James Lee Williams, better known by their drag stage name, The Vivienne, was a true force in the world of drag and entertainment. The British drag queen, who made history as the first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, tragically passed away at the age of 32. The news of their death shook the world over the weekend, as confirmed by their manager, Simon Jones, through an emotional post shared on Instagram.
In a heartfelt tribute, Jones, who had been working closely with The Vivienne since 2019, expressed his deep sorrow. He described The Vivienne as not only a close friend but also a client he deeply loved. “These are words I never ever wanted to write,” Jones began his post. “Viv was a close friend, a client, and someone I loved very much.” He reflected on how, from the moment they met, he knew they could create something special together. Their partnership had been one of creative brilliance, and he couldn’t help but acknowledge the immense talent The Vivienne possessed. “Their talent was immense, and the light they brought to every room was astonishing,” Jones shared. What stood out the most, however, was the drag queen’s sense of humor. According to Jones, “No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did.” The Vivienne’s comic genius, paired with their quick wit, was simply unmatched.
With such a sudden and tragic loss, Jones emphasized the importance of privacy for The Vivienne’s family during this incredibly difficult time. He also revealed that further details would not be disclosed. “We will not be releasing any further details,” he wrote, adding that the family was immensely proud of the many accomplishments The Vivienne had achieved both in their personal life and career.
The news of The Vivienne’s passing sent shockwaves through the world of drag and beyond, especially touching the lives of RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni, the theater community, and drag fans globally. On Monday, RuPaul Charles, the iconic host of RuPaul's Drag Race, shared his own tribute to the beloved queen. RuPaul posted a photo of him and The Vivienne together on the Drag Race stage, along with a touching message that captured the gravity of the loss. “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being,” RuPaul wrote in his Instagram caption.
The Vivienne’s death was particularly poignant as they were actively pursuing a new chapter in their career, starring as the Childcatcher in the UK tour of the stage musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. According to the production’s website, The Vivienne had been scheduled to perform through late March. In a second tribute post, Jones reflected on the promising future that was so abruptly cut short. “It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning,” he wrote. “In musical theatre, Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled, and thrived in.” Jones’ words were filled with sorrow, as he shared that he was devastated by the news.
The Vivienne’s passing left a significant impact on both the drag queen and musical theater communities. The tributes poured in from all corners of the entertainment world, and the outpouring of love and admiration was evident. Drag queen and RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs. the World winner Tia Kofi posted a moving tribute, expressing how much The Vivienne had meant to the British drag community. “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,” Kofi shared.
Fellow drag queen and Broadway actor Jinkx Monsoon also took to social media to pay her respects. “She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages,” Monsoon wrote. “It’s too soon for a curtain call, but I know it’s a standing ovation.” These heartfelt words served as a reminder of the enormous impact The Vivienne had on the world of drag, theater, and beyond.
Michelle Visage, a long-time judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, also shared an emotional tribute to The Vivienne. Visage reflected on the joy that The Vivienne brought to everyone around them. “You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point,” Visage wrote. She added that, while she loved everything about The Vivienne—their laughter, their wit, their talent, their drag—it was their friendship that stood out the most. “You were a beacon to so many,” Visage said, echoing the sentiment that The Vivienne’s influence extended far beyond their performances. For Visage, witnessing The Vivienne make their West End debut was one of the highlights of her career. “Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes,” she shared, recalling a moment that left her in awe.
The Vivienne’s legacy is one of incredible talent, joy, and resilience. As the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they were not only a trailblazer for British drag queens but also a representative of the diverse and dynamic world of drag itself. The impact they had on the drag scene, especially in the UK, is immeasurable.
In addition to their achievements in the world of drag, The Vivienne had a promising future in musical theater. Their role as the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang was a testament to their versatility as an artist. The fact that they were thriving in a new arena at the time of their passing only adds to the sense of loss that many feel.
In every aspect of their life, The Vivienne embodied the essence of what it means to be unapologetically yourself. Their energy, humor, and ability to make others laugh were just as important as their performances on stage. The Vivienne’s authenticity and joy will forever be remembered, and their absence leaves a void that will be felt by fans, colleagues, and friends alike.
The tributes from the drag community, musical theater world, and beyond reflect the deep love and respect that The Vivienne garnered over the years. Their ability to bring light to every room they entered, paired with their immense talent, made them a beloved figure in entertainment. While we mourn their passing, we also celebrate the incredible life they lived and the profound impact they had on the world around them.
In the end, The Vivienne’s legacy will live on through their contributions to the world of drag and musical theater. They will always be remembered as a queen who not only broke barriers but also brought joy and laughter to countless people. A standing ovation may be over, but the love and admiration for The Vivienne will continue to shine brightly, just as they did throughout their remarkable life.
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