We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of James Lee Williams, AKA The Vivienne this weekend. Her talent, humor and kindness were an inspiration,” the post reads.
“She achieved so much in her career and will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, who request the time and privacy required to grieve.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race stars including judge Michelle Visage and The Vivienne’s All Stars 7 co-stars Jinkx Monsoon, Shea Couleé, Trinity The Tuck and Jaida Essence Hall have all shared emotional tributes to The Vivienne.
Other Drag Race queens including Tia Kofi and Danny Beard have paid tribute to their UK drag sister, alongside British stars Antony Cotton, Rylan, Patsy Palmer, and Juno Dawson.
While The Vivienne found international fame through her appearances on Drag Race, she went on to become a multi-hypenate entertainer, making her way to the final of Dancing On Ice in 2023 and appearing regularly on British TV game shows.
After appearances in TV dramas including This Is Going To Hurt and Emmerdale, she made her West End debut in 2024, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of The Wizard of Oz.
In a statement announcing Williams’ death, publicist Simon Jones stated that “no further details” about their death would be released, and asked that the star’s family are given “time and privacy” to grieve.
