United Kingdom Drag Ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race, James Lee Williams, famously known as drag artist The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32.
The announcement came on Sunday through their public relations representative.
Simon Jones shared the heartbreaking news on Instagram, stating, “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 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.
“We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
The Vivienne’s stage name was inspired by their admiration for designer Vivienne Westwood.
Williams gained recognition in 2015 as the UK drag ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race and became a household name after winning the inaugural UK series of the show in 2019, where their final performance was a memorable lip-sync to Wham!’s I’m Your Man.
Williams later competed in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and reached the finals of the UK’s Dancing on Ice in 2023, securing third place.
Beyond television, they recently portrayed the Childcatcher in the touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and previously played the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz musical revival.
On-screen, their credits included Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and the British soap Emmerdale.
Tributes to Williams poured in across social media. Michelle Visage, judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, expressed her grief, “Heartbreaking, I don’t know how to say how I feel.
“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.”
Actor Antony Cotton from Coronation Street called the news “unbelievably sad,” describing James as “a real joy to be around. We loved him, x.”
Drag star Bimini Bon Boulash wrote, “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock.”
Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley honored Williams on Instagram, “You incredible human … rest in peace. Never stop shining your beautiful light over us all. Love and strength to all your family. We will miss you so much.”
ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote on X, “Oh this is so sad – such a lovely, funny, whip smart and generous person. A delight to interview. My thoughts with everyone who loved The Vivienne.”
Williams, originally from North Wales, had further explored their career with the 2020 BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood.
The series followed their journey in creating their first music video and featured celebrity guests such as Broadway’s Marissa Jaret Winokur and comedian Bruce Vilanch.
The winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World,Tia Kofi, paid tribute, “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.”
The Vivienne once described their drag persona as “a scouse wife who has come into money, she moved to LA and blew it all and then she’s had to move back to Liverpool.”
They added, “I like to have a really fierce look, but I like to be hilarious on stage so I’m kind of an old school and the new school put together which I think works.
“Comedy is definitely my trump card. My favorite trick in drag is my vocal impersonations so I do everyone from Kim Woodburn, Cilla Black, Donald Trump: you name it, I’ll do it – for the right price.”
In January 2023, Williams was the victim of a hate crime. Alan Whitfield, the attacker, received a suspended jail sentence after Liverpool magistrates court ruled the assault to be homophobic.
Despite the attack leaving Williams with a bruised face for a week, they told the court, “luckily” they were a “6ft ex-rugby player who could take a punch.”
