All the heartbreaking celeb tributes as Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne dies aged 32

Yesterday, the world received the awful news that James Lee Williams, known in drag as The Vivienne, had died aged 32. The Vivienne was a British drag icon, the first queen to take the crown on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK who from that victory went from strength to strength, becoming a regular on the TV and entertainment scene – including coming third on Dancing On Ice and competing in an all winners season of Drag Race All Stars. After the heartbreaking news that The Vivienne had passed away broke yesterday, the celeb tributes to their life and legacy poured in from all around the industry. It is such a heartbreaking loss.

Simon Jones, The Vivienne’s publicist and manager, broke the news on social media, saying “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.

💔 pic.twitter.com/fKGfItQR9D

— Simon Jones (@simonjonespr) January 5, 2025

“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.’

Simon continued in a follow up post: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much.

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“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 as much in my life as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.

“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life everyday for the last five years. 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.”

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A post shared by Michelle Visage (@michellevisage)

More celeb tributes for The Vivienne came from Michelle Visage, who worked closely with The Vivienne on Drag Race, posted a moving statement to her friend. “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.

“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.

“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”

The Vivienne got their iconic name by being known around Liverpool for their love of wearing Vivienne Westwood. They smashed Drag Race, smashed All Stars, smashed Dancing on Ice and was thriving in musical theatre. They recently had thrived in a West End tour of The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West, and were currently starring as the Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

The news about The Vivienne is so sad. What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous xxx

— R Y L A N (@Rylan) January 5, 2025

Rylan Clark posted saying “The news about The Vivienne is so sad. What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous.”

Ariana Grande, a huge fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race and twice a guest judge, joined the celeb tributes to The Vivienne commenting on Jinkx Monsoon’s tribute with a load of hearts as well as sharing the post to her Instagram story.

Pussycat Dolls Kimberley Wyatt and Ashley Roberts also paid tribute to The Vivienne. Ashley said “Can’t believe this. Heartbreaking news. What an icon. May The Viv rest in peace.” Wyatt added “Heartbroken. I’m in complete shock.”