James Lee Williams, widely recognized as the drag artist The Vivienne, has passed away at the young age of 32. The heartbreaking news was confirmed by their public relations representative on Sunday, leading to an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists alike.
Simon Jones, a representative for The Vivienne, shared on Instagram, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. Jones described Williams as a beloved, warm-hearted individual whose family is devastated but proud of all that James achieved during their life and career. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time to grieve.
The Vivienne rose to fame as the UK drag ambassador for the iconic reality series RuPaul’s Drag Race, becoming a household name after winning the first UK series in 2019. Their talent shone through in various performances, including a notable appearance in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and a recent third-place finish on the dancing competition Dancing on Ice in 2023.
Most recently, The Vivienne portrayed the Childcatcher in a touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and previously played the Wicked Witch of the West in a revival of The Wizard of Oz. Williams also appeared in the film Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and had television credits including Emmerdale.
Fellow contestants and stars from the drag and entertainment community have paid tribute via social media. RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage expressed her heartbreak, highlighting Williams’ vibrant personality and friendship. Other notable figures, including Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton and Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley, echoed sentiments of joy and loss, noting how Williams had a profound impact on everyone they encountered.
In their career, The Vivienne exemplified the essence of drag, merging humor and style. They once described their style as a fusion of “old school” and “new school” drag, emphasizing comedy and vocal impersonations as key elements of their performances.
Despite experiencing challenges, including a hate crime incident in 2022 that left them injured but resilient, The Vivienne’s spirit and contribution to the drag community will be fondly remembered by fans and contemporaries alike.
Though this is a moment of grief, it also serves as a reminder of The Vivienne’s significant legacy in entertainment and the enduring impact they had on the lives of others. Let us celebrate their vibrant memory and continue to uplift their celebration of diversity and talent in the world of drag.