UK Drag Race winner The Vivienne dead at 32

The Vivienne, who was the first winner of the UK series of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has unexpectedly died at the age of 32.

British drag star James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32.

Williams shot to international fame as the winner of the first UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019, and became the first drag performer to compete on Britain’s Dancing on Ice in 2023.

Their death was confirmed early on Monday morning.

British drag performer The Vivienne has died aged 32. Picture: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

They won the first series of the UK iteration of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Picture: Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – has passed away this weekend,” UK celebrity publicist Simon Jones shared on social media.

“James was an incredible loved, warm-hearted 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.”

In a follow-up post, Jones wrote that announcing the death of his client was “words I never ever wanted to write.”

“Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much,” he said.

Viv out of drag in a photo posted in May 2024.

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage let tributes to Williams.

“I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken,” Visage posted.

Fellow UK Drag Race contestant Tia Kofi called The Vivienne’s death “an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world.”

“I’m in total shock,” wrote Drag Race UK star Bimini.

Australian drag legend Courtney Act wrote: “Oh gosh, Viv. Heartbroken.”

The Vivienne (centre) with drag performer Shea Couleé (left) and RuPaul. Picture: Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Williams – who used they/them pronouns – initially rose to fame in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

They would go on and compete in the first UK series of the reality show in 2019, winning the series altogether. Williams competed again in the seventh series, which was an All-Stars edition in 2022.

That same year, they also briefly pivoted to music, releasing their debut EP, B***h on Heels and also starred on the UK reality series Celebrity Hunted to raise funds and awareness for the charity Stand Up to Cancer.

Williams also ventured into musical theatre, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in London’s West End.