James Lee Williams the drag performer famously known as The Vivienne died this weekend at 32 according to a statement from their manager Simon Jones. Williams earned fame after winning the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK which cemented the drag persona into pop culture with global recognition. The cause of Williams death has not been officially cited.
The Vivienne's Rise to Fame in Drag: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Recognition and Beyond
James Lee Williams born on April 12 1992 in Colwyn Bay Wales began as a makeup artist before developing a deep love for Vivienne Westwood clothing earning the stage name The Vivienne after that famous designer. Williams moved to Liverpool England at sixteen pursuing a career as makeup artist before performing in local clubs before his appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK . The Vivienne’s comedy performances including impressive vocal imitations especially that of Donald Trump made her extremely recognizable during the hit show as well as showcasing an honest struggle with past substance abuse to connect on a personal level to audiences.
RuPaul Mourns The Vivienne’s Passing: Drag Community and Fans Pay Respects after Loss of 'Lovely Human Being'
RuPaul the creator of Drag Race posted his own message on Instagram sharing grief at loss of The Vivienne confirming the large reach the drag performer had in the entertainment industry. Publicist Simon Jones publicly shared news of Williams death describing them as warm and amazing individual whose family were left utterly heart broken at their death. The Vivienne death details have been intentionally kept private for this time according to the Williams family. Police responded to calls on Monday detailing prior activity at the residence where The Vivienne was at before the news of her passing confirming their presence but ruling out any suspicious activity following detailed analysis.
'Dancing On Ice' and The Wizard Of Oz': The Vivienne's Diverse Entertainment Career Displayed
The Vivienne debuted in the 2019 inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. The performer competed again on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and was a contestant on Dancing on Ice in 2023. The Vivienne’s “Snatch Game” performance when doing Donald Trump received high accolades from judge Michelle Visage during the shows long television run demonstrating a strong talent in character performance as a professional entertainer. The Vivienne further displayed their unique abilities across various stage and film productions like the UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz where they acted as Wicked Witch of the West also reprising that specific role at the West End Gillian Lynne Theatre before being cast for Child Catcher in the musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang set for touring next month before the unexpected event.
The Vivienne's Career Journey and Personal Life Remembered Across Many Different Social Media Platform
Drag Race Fans as well as fellow drag performers used many platforms to publicly express grief and respect with Tributes from around the world using social media handles. Many viewers publicly noted RuPaul’s role in providing a platform where The Vivienne demonstrated incredible talent . Fellow performer Danny Beard commented directly to RuPaul showcasing connection with The Vivienne while confirming the performer held RuPaul in high regards . The family requested privacy from the public at large at this time to process loss. Many messages have been made over social media expressing shared feeling on The Vivienne's death.
Heartfelt Tributes To The Vivienne From Loved Ones Including Colin Grafton and David Ludford
The Vivienne’s ex husband David Ludford publicly wrote about feelings stating his "heart is shattered” showcasing his love for the performer stating their time together was nothing he would not trade for anything expressing a real heartfelt bond that continues despite formal separation from a past partnership. RuPaul Charles and American skater Colin Grafton Williams skating partner on ITV’s Dancing on Ice gave separate public condolences with Grafton commending The Vivienne as someone who inspired so much love and hope within countless individuals adding to the long list of people touched by the presence of the individual . The pair also broke a Dancing on Ice history barrier reaching third position in the 2023 competition which saw them reach final performance level.
Fellow Celebrities Express Sadness And Pay Homage To The Vivienne After Unexpected Death
Singer Ariana Grande showed support through photos along with three heart emojis also publicly showed an act of compassion with former co star Oti Mabuse a Dancing on Ice Judge also calling her a "phenomenal entertainer” while Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said The Vivienne acted as "beacon to many” who all share similar sentiment on influence as a person and a star in the public. Northern Irish drag queen Blu Hydrangea also expressed high praise describing her as class act mentor and absolute superstar. Publicist Simon Jones announced news on Sunday detailing a loss in the community while a Cheshire police confirmed a sudden death occurred while stating no suspicious reasons related to their investigation. Public messages of appreciation came flooding into different digital channels showcasing unique personal stories to commemorate The Vivienne .
