The Vivienne: RuPaul's Drag Race UK and musical theatre star dies aged 32
James Lee Williams, better known as drag queen The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
Publicist Simon Jones said the performer, who died over the weekend, was "an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person".
The Vivienne starred in musical theatre and TV productions, and won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019.
The show paid tribute to the drag star on social media, saying they were "deeply saddened" by the news of the performer's death.
"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 champion".
"Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration," the show said in a post on X.
"Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time."
The show's judge Michelle Visage also called the star "a beacon to so many".
Writing on social media, Visage called the news "heartbreaking", adding: "My darling The Vivienne, 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."
Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash also reacted to the news, writing on Instagram: "I'm so sorry I'm in total shock".
Cheryl The Queen - who used to go by Cheryl Hole - took part in the same series of Drag Race as The Vivienne. The performer wrote on Instagram: "I will love you forever Viv."
Williams was born in Wales, and adopted the drag name because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
Rydal Penrhos school in Colwyn Bay, where Williams was a former pupil, said it was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the star's death.
"The Vivienne's successful career as a performer and artist proved a source of inspiration and joy to so many", the school said in a statement.
As well as winning Drag Race, The Vivienne came third on the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice, and performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical.
The performer reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
The Vivienne also competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise in the US in 2022, and starred in BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020.
In an Instagram post on Boxing Day, The Vivienne put up a series of photos, captioning it: "24' highlights."
"What a year it's been. Here's to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25," the star wrote, before signing off: "Viv xxx."
Mr Jones said words announcing The Vivienne's death were ones he "never ever wanted to write".
"No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other," he said.
"I'm so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years."
Mr Jones asked for privacy for the star's family and said no further details would be released at this time.
Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, called the news "deeply sad", adding: "We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne's achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
"Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans."
The Vivienne, RuPaul Drag Race UK winner, dies at 32: 'Heartbroken and devastated'
James Lee Williams, the first winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” better known by their stage name The Vivienne, has died at age 32.
The British drag queen died over the weekend, their manager Simon Jones confirmed in a statement posted to Instagram.
“These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much,” Jones wrote. “From the moment 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 every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
Jones said “we will not be releasing any further details,” and asked for privacy for Williams’ family, who “are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career."
In a second post, Jones penned a tribute to the drag queen, who was starring as the Childcatcher in the U.K. tour of the stage musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Williams was scheduled to perform through late March, according to the production's website.
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“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. I am heartbroken and devastated by this news,” Jones wrote.
A beloved member of both drag queen and musical theater communities, the news inspired a flood of tributes from other celebrities and RuPaul alumni.
“This 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,” wrote drag queen Tia Kofi, winner of the second series of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World.”
“She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages,” drag queen and Broadway actor Jinkx Monsoon posted on X. “It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation.”
“Drag Race” judge Michelle Visage also posted honoring Williams: “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. You were a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.“
The Vivienne, Winner, Dies at 32: 'An Incredibly Loved, Warm-Hearted Person'
The Vivienne, the winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 1, has died at the age of 32, PEOPLE has confirmed.
The drag artist, born James Lee Williams in Colywn Bay, Wales, also competed on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 7, and was the only non-U.S. winner invited to participate.
Simon Jones, The Vivienne's rep, announced their death on X (formerly Twitter) on Jan. 5. A cause of death was not provided.
"It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend," Jones' statement read.
"James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career," Jones continued.
"We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James' family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve," the statement concluded.
In addition to Drag Race, The Vivienne competed on numerous other reality competitions, including Celebrity Mastermind, Celebrity Karaoke Club and Dancing on Ice. They also served as a host on Netflix's Still Watching Netflix YouTube channel.
Following the news of The Vivienne's death, tributes quickly began pouring in from the Drag Race community.
"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 champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time," the official RuPaul's Drag Race account wrote on X.
World of Wonder, the production company behind Drag Race, posted on X: "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of James Lee Williams, AKA The Vivienne this weekend. Her talent, humor and kindness were an inspiration. She achieved so much in her career and will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, who request the time and privacy required to grieve."
"Heartbreaking 💔. I don’t know how to say how I feel," Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote on Instagram. "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. You were a beacon to so many."
“I’m in complete and utter shock. This is so devastating," Shea Coulée, who also competed on All Stars, commented on Jones' post.
“I’m so sorry 💔. I’m in total shock.” commented fellow UK drag queen Bimini Bon-Boulash.
Tia Kofi tweeted, "This 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."
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On Dec. 26, The Vivienne tweeted their hopes for the new year.
"What a year it’s been. Here’s to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25. Wishing all the most prosperous new year." they wrote on Instagram.
PEOPLE has reached out to The Vivienne's representatives for comment.
