The Vivienne, star of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, dies at 32
The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, rose to prominence in 2015 after becoming UK Drag Ambassador for the American TV series, RuPaul's Drag Race.
(From left) Shea Couleé, The Vivienne and RuPaul attend the Pink Ribbon Cutting with the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 7 RuPaul's Los Angeles DragCon at Los Angeles Convention Center on May 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images/AFP
British reality show RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner James Lee Williams, aged 32, popularly known as The Vivienne, has died, publicist Simon Jones said on Sunday (Jan 5).
"It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend," Jones announced on social media platform X. "James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person."
The Vivienne, born in Wales, rose to prominence in 2015 after becoming UK Drag Ambassador for the American TV series, RuPaul's Drag Race. Williams' stage name was inspired by iconic English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
Tributes poured in for The Vivienne.
"Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration," RuPaul's Drag Race posted on X. "She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on."
Singer-songwriter Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul's Drag Race, said on Instagram, "I don't know how to say how I feel. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever."
