James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, has died at 32.
The performer became famous thanks to RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Williams was given their name of The Vivienne because they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
Publicist Simon Jones confirmed the sad news of their death via Instagram tonight.
He wrote in a statement: ‘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.’
The message concluded: ‘We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.’
In a later post, Jones hailed Williams for their ‘immense talent’ and “the light they brought to every room’.
The tribute continued: ‘I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day 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.’
Tributes quickly flooded the comments section of Jones’s post, Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts writing: ‘Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news 💔’
Presenter Harriet Rose commented: ‘Oh Simon I’m so sorry for your loss. That is absolutely heartbreaking ❤️’
Expressing shock, EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer also wrote: ‘Hang on What ???????’
‘Speechless. James was a joy. What a loss x’, added Coronation Street’s Antony Cotton.
Taking to social media, fellow drag superstar Tia Kofi paid tribute, writing alongside a photo that Williams’ death is ‘an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world.’
‘Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv’.
Screenwriter Russell T Davies also wrote that, after meeting a couple of times, he found Williams to be ‘absolutely delightful.’
‘And what a talent!’, he declared. ‘On the cusp of graduating to West End stardom. What a world. Night, darling.’
Drag Race judge Michelle Visage described Williams as ‘a beacon to so many’.
Alongside pictures of them together, Visage said she is ‘heartbroken’ and lost for words.
‘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.’
Taking to X, Rylan Clark wrote: ‘The news about The Vivienne is so sad. What an amazing performer. Such a loss. Rest in peace gorgeous xxx’
Danny Beard wrote on Instagram that there is now ‘a piece missing’ following Williams’ death.
![This image and the information contained herein is strictly embargoed until 00.01 Tuesday 21st September 2021 From ITV Studios Karaoke Club: Drag Edition: Ep1 on ITV2 and ITV Hub Pictured: The Vivienne. This photograph is (C)Monkey and can only be reproduced for editorial purposes directly in connection with the programme or event mentioned above, or ITV plc. Once made available by ITV plc Picture Desk, this photograph can be reproduced once only up until the transmission [TX] date and no reproduction fee will be charged. Any subsequent usage may incur a fee. This photograph must not be manipulated [excluding basic cropping] in a manner which alters the visual appearance of the person photographed deemed detrimental or inappropriate by ITV plc Picture Desk. This photograph must not be syndicated to any other company, publication or website, or permanently archived, without the express written permission of ITV Picture Desk. Full Terms and conditions are available on the website www.itv.com/presscentre/itvpictures/terms For further information please contact: james.hilder@itv.com / 0207 157 3052](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PRI_199735369-70d2.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
‘Viv was a proper entertainer, she made people she didn’t know feel like they were seen. I’ve always admired that in her. She connected with people and that’s something you can’t buy,’ they wrote in part of their message.
Urging the entertainer to ‘rest well’, American drag star Bianca Del Rio also said: ‘Thank you for sharing your light with all of us. 💋’
Williams initially rose to prominence in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They later competed and won the first UK series of the reality show in 2019 and competed again in the seventh series, which was an All-Stars edition in 2022.
Williams also ventured into theatre, starring as The Wicked Witch of the West in 2011’s The Wizard of Oz, a role they later reprised in the West End.
Additionally, Williams showcased their incredible musical talents via their debut EP, B**ch on Heels (2022).
Their other TV credits include Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted in 2022 in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.
The following year, they made history as the first-ever drag queen to compete in Dancing On Ice and finished in third place with professional partner Colin Grafton.
