Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews
Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter
Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter
Tributes have started pouring in after James Lee Williams, the popular British drag performer, actor and singer who went by the name The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said they were a “beacon to so many” who was always laughing and would be “so missed”.
“You were a beacon to so many. I‘m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times,” Visage said.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash was also among those posting messages on the official announcement, writing in an Instagram comment: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
The news was announced by their publicist, Simon Jones, who shared a statement from social media on Sunday evening.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” Jones said.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle.”
Watch: Moment The Vivienne wins RuPaul’s Drag Race UK
Alexander Butler5 January 2025 20:34
‘Unbelievably sad’, Antony Cotton says
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news of the death of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, was “unbelievably sad”.
In a post on X, Cotton said: “This is so unbelievably sad. James was a real joy to be around. We loved him x.”
Alexander Butler5 January 2025 20:34
Bimini Bon Boulash pays tribute
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash was also among those posting messages on the official announcement, writing in an Instagram comment: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
Alexander Butler5 January 2025 20:30
The Vivienne was an ‘incredible human’, Emmerdale actress says
Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley has referred to The Vivienne as an “incredible human” who will be missed so much following the death of the drag queen.
Posting to Instagram, Riley said: “You incredible human. Rest in peace. Never stop shining your beautiful light over us all. Love and strength to all your family. We will miss you so much.”
Alexander Butler5 January 2025 20:28
Michelle Visage: ‘Beacon to so many’
Tributes have started pouring in after James Lee Williams, the popular British drag performer, actor and singer who went by the name The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said they were a “beacon to so many” who was always laughing and would be “so missed”.
“You were a beacon to so many. I‘m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times,” Ms Visage said.
Alexander Butler5 January 2025 20:27
