williams to be ‘absolutely delightful.’

‘And what a talent!’, he declared. ‘On the cusp of graduating to West End stardom. What a world. Night, darling.’

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

— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) January 5, 2025

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage described Williams as ‘a beacon to so many’.

Alongside pictures of them together, Visage said she is ‘heartbroken’ and lost for words.

‘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.’

Taking to X, Rylan Clark wrote: ‘The news about The Vivienne is so sad. What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous xxx’

Danny Beard wrote on Instagram that there is now ‘a piece missing’ following Williams’ death.

‘Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy,’ they wrote in part of their message.

The Vivienne made it to the final of Dancing On Ice, finishing third (Picture: ITV)

The Vivienne pictured with RuPaul in 2022 (Picture: Chelsea Guglielmino/WireImage)

They also had a successful music career (Picture: ITV)

Urging the entertainer to ‘rest well’, American drag star Bianca Del Rio also said: ‘Thank you for sharing your light with all of us. ????’

Australian drag queen and former Celebrity Big Brother winner Courtney Act added on Instagram: ‘I’m so grateful for all the fun we shared, and it aches knowing there are no more cheeky adventures ahead for us. Sending so much love to your season sisters, castmates, friends, and family during this time.

‘Most of all, I’m so sad that the world won’t get to see you sparkle and shine anymore—you were one fierce queen.’

Courtney signed off lovingly: ‘See you at the big drag show in the sky.’

Oti Mabuse, who was a judge on Williams’ series of Dancing On Ice, remembered them as a ‘phenomenal entertainer’ and ‘trailblazer’.

Mabuse said ‘some news hits you harder than others and stops you in your tracks’ after their death was announced.

Jinkx Monsoon, who won the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2013, said: ‘I don’t entirely have words. She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages.’

Williams brought drag into living rooms nationwide by joining Emmerdale for their Pride Day celebrations in 2021 (Picture: ITV/Shutterstock)

They added on X: ‘It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.’

Baga Chipz also penned a devastating message to their ‘bestest friend in the whole wide world’, saying Williams ‘taught [them] the meaning of sisterhood’.

‘What am I gonna do now without you? Who am I gonna be naughty with?’, they asked, adding: ‘I’m gonna bloody miss you friend.’

Williams initially rose to prominence in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

They later competed and won the first UK series of the reality show in 2019 and competed again in the seventh series, which was an All-Stars edition in 2022.

Williams also ventured into theatre, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in the West End.

Additionally, Williams showcased their incredible musical talents via their debut EP, B**ch on Heels (2022).

Tributes have flooded social media following the shocking news of the drag icon’s death (Picture: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

Their other TV credits include Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted in 2022 in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.

The following year, they made history as the first-ever drag queen to compete in Dancing On Ice and finished in third place with professional partner Colin Grafton.

Williams last appeared on screens just days ago, starring in the festive special of Blankety Blank on Boxing Day.

With regards to their personal life, Williams was born and raised in North Wales and moved to Liverpool at 16.

They married David Ludford in 2019, but they announced their separation in April 2023.

Also in 2023, Williams was the victim of a homophobic attack at a McDonald’s restaurant in Liverpool. It was confirmed by police that a man made derogatory comments before punching Williams in the face and fleeing.

Their attacker received a suspended sentence, after which Williams took to X, writing: ‘I have no words’.

Sophia Martinez