James Lee Williams, widely known by their stage name The Vivienne, has passed away at the age of 32, leaving the entertainment world and their fans in mourning.
A spokesperson for the family confirmed the tragic news in a heartfelt statement, saying:
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person. Their family is heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle.”
The statement continued, “They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details and kindly ask that James’s family be given the time and privacy they need to process and grieve.”
The announcement sent shockwaves through the drag and entertainment communities, with tributes pouring in from friends, co-stars, and fans alike. Michelle Visage, a longtime judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared her devastation, posting a series of photos with The Vivienne on social media.
“I don’t know how to say how I feel,” she wrote. “My darling @thevivienne_, we go back to when I first started coming over 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.” Visage concluded her post with a poignant message: “I love you, my darling. You will be so missed, my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever.”
The Vivienne first gained public attention in 2015 when they were named the UK Drag Ambassador for the American version of RuPaul’s Drag Race. This recognition set the stage for their eventual participation in the inaugural UK season of the show in 2019. Competing against a lineup of talented queens, The Vivienne won the season, cementing their status as a drag icon.
Their memorable lip-sync performance to Wham!’s “I’m Your Man” in the final episode remains a highlight in the show’s history. The Vivienne’s drag name was inspired by their admiration for legendary designer Vivienne Westwood, whose bold and rebellious spirit reflected their own.
Williams, who hailed from Wales, extended their talent beyond drag. In 2023, they competed in Dancing On Ice, where their charisma and determination earned them a third-place finish.
Throughout their career, The Vivienne remained a beacon of joy and creativity, captivating audiences with their performances and genuine personality. Their ability to connect with fans and peers made them a beloved figure both on and off stage.
Social media has been flooded with tributes from celebrities and fellow performers. Former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts expressed her disbelief, writing, “Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news.”
Shea Coulee, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 5, echoed the sentiment, stating, “I am in complete and utter shock. This is so devastating.” Drag Race alum Bimini Bon Boulash also shared their condolences, writing, “I’m so sorry. I’m in total shock.” These tributes highlight the profound impact The Vivienne had on their colleagues and fans.
Simon Jones, The Vivienne’s publicist and manager, shared his deep sorrow and admiration for his late client. “These are words I never ever wanted to write,” Jones posted on Instagram. “Viv was a close friend, a client, and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019, I knew we could create magic together.”
He praised The Vivienne’s immense talent, recalling the joy they brought into every room. “No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit were unparalleled,” Jones added. His heartfelt message concluded with, “RIP, my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”
The Vivienne’s legacy extends far beyond their accolades and performances. They were a trailblazer, a mentor, and a symbol of resilience and authenticity. Their sudden passing has left an irreplaceable void in the drag and entertainment worlds.
As fans and loved ones continue to process the loss, the outpouring of love and admiration serves as a testament to the remarkable life and career of James Lee Williams.
