Maxi Shield, the Australian drag performer who competed on the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, has died at the age of 51 after a battle with throat cancer.
Her death was announced on Monday by Sydney drag performer and wig stylist Vanity in a post on social media, where they wrote: “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our dearest sister, Maxine, has passed away. We are all mourning the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and our beloved sister.”
No further information has been shared on the cause of death.
Shield, whose real name was Kristopher Elliot, was born in Ballina, New South Wales, and became a prominent figure in Sydney’s drag and cabaret scene over more than two decades.
Shield was a long-standing performer on Sydney’s Oxford Street, widely regarded as the centre of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, and had been involved in Mardi Gras events for many years.
Her death comes days before the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, one of Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Mardi Gras mourned her death in a social media post, writing: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Maxi Shield. They were an icon and pillar of our community and we would like to take a moment to recognise all that Maxi stood for. This Mardi Gras will feel undeniably different with a space and light shining in her honour.”
Universal Sydney, one of the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ nightclubs and Shield’s regular performing spots, also posted a tribute to her, writing: “In all my years in this community, there has never been a time I can remember when Maxi wasn’t an iconic presence).”
Shield publicly revealed in September 2025 that she had been diagnosed with throat cancer after becoming unwell while performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The diagnosis forced her to step down from performing in a Kath & Kim show at the festival alongside fellow Drag Race Down Under season one alum Art Simone.
In an Instagram video at the time, she told followers that she was optimistic about treatment options for a tumour she had found in her neck.
She began chemotherapy that month and documented her treatment through weekly updates. In late October, she said she had finished her last chemotherapy session with “no major side effects” and would have a feeding tube inserted before beginning radiation.
Her final update was posted on 30 January, where she said she was nearly a month out from her last radiation cycle. After taking a break from performing during treatment, Shield returned to the stage in early February for what were her first public drag shows in months.
She gained international recognition in 2021 when she competed on the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, the Australasian spin-off of the Emmy-winning franchise. She finished sixth in the competition and was one of the most experienced performers in the cast.
Drag Race Down Under head judge Michelle Visage, who has fronted the series since 2024, paid tribute online, writing: “I loved this queen. A glorious human on the inside and out. Your love, heart, talent and energy will be missed. Maxi Shield, rest in power, my angel, you were truly one of a kind.”
The show’s production company said in a statement: “We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Kristopher Elliot AKA Maxi Shield. A part of our Down Under legacy, her electrifying presence on and off the stage will inspire us forever, and our deepest condolences go out to her friends and family. RIP, we love you Maxi.”
Fellow season one alum Kween Kong responded under the announcement post with “Rip aunty.”
Cynthia Lee Fontaine, a cancer survivor and three-time competitor on the US edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race, also paid tribute, recalling meeting Shield at DragCon in 2022 and receiving support during her own health struggles. “After, [there] was not a single day you never forget to message me and keep me motivated with funny stories and videos on my DM’s,” she wrote. “Then last year it was my turn to support you. But now my beautiful sister, you are not in pain anymore. I will always love you and for me you are a warrior!”
In addition to her run on Drag Race Down Under, Shield appeared as the lead character in the 2023 comedy film The Winner Takes It All. She also appeared in an episode of the television medical drama All Saints.
She also performed during the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and the opening of the Gay Games in Sydney in 2002.
In 2020, she and Drag Race Down Under runner-up Hannah Conda attempted to set a world record by leading what they hoped would become the largest Drag Queen Story Time event in history, part of an effort to destigmatise drag artistry.
Some drag story time events have drawn protests in recent years from groups who argue they are inappropriate for children. In June 2023, an event at Maylands Library in Perth attracted a small group of protesters who said drag storytelling should not be for children, even as a larger crowd of supporters rallied in favour.
In 2024 Sydney’s Hills Shire Council voted against sponsoring drag story time events after a motion expressing concern about “drag or sexualised material” reaching children.
Shield continued to host drag story time sessions in Australia in the years that followed.
