DIY VIRAL
Very sad news this week from the world of reality TV:
James Lee Williams – better known by his stage name The Vivienne, who won the first ever RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 – has died.
They were 32 years old.
Williams' death was confirmed by manager Simon Jones, who wrote via Instagram over the weekend that his client was no longer with us.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, passed away this weekend,” the message read.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm and extraordinary person. Their family is heartbroken over the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are very proud of the wonderful things James has accomplished in their life and career. We will not disclose further details.
“We please ask that James’ family be given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
No cause of death has been announced as of this writing.
On January 6, the Emmy Award-winning host of the beloved reality show paid tribute to the late champ.
“Heartbroken, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne,” RuPaul wrote, ending the post by calling the late performer “an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”
On the aforementioned show, The Vivienne was known for her comedic and vocal impersonations – particularly that of Donald Trump – and spoke about her struggle with drug addiction and recovery.
“La Viv is a perfect example of a 21st century British queen,” RuPaul said during the 2019 finale.
Before their deaths, The Vivienne returned to compete on Drag Race as part of the All Stars 7 cast in 2022, marking the first time the series brought together a group of former winners to compete to become the first queen to win the show…two times.
Overall, a total of contestants on the Life Drag Race franchise have died since the series' debut in 2009, including:
- Drag Race Competitor Thailand Bandit 2023
- Sahara Davenport, candidate for season 2 in 2012
- Chi Chi DeVayne, winner of season 8 and All Stars 3 in 2020
- Drag Race UK contestant Cherry Valentine in 2022.
“Those are words I never wanted to write,” Jones added in a later statement.
“Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. As soon as I met them in 2019, I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to each piece was astonishing.
“No one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv. Their comic genius and quick wit were unlike any other.
DIY VIRAL
