The Vivienne, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s First Winner, Dies At 32: Queens And More React

The Vivienne, the stage name of James Lee Williams, the very first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, has died. They were 32.

Their manager, Simon Jones, confirmed the news on Instagram on Sunday and posted a statement, stating that Williams had passed away this weekend.

“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, has passed away this weekend,” the statement reads. “James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted 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.”

In a second and personal statement on Williams’ death, Jones wrote, “These are words I never ever wanted to write. 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 comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”

After becoming the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, The Vivienne later appeared in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7, which was the first all-winners season. With the season, she became the first non-U.S. queen to appear on a main, U.S. Drag Race series.

Drag Race producers World of Wonder wrote on social media, “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. 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.”

Jaida Essence Hall, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 who competed alongside The Vivienne on All Stars 7 wrote in a post, “I can’t thank you enough for your light! I don’t even know what to say rn. I just know you were such an incredible person to everyone around you and you made real space for me. I’m going to miss you so much @thevivienne_ 😞😞😞 ♥️. The last photo we were on press tour for AllStars and I was once again in awe of how crazy perfect(and yes I said perfect) her makeup ALWAYS was, so we took this pic. Just her in all her beauty. ♥️”

Shea Couleé, the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 5 winner who also competed alongside The Vivienne on All Stars 7 commented on Jones’ first post, stating, “I’m in complete and utter shock. This is so devastating 😢.”

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2 runner-up Tayce shared Jones’ first post on her Instagram story, writing, “Doesn’t feel real 😔💔,” and later shared a photo of her and The Vivienne, writing, “rest in peace angel ❤️.”

More tributes will pour in as the Drag Race community and beyond mourn the loss of the icon.

Williams spoke to Blavity’s Shadow and Act in back in 2022 during press for All Stars 7 and talked about being a part of the historic season.

“I’ve always wanted to do Drag Race again. Drag Race is a place you can really flourish and stretch the muscles that you don’t get to stretch on an everyday basis in drag,” she said. “But you know, when you come off a season that you’ve won, you think, ‘That’s it, you can’t go back. You can’t do All Stars.’ Then there were the rumors of the winners season. And then, you know, I got the call [to join the season] and it was all very quick. So it’s just a dream come true.”

Outside of Drag Race, The Vivienne has appeared in a plethora of British films and programs, including her run as a contestant on Dancing on Ice.