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James Lee Williams widely recognized as the incredibly talented drag performer The Vivienne passed away this weekend at the age of 32 and his death has sent shockwaves of sadness through the drag community and the world. Simon Jones The Vivienne’s longtime publicist announced this tragic information noting The Vivienne as incredibly loved and a warm-hearted individual who always put her family first with many great achievements in her life. The entertainment industry in both US and UK is in shock for such great loss of talented human being .
The Vivienne who hailed from Wales became known as the UK Drag Ambassador for RuPaul's Drag Race a full four years before later competing in and winning the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 further establishing her as major international icon . James Lee Williams or The Vivienne candid discussions of her addiction challenges won over many fans demonstrating both immense talent and great empathy while competing for title. Many fans revealed they had reached out directly to her for help getting sober while many families contacted her for advice as their child showed strong support for the drag community in England and across Europe. The show “RuPaul's Drag Race” aired their tribute on the show’s X account acknowledging she is a “true champion” as it deeply saddened her loss.
After success with Drag Race The Vivienne entered various acting projects including the praised medical series This is Going to Hurt based on a book by Adam Kay demonstrating broad acting capability as many saw. The Vivienne portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West during the UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz calling it her most incredible experience which proved her versatility on various different stages of shows. A January interview with “In Common” from last year showed her great joy when performing this character. The Vivienne showed a huge range in talents within musical theatre acting and performing for crowds both internationally and in the UK. James Lee Williams brought magic and humor to every role and set he showed up for whether movie tv musical theatre or otherwise
Simon Jones shared heart felt personal feelings mentioning he did not anticipate ever writing about The Vivienne’s passing with a clear acknowledgement Her comedic talents were unique. Many others shared their condolences from RuPaul Drag Race judges Michelle Visage stated “I don’t know how to say how I feel” describing her long history with Williams. Michelle Visage included she loved Vivienne’s “laughter wit and talent” but especially appreciated their friendship saying The Vivienne was a “beacon to so many”. Drag artist Bimini voiced “I’m in total shock” as Perrie Edwards and Nicole Appleton shared love hearts plus expressed condolences to the entire family. River Medway said The Vivienne is the “blueprint of a drag superstar” during this recent tribute to The Vivienne who has helped all others succeed in drag and related communities and performance circuits internationally.
RuPaul expressed deep sadness for this lost writing on his official Instagram account that his heart is “broken” from news from loss of The Vivienne also calling her a “lovely human being”. Tributes and loving sentiments by fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race were being sent via social media channels that showed a great public loss with great sadness. David Ludford The Vivienne’s ex husband posted on Instagram stating that “My heart literally sank” during the time he received the call and “My heart is shattered!” .
The Vivienne a Welsh born legend created a completely unique style in drag that combined elements of comedy modern fashion and extremely relatable scenarios. Her specific unique skill helped her to be seen both locally and internationally thus creating an amazing cultural force that many respected. Numerous personalities within the global drag community including All Star series alums Jinkx Monsoon and Shea Couleé shared condolences showing the major global impact the death of The Vivienne has made on people all over world in both direct and indirect ways. Baga Chipz wrote they were sharing a glass for her “bestest friend” whose real name was James and acknowledging that without her The Vivienne things would forever change for all that she touched both personally and publicly.
Drag Race great BenDeLaCreme expressed the “radiant fiery power of joy” after seeing James Williams during the short time she toured with her last year citing that Williams showed an extraordinary capacity for kindness with her unique gifts and talents while always being professional as an artist and human. Fans were remembering the best of The Vivienne as videos circulated her “Boo!” “Powder” plus “Noelle” from her viral performances displaying how talented James Lee Williams was as The Vivienne. Her title of UK Ambassador for the US drag show before her series appearance was proof of skill in drag scenes all over UK.
