Beloved drag queen and Drag Race star James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, has died. They were 32.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams — The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” the performer’s manager, Simon Jones, wrote in a statement shared via Instagram on Sunday, January 5.
A cause of death has not been revealed.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person,” the publicist’s statement continued. “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 follow-up statement also shared via his Instagram account, Jones shared a more personal reaction to the news of the drag queen’s untimely passing, writing that The Vivienne was more than a client — they were a friend.
James Lee Williams Courtesy of James Lee Williams/Instagram
“These are words I never ever wanted to write,” Jones said in the second statement. “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.”
Jones went on to explain that “no one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did,” before adding that “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 every day for the last 5 years,” the statement continued. “It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In music 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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The Vivienne was best known for their time on the hit reality television show RuPaul’s Drag Race UK — the drag queen won the inaugural series in 2019. Drag Race judge Michelle Visage responded to news of The Vivienne’s passing, calling it “heartbreaking.”
“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all,” Visage wrote via Instagram on Sunday. “You were a beacon to so many… I love you my darling. You will be so missed.”