![Musical theatre star and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne dies aged 32; Liverpool vigil held [Updated]](https://www.westendtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Vivienne.jpg "Musical theatre star and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne dies aged 32; Liverpool vigil held [Updated]")
James Lee Williams, known as drag superstar and musical theatre performer The Vivienne, has died aged 32.
The Vivienne’s publicist Simon Jones announced the news in a statement over the weekend of 4 and 5 January 2025, saying that they were “an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”.
The Vivienne had just finished starring as The Childcatcher in Blackpool as part of the touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The Vivienne was due to rejoin the tour when it starts up again in Sheffield in February.
The Vivienne had become well-known for their musical theatre performances, also appearing as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz, and at the West End’s Gillian Lynne Theatre.
The Vivienne came to fame in 2019 winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
Born in Wales, James Lee Williams adopted the drag name of The Vivienne because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood’s fashion.
Alongside their Drag Race win, The Vivienne appeared on the 7th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in the US, and scored third place on Dancing on Ice in 2023.
Simon Jones’s full statement said: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne – has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted 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.”
Simon Jones also said in a personal statement: “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.”
He went on to say: “I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 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.”
Liverpool Vigil for The Vivienne
A candlelight vigil was held for The Vivienne on Sunday 12 January 2025, outside St George’s Hall in Liverpool.
St George’s Hall was lit up in green to honour The Vivienne’s recent role in hit musical The Wizard of Oz.
A statement read out on behalf of the family said: “As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne. From an early age it was evident he was destined for the stage… he was determined to pave his own way in this world. The road was not easy but the dream never, ever changed and James would always tell us that they would make it happen and they did.”
The family also said they were “so unbelievably proud of everything they achieved. We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you.”
Tributes for The Vivienne
Tributes are pouring in following the death of James Lee Williams, also known as Drag Queen The Vivienne.
The producers of Drag Race, World of Wonder, made a statement on social media, saying: “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. Our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends, who request the time and privacy required to grieve.”
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said that The Vivienne was “a beacon to so many”, saying that: “My darling The Vivienne, 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”.
Fiona Campbell, BBC controller of youth audience, said: ““We are currently processing the deeply sad news of the passing of James Lee Williams, known to many as The Vivienne. We are fiercely proud of The Vivienne’s achievements, including winning the first ever series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Right now our thoughts are with their family and friends, the Drag Race sisterhood and their many fans.”
Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay, where James Lee Williams was a former pupil, said: “Rydal Penrhos is deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of James Lee Williams (RPS 2003–08), known to the world as The Vivienne. After achieving worldwide fame as the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne’s successful career as a performer and artist proved a source of inspiration and joy to so many. Our heartfelt thoughts are with James’ family and friends at this difficult time.”
Producers of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Crossroads Live, said in a statement on social media: “Everyone at Crossroads Live is deeply saddened by the passing of The Vivienne. The Vivienne’s incredible and brilliant talent shone through in their portrayal of The Childcatcher in our production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. They were an integral part of the company and will be missed immensely. Our thoughts are with their family and friends at this very sad time. There will be further news from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in due course.”
Producers of The Wizard of Oz, Michael Harrison Entertainment, said: “”We at MHE are devastated to learn of the passing of our friend The Vivienne. A phenomenal performer, huge talent and the most Wicked of Witches.”
RuPaul, host of RuPaul’s Drag Race, said: “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”
UPDATES: First published 5 January 2025; Updated with tributes, 6 and 7 January 2025; Updated 13 January 2025 with news of the vigil held for The Vivienne
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