The Vivienne also reached the very end of Dancing On Ice showing amazing potential for new ventures in dance and ice-skating with professional partner Colin Grafton creating first history with The Vivienne coming third in the skating competition’s 2023 series.. A performance skating to Halo showed the range of her persona beyond performance bringing vulnerability and humanity within the artist which changed opinions from the casual viewers. Her performances spanned into Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a Wizard of Oz revival along with film appearances for Emmerdale and Absolutely Fabulous making her extremely recognizable across a wide range of cultural mediums. She had a goal of shining spotlight on personal addiction showing the immense bravery and a strong belief in helping other people suffering and dealing with difficult moments.
Simon Jones originally announced news of The Vivienne’s death on Sunday while Cheshire police were called Sunday 12:22pm local time responding to reports near Chester. The authorities investigated details surrounding passing of the 32-year old stating they were not suspicious of criminal behavior. David Ludford The Vivienne’s ex husband noted on Instagram how quickly his “heart sank” upon receiving phone call and stating that his “heart is shattered!”. RuPaul also acknowledged great sorrow after learning the news about this great talent. Many social media channels began filling with tribute posts about the talent by co-stars celebrities friends and colleagues after passing.
Entertainment Weekly and many other media sources have contacted spokespeople for RuPaul’s Drag Race to obtain information related to The Vivienne's death with Michelle Visage writing "I’m the lucky one to have known you” emphasizing great respect and her own friendship with Vivienne stating "I love you my darling." Other “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni such as Bianca Del Rio Courtney Act Shea Couleé Crystal and others gave condolences over social media reflecting strong bonds that were present on reality show. Official channels for RuPaul’s Drag Race recognized The Vivienne’s incredible contributions to community adding that her legacy will continue “as a beacon of creativity”. She even inspired her character of Donald Trump where she had become well known among various circles using that specific impression on TV documentaries highlighting broad talent for mimicking individuals.
The Vivienne stood for representation and excellence of UK based drag while encouraging her viewers “Surround yourself with fabulous people real people and amazing friends." Many of The Vivienne’s previous collaborators share that she was able to touch every community regardless of their proximity and The Vivienne always shared love empathy laughter and wisdom. We must all be supportive to those around us especially in tough moments offering empathy as that was something she valued most and her words still serve as motivation to many to this day. The Marie Curie Support Line and Cruse’s Helpline numbers along with Samaritans’ 116 123 helpline were posted as resource support for any individuals needing care or assistance during this very difficult time.
A woman known as Ethel Lee “Missy” Rollins Miller Eubanks a beloved beacon within the faith community passed away this past January 6 2025 after 89 wonderful years of life as she was born on September 7 1935 to Oscar and Louise Price Rollins. Ethel or Missy as she was known dedicated her life to sharing love skill and also beauty. Missy attended Jefferson High School later developing her artistic flair and sewing passion which she translated to the Jefferson Cleaners and Laundromat. She also continued the skill of seamstress at her home making her known for incredible talent throughout the whole region. She shared a great love of the natural outdoors and kept beautiful gardens with fresh home grown food to use in her wonderful recipes.
Ethel’s famous "Good Cookin" became a known part of her life as those recipes were shared often at various gatherings within the community demonstrating her love for sharing within church and community engagements . Faith played key role as she took up different volunteer jobs with her local churches acting as guide to many who needed direction. Her mind and skills were affected by the onset of dementia. Missy was predeceased by parents along with husbands Edwin Miller and Haul Eubanks brothers Ray "Nick" and Gerald Rollins plus her sister Carolyn Rollins Shirley plus stepson Jeffrey Eubanks.
She will be remembered always through many loved individuals including daughter Edwina Miller Brown and brother Frank Rollins alongside numerous in laws step children grandchildren church associates as well as friends demonstrating an incredibly large amount of individuals impacted by Ethel's kindness and character. Services to honor her life were set for January 11 2025 at 2pm at Bethel Baptist Church in Jefferson with her family requesting instead of flowers donations are to be sent to the church or directly to Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home showing she even continued to serve even at the end.