The Vivienne at RuPaul’s Los Angeles DragCon in 2022. Photo:
Emma McIntyre/Getty
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.”
From left: Shea Coulée, The Vivienne and RuPaul open RuPaul’s Los Angeles DragCon 2022. Emma McIntyre/Getty
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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.
