Fans worldwide are mourning the sudden loss of James Lee Williams, widely known as The Vivienne, who passed away at the age of 32. The news was announced by Williams’ publicist, Simon Jones, in a heartfelt statement shared on social media.
The Vivienne shot to fame after winning the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, captivating audiences with their wit, talent, and memorable performances. Their journey in the spotlight continued with appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 in 2022 and an impressive third-place finish on Dancing on Ice in 2023.Born in Wales and later based in Liverpool, Williams chose the drag name “The Vivienne” as a tribute to the iconic British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Their career was marked by versatility and success across various platforms:
- Crowned winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (2019)
- Competed in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 (2022)
- Released debut EP “Bitch on Heels” (2022)
- Starred in musical theatre productions
The Vivienne’s talents extended beyond the drag world. They made history as the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice, partnering with American figure skater Colin Grafton. In the realm of musical theatre, The Vivienne took on challenging roles, including the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz” and the Child Catcher in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.
While the cause of death has not been disclosed, police have stated that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Williams’ passing
