The Vivienne, the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, died at the age of 32. The Drag Race legend’s publicist and manager Simon Jones made the announcement.
Simon’s statement about The Vivienne’s passing:
“These are words I never ever wanted to write,” posted Simon. “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 comedic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years,” Jones continued. “It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”
On behalf of The Vivienne’s family:
Simon used his X.com platform to share a message from Viv’s family. “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Le Williams, The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.”
“James was an incredibly 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. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
The Vivienne’s legacy:
According to Deadline, “The Vivienne rose to prominence in the drag scene in 2015, after being appointed the UK Drag Ambassador for the beloved reality series RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
“She later competed in and won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, returning once more to the universe in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 (the first all-winners installment) in 2022.”
“The Vivienne was the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice in 2023, appearing as a contestant on Season 15, in which she finished in third place.”
“Last year, The Vivienne made her West End debut, reprising her role of the Wicked Witch of the West in a new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 2011 production of The Wizard of Oz at the Gillian Lynne Theatre.”
In a sprawling conversation with culture blog JaDar last year, The Vivienne delved into the personal significance of playing the role as a queer person who views the Emerald City as a metaphor for finding oneself, her experience with impostor syndrome and the “glamorous” update she gives to her portrayal of the famed Witch.
The Vivienne was masterful at impressions:
The Snatch Game was created to highlight talents like The Vivienne. Here is a collection of her best impressions.
Taste of Reality sends our best wishes to The Vivienne’s friends, family, and community during this difficult time.
