RuPaul Remembers 'Incredibly Talented Queen' The Vivienne After Drag Race UK Winner's Death

RuPaul pays tribute to The Vivienne the day after RuPaul’s Drag Race UK the death of the winner was announced.

The Emmy-winning host, 64, remembered the drag artist — born James Lee Williams in Colwyn Bay, Wales — in a touching tribute on Instagram.

“With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of Vivienne — an incredibly talented queen and lovely human being,” RuPaul said of the late performer.

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The tribute comes a day after Vivienne’s representative, Simon Jones, broke the news of their deaths on X.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, passed away this weekend,” Jones said in a statement.

“James was an incredibly loving, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the statement continued. “Their family is devastated by the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James has accomplished in their lives and careers.”

“We will not be releasing any further details. We ask that you give James’ family the time and privacy they need now to process and grieve,” the statement concluded.

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Vivienne is crowned the winner RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season 1. The performer also competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season 7, where the only non-US winners were invited to participate.

From left: Vivienne and RuPaul attend RuPaul’s DragCon UK 2020 at the London Olympia on January 18, 2020 in London, England.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

Colleague Drag Race alums reacted to the news of their deaths in the comments section. Shea Coulée, who also competed at All starshe wrote: “I am in complete and utter shock. This is so devastating.”

“I’m so sorry 💔. I’m in total shock,” added British drag queen Bimini Bon-Boulash.

Other members Drag Race the community remembered the late star in their posts on social networks.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of The Vivienne’s death. Her talent, humor and dedication to the arts dear were an inspiration. We will miss her dearly, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she said, she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts are with her family and fans at this difficult time,” the official said RuPaul’s Drag Race account written on X.

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World of Wonder, the production company behind it Drag Racealso shared on social media: “We are heartbroken to learn that James Lee Williams, also known as Vivienne, passed away this weekend. Her talent, humor and kindness were an inspiration. She accomplished so much in her career and will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, who are asking for the time and privacy they need to grieve.”

“Heartbreaking 💔. I don’t know how to say what I feel,” Drag Race wrote judge Michelle Visage on Instagram. “My dear @thevivienne_ we were back when I started coming here to the UK. You were always there, always smiling, always giving, always on point. Your laugh, your wit, your talent, your charm. I loved it all but most of all I loved your friendship. You were a beacon to many.”

Tia Kofi tweeted: “This is an incredible loss for the British drag community and the world. Viv represented British drag at its absolute best on stage and on the international screen. She was a mentor, inspiration and friend. This shock will be felt deeply from all of us. I love you Viv.”

Vivienne attends RuPaul’s Los Angeles DragCon at the Los Angeles Convention Center on May 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.

Emma McIntyre/Getty

Vivienne’s ex-husband David Paul Ludford also shared a touching tribute on January 6.

“My heart literally sank when I received the call!! 🪽💔😔My heart is broken!!! 😭,” he captioned the post on Instagram. “Never in a million years did I think I would ever write something like this about @thevivienne_.”

Luford said Williams “changed my life” after meeting him in August 2017 on the island of Gran Canaria in Spain. He recalled how they “clicked right away” and knew immediately that they would be in each other’s lives for a long time.

“We literally went through and did so much together that it was like a whirlwind and I wouldn’t trade the time we had together for anything in the world,” Luford continued. “I will miss you more than people will ever know. Rest in peace angel.”

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Source: HIS Education