The drag world is mourning the loss of James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, winner of the inaugural season of *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK*. Williams passed away at the age of 32, a devastating loss confirmed by their manager, Simon Jones, via Instagram. Jones’s statement expressed profound sadness and requested privacy for Williams’ family, who are grieving the loss of their son, brother, and uncle. No cause of death has yet been publicly released.
RuPaul, host of the Emmy-winning reality competition show, shared a heartfelt tribute, calling The Vivienne “an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.” On *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK*, Williams captivated audiences with their sharp comedic timing, masterful vocal impersonations (particularly their Donald Trump impression), and candid discussions about their journey with substance abuse and recovery. RuPaul himself lauded The Vivienne as “a perfect example of a 21st-century British Queen.”
The Vivienne’s legacy extends beyond their initial victory. In 2022, they returned to compete in *RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7*, a season featuring previous winners vying for the coveted title of two-time champion. Sadly, this remarkable career was cut tragically short.
Williams’ passing adds to a heartbreaking list of losses within the *RuPaul’s Drag Race* franchise. Since the show premiered in 2009, several contestants have tragically passed away, including Bandit (Drag Race Thailand, 2023), Sahara Davenport (Season 2, 2012), Chi Chi DeVayne (Season 8 and All Stars 3, 2020), and Cherry Valentine (Drag Race UK, 2022). Jones’s subsequent statement highlighted the personal impact of Williams’ loss, describing their unique talent and undeniable charisma. The Vivienne’s memory will undoubtedly endure as a testament to their comedic genius and unwavering spirit.