The “RuPaul's Drag Race” queens and community are in mourning following the death of British drag performer Vivienne, who passed away over the weekend.
Vivienne may be best known for winning the debut season of “RuPaul's Drag Race UK” and facing off against other victors on the 2022 season of “RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars,” but to her fellow queens she was so much more.
The Liverpool-based artist, whose real name is James Lee Williams, was “an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being,” RuPaul wrote in a tribute on Instagram on Monday. Likewise, the “RuPaul's Drag Race” Instagram account remembered Vivienne for her “talent, humor and dedication to drag art.”
“Her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity; she embodied what it means to be a true champion,” the show's statement said.
Publicist Simon Jones announced Vivienne's death on social media on Sunday, but did not reveal the cause of death; She also asked for privacy and time for the drag artist's loved ones to grieve. In a separate statement shared Sunday, Jones mourned Vivienne's sudden death, noting that “her career was just beginning.”
Vivienne, who took her name from the late British punk designer Vivienne Westwood, made her “Drag Race” debut in 2019, strutting around Werkroom in a metallic red bodysuit. “Don't get too comfortable, girls, this won't take you two minutes,” Vivienne said, overshadowing her competitors.
“I'm here because I deserve to be here,” Vivienne said in her first confessional. Prior to “Drag Race UK,” RuPaul had named Vivienne as the UK ambassador for the “Drag Race” franchise.
She continued: “There won't be any special treatment, but I'm still going to kill.”
Throughout her tenure on “Drag Race UK,” Vivienne was a constant competitor, scoring several wins and often being safe when other queens took victory from her. She charmed the judges and viewers with her hilarious impressions of Queen Elizabeth II in the season premiere and President Trump in the Snatch Game challenge.
The Vivienne landed at the bottom only once after a group challenge went wrong. In the end, she bested fellow queen Crystal and stayed on to win the crown, beating runner-up Divina de Campo.
“I remember so clearly your confidence on set – almost 10 years younger than me and brimming with confidence,” Crystal recalled to Vivienne in a tribute on Instagram. “It was obvious to everyone that you were going to do great things. “I am very happy to have met you.”
In 2022, Vivienne returned to the Werkroom for the first season with all the winners of “RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.” She competed alongside queens like Jaida Essence Hall, Shea Coulée and the “Queen of all queens” Jinkx Monsoon, who paid tribute to her on social media.
“She has left her mark on our hearts and on her stages. “It’s too early to open the curtain, but I know it’s a standing ovation,” Monsoon wrote. “I love you Viv.”
Performers Bob the Drag Queen, Jimbo, Trinity the Tuck, Priyanka, Baga Chipz and judge Michelle Visage were also among the “Drag Race” personalities who remembered Vivienne on social media.
Beyond “Drag Race,” Vivienne also appeared on the ITV competition “Dancing on Ice” and dedicated herself to music and theater. She performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in the “Wizard of Oz” tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland, according to the BBC, and appeared as Childcatcher in a production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Weeks before her death, Vivienne also presented her “Ultimate Queens Christmas Party” radio special for the BBC.
During “Drag Race,” Vivienne spoke openly about her struggle with drug use and addiction. Moments before winning the crown, she told the judges that she would tell her younger self to just “try saying 'no.'”
“Just try to stay away from it, but you're going to do what you love to do and it's going to be an amazing ride,'” Vivienne said. “Because you're going to end up on 'Drag Race' with all these amazing people and that's better than anything anyone can give you.”
