rip Jan. 5, 2025

The Vivienne, Drag Race U.K. Winner, Dead at 32

Portrait of Jason P. Frank

By Jason P. Frank, a Vulture writer covering comedy, theater, and music

The Vivienne. Photo: Sipa USA/Alamy Stock Photo

James Lee Williams, known as U.K.-based drag queen The Vivienne, died on January 5, publicist Simon Jones confirmed. “James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” Jones said in a statement, before sharing that the family will not be releasing any further details. The Vivienne was 32. She won the debut season of RuPaul’s Drag Race U.K., performing what judge Michelle Visage called “the best Snatch Game character in the history of the show” as Donald Trump. She later appeared on Drag Race All-Stars 7, the all-winners season, as the U.K.’s sole representative. In Britain, she also made regular television appearances, including on Dancing on Ice and, most recently, as part of BBC One’s 2024 Blankety Blank Boxing Day special.

Those who knew The Vivienne have been sharing their grief on social media. “I don’t entirely have words… She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages,” All-Stars 7 winner Jinkx Monsoon wrote on X. “It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.” The official RuPaul’s Drag Race account released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion.”

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The Vivienne, Drag Race U.K. Winner, Dead at 32

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