The winner of the British reality show ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’, James Lee Williams, 32, popularly known as The Vivienne, has died, publicist Simon Jones said on Sunday.
“It is with immense sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, passed away this weekend,” Jones announced on social media platform X. “James was an incredibly loved, kind-hearted and amazing person.”
Born in Wales, Vivienne rose to fame in 2015 after becoming a UK drag ambassador for the American television series ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. Williams’ stage name was inspired by the iconic English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.
Tributes poured in at The Vivienne.
“Her talent, humor and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration,” RuPaul’s Drag Race posted on X. “She will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on.”
Singer-songwriter Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, said on Instagram: “I don’t know how to say how I feel. I will miss you so much, beloved. May your light shine fiercely, forever.”
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Reporting by Harshita Meenaktshi in Bengaluru; Editing by Richard Chang.
