Beloved drag queen and RuPaul's Drag Race star James Lee Williamsknown as Vivian, He died. They were 32.
The artist's manager said: “It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivian, passed away this weekend.” Simon Joneshe wrote in a statement shared via Instagram On Sunday, January 5th.
The cause of death was not revealed.
“James was a lovable, warm-hearted and incredibly amazing person,” the publicist continued. “Their families are grieving the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James has accomplished in their lives and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We ask that James' family be given the time and privacy they need now to process their grief.”
In a follow-up statement that was also shared via him Instagram In the account, Jones shared a more personal reaction to the news of the drag queen's sudden death, writing that The Vivienne was more than just a client — they were a friend.
James Lee Williams
Courtesy of James Lee Williams/Instagram“These are words I never wanted to write,” Jones said in the second statement. “Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved dearly. 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 amazing.”
Jones went on to explain that “no one has ever made me laugh as much in my life as Viv did,” before adding that “their comedic genius and quick wit were unparalleled.”
The statement continued: “I am so proud and lucky that Viv has been a huge part of my life every day for the past five years.” “It is tragic that their careers were just beginning. In musical theatre, Viv found a space and a career in which they loved, excelled and thrived. I am extremely saddened and devastated by this news. Rest in peace my wonderful friend. You have left us too soon.”
They put the bass in their gait! RuPaul's Drag Race introduced drag to mainstream audiences in 2009, but the art form has thrived in the LGBTQ community for decades. RuPaul – whose character catapulted him to fame in the 1990s – told Us Weekly in 2012 that his idea for the unconventional series was[…]
Vivienne's family is best known for her time on the hit reality TV show RuPaul's Drag Race UK – The drag queen won the inaugural series in 2019. Drag racing He rules over Michelle Face He responded to news of The Vivienne's death by calling it “heartbreaking.”
“Your laugh, your intelligence, your talent, your strength. I loved all of that but I loved your friendship more than anything else,” Visage wrote via Instagram Sunday. “You have been a beacon to so many… I love you, my dear. We will miss you very much.”
