“RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” winner James Lee Williams, better known by their stage name The Vivienne, has died. They were 32.
Williams’ death was confirmed by their manager Simon Jones, who shared a statement on Instagram announcing that his client had passed over the weekend.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, has passed away this weekend,” read the statement. “James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
In a more personal follow-up statement shared by Jones shortly after, he wrote, “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. 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.”
Williams was the first ever winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” in 2019 and went on to appear in the seventh season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”
Michelle Visage, host and judge of “Drag Race” posted a statement on her social media saying she was heartbroken. Visage wrote, “I don’t know how to say how I feel.”
Visage continued, “We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. 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.”
Jinkx Monsoon who went on to win “Drag Race All Stars” season 7 wrote, “I don’t entirely have words… She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation.”
Born in 1992 in Colwyn Bay, Wales, Williams was also a musician and a stage actor. They released their debut EP entitled “Bitch” in 2022 and played The Wicked Witch of the West in a stage adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz” in London’s West End in 2023.