Tributes from Entertainment World Flood Social Media Expressing The Vivienne's Enduring Impact
Pop Star and singer Ariana Grande publicly shared a message alongside an image of The Vivienne . Pop Star Jinkx Monsoon said there are not enough words showcasing impact The Vivienne had in many communities. TV Presenter Rylan called their performance “amazing” after hearing sudden news of death and noted their incredible loss. Television presenter Lorraine Kelly called the performer whip smart generous and lovely individual adding a further description to who The Vivienne was and is in many people’s eyes. Actor Antony Cotton also said The Vivienne death as "unbelievably sad" noting the presence always a joy to be around for his own personal time with the famous queen. Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley described The Vivienne as “incredible human” emphasizing the bright shine to an incredible spirit adding to the growing list of public mourning.
Condemnations Rise After 'Drag Race' Star's Insensitive Remarks About The Vivienne
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Vs The World winner Tia Kofi mentioned The Vivienne showed British Drag in high regard showcasing stage and screen talent globally . Tia also emphasized impact to all the British Drag community stating love to The Vivienne. A BBC controller Fiona Campbell acknowledged deep sadness at The Vivienne passing and publicly noted immense pride in accomplishments throughout career as performer. Tyra Sanchez formerly known as Tyra an earlier RuPaul's Drag Race winner shared callous statements online showing lack of compassion which drew immediate backlash from multiple RuPaul's Drag Race stars as well as countless fans as well showing their contempt with comments posted.
Tyra made her post on X re-sharing a post made previously by The Vivienne that noted a joke about Netflix spoiling prior event which was clearly done at a very poor time and with intentions of adding drama from fans. Tyra’s comments comparing The Vivienne death to "fumes from the crematorium" became very controversial resulting in immediate strong disapproval from the drag community and from fans alike showing a lack of compassion. Tyra’s statement led multiple people such as drag queen Kandy Muse to state her public condemnation while calling her “disgusting person” showcasing a deep moral split in opinions with drag community. Tatianna a prior competitor with Tyra and Drag Race Espãna star Pink Chadora joined in the disapproval calling Tyra’s statement both cruel and miserable.
Tyra's Troubled Past Comes To Light After Insensitive Remarks And Call For Removal Of Title
Fans urged Drag Race production World of Wonder to revoke Tyra’s season two win. Tyra stated she does “not care” about keeping crown after negative responses which highlights lack of concern following poor commentary. Tyra was also previously banned at Drag Race fan event called DragCon after threatening online activity in 2018. She has since had various public incidents like arrest in 2020 for graffiti plus another arrest in 2023 after threats towards a police officer in a traffic incident and she was arrested that same year after blocking a road during a public protest. More than one hundred Drag Race alumni joined forces and shared tributes publicly to celebrate The Vivienne. Simon Jones did ask for continued privacy for family during the ongoing period of grief while they manage the shock of death.
A Life of Beauty Kindness And Faith: Remembering Ethel Lee "Missy" Rollins Miller Eubanks' Legacy
Ethel Lee "Missy" Rollins Miller Eubanks passed peacefully on January 6th 2025 after long life well lived as strong presence in the local community. Missy a long life resident born on September 7th 1935 to Oscar and Louise Price Rollins always displayed skill with crafting plus giving acts. Missy’s legacy as a caring woman comes from her years as skilled seamstress working at Jefferson Cleaners and Laundromat and at her personal home throughout time showing dedication to creative arts with beauty in everyday life and in the lives she touched within community in Jefferson South Carolina.
Missy always shared faith which acted as keystone of her existence as she held strong devotion to her church taking many leadership roles throughout lifetime sharing bright presence till dementia limited her reach and engagement with groups. A life long gardener and 'Good Cookin' culinary talents brought immense joy to families during Church events while showing love of simplicity through actions during her personal life.
Missy’s family includes daughter Edwina Miller Brown brothers Frank and Ray Rollins and Sister Carolyn Shirley and many nieces and nephews family members and friends she touched across many social circles. Family honored her during a gathering on Saturday January 11th 2025 at Bethel Baptist Church in Jefferson and requested donations to the church rather than flowers as memorial tribute as a way to honor memory.