James Lee Williams, the first winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” better known by their stage name The Vivienne, has died at age 32.
The British drag queen died over the weekend, their manager Simon Jones confirmed in a statement posted to Instagram.
“These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much,” Jones wrote. “From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
Jones said “we will not be releasing any further details,” and asked for privacy for Williams’ family, who “are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.”
Drag, theater community mourns The Vivienne
In a second post, Jones penned a tribute to the drag queen, who was starring as the Childcatcher in the U.K. tour of the stage musical “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.” Williams was scheduled to perform through late March, according to the production’s website.
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“It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated by this news,” Jones wrote.
A beloved member of both drag queen and musical theater communities, the news inspired a flood of tributes from other celebrities and RuPaul alumni.
“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,” wrote drag queen Tia Kofi, winner of the second series of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK vs. the World.”
“She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages,” drag queen and Broadway actor Jinkx Monsoon posted on X. “It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation.”
“Drag Race” judge Michelle Visage also posted honoring Williams: “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. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.“
