James Lee Williams professionally known as The Vivienne the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series one has died at 32 triggering considerable shock within entertainment media channels and among many drag community fans around the globe. Simon Jones publicist for the famed artist shared the tragic news on Sunday January 5 that the beloved star had passed leaving family friends and fans all heartbroken with grief at the loss of such a beautiful person with immense talent.
Police Investigation Concludes No Suspicious Circumstances in The Vivienne’s Death After Reports of a Sudden Death
Cheshire Police responded to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford near Chester at 12:22 pm Sunday January 5 where officers investigated the sudden passing of the 32 year old star. Cheshire Police have now concluded after investigating the matter further that the passing had no suspicious circumstances with a file being presented to the coroner in due course and full support being given to bereaved families of the performer. Williams who adopted The Vivienne name inspired by clothing of Vivienne Westwood after they rose to fame also appeared on Dancing on Ice in 2023.
Tributes Pour In from Drag Race Community Following The Vivienne's Sudden Passing Over The Weekend
RuPaul has expressed how heart broken they are following James Lee Williams passing in a very emotional statement issued to both public fans and media channels saying “I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne.” Many close friends family and fans mourn and fondly remember how this talented drag queen won series one of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and how their contributions had a positive impact on others who looked up to and were inspired by this beacon of talent and beauty. RuPaul's Drag Race show shared a moving tribute via X highlighting that this talented individual “will be dearly missed but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity.”
Michelle Visage RuPaul’s Drag Race UK judge spoke very emotionally about the news saying the news “heartbreaking” while mentioning “You were always there always laughing always giving always on point.” Michelle also mentioned the long relationship between herself and The Vivienne as they go "back to when I started coming over here to the UK". The Vivienne always present and sharing laughs also giving great input during television segments added much needed presence. The Vivienne became highly popular among audience members during performances in acting segments and runways while competing on Drag Race. Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash said in response to the announcement, “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”. Cheryl who competed along side The Vivienne wrote on Instagram “I will love you forever Viv”.
Career Highlights: The Vivienne's Journey from Drag Ambassador to Musical Theatre Performer
James Lee Williams achieved success using the stage name The Vivienne after their victory on the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK becoming well known across diverse fan base groups throughout different sectors of the global drag community . The Vivienne won a RuPaul hosted event that made them the UK Ambassador for the franchise as their first big recognition. The Vivienne secured their reputation following her spot-on Donald Trump impersonation during the "Snatch Game" segment of Drag Race that judge Michelle Visage considered “the best Snatch Game character in the history of the show". The Vivienne's President Trump was complete with pouted lips orange makeup and signature blonde hair. The Vivienne went on to also become the first drag performer to be on ITV’s Dancing on Ice where they finished in the top three.
River Medway's Tribute Highlights The Vivienne’s Lasting Influence on the Drag Community in UK
River Medway also known as Dexter Clift who performed with The Vivienne on many occasions said that “The Viv” “was the blueprint of a drag superstar. So talented so funny so entertaining”. He expressed high admiration by saying that he loved seeing Viv perform as it was amazing opportunity to enjoy such wonderful stage presence that he felt could easily become the next Paul O'Grady on TV. James Lee Williams ex-husband David Ludford posted on Instagram " My heart literally sank when I got the call My heart is shattered" as he recalled good memories of times spent together in a moving tribute.
Emotional Responses to Loss: RuPaul's Drag Race Family Members, Friends and Community React With Grief
RuPaul's heartfelt tribute via social media expressed the love of his family network stating “With a broken heart I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne." The Vivienne’s skating partner from ITV’s Dancing on Ice Colin Grafton mentioned that they “brought light into every room they entered and gave so many people hope where there was none.” The Vivienne worked as the Wicked Witch of the West for the UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz and recently was set to go on another tour with the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical as the Child Catcher as her stage career became a central focus in her short but very powerful life.
Global Impact: International Artists Honor The Vivienne's Contributions
Ariana Grande a main actor in the Wicked movie also acknowledged the passing of Williams by adding a moving message on Instagram with a photo plus heart emojis after receiving the information from press release. Dancing on Ice Judge Oti Mabuse greatly respected The Vivienne calling her “phenomenal entertainer” and “trailblazer”. RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage also expressed deep emotions as she mourns for someone who she greatly valued and admired also adding that they will forever remember and keep the memory of a beautiful beacon of beauty always in hearts and minds. Blu Hydrangea who competed with The Vivienne on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK praised the talent saying they were “class act a mentor an absolute superstar”
Simon Jones's Statement and Cheshire Police Investigation into The Vivienne's Untimely Death
Simon Jones the publicist of James Lee Williams announced the performers death on social media during Sunday evening and the message was shared across media outlets confirming the performers sudden passing. Cheshire police released a statement that they had investigated an address in Chorlton-by-Backford near Chester and found there was no suspicious activity that required additional investigation while also concluding their work to make public a file with the local coroner and support services to allow due diligence and process all the facts to complete case for public records. Simon Jones public statement made it clear to all that the passing was unexpected yet there was immense support and love from his close friends and family during this hard moment.
The Vivienne's Career: Beyond Drag Race on Screen and Stage Plus Philanthropic Works
The Vivienne achieved international recognition in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for RuPaul’s Drag Race. She made her impact in music and theater with roles in Wizard of Oz and also Chitty Chitty Bang Bang adding more dimensions to their creative and entertainment talents. The Vivienne is the most well-known British Drag Queen using humour and fashion to highlight British queer art which also showed their philanthropic endeavors. Many fans and colleagues described The Vivienne as trend-setting in the sense that she would not conform but rather carve out their own pathway in entertainment industry by being themselves.
Community Reaction, The Impact of The Vivienne: Heartfelt Tributes from Fellow Artists & Admirers
Following The Vivienne’s passing Simon Jones published a statement to confirm passing that triggered an out pouring of heartfelt tributes from countless members of the international drag community. Jinkx Monsoon wrote “it’s too soon for a curtain call” also stating the "joy humour and supportive sisterhood will stay with me forever”. Shea Couleé from All Star 7 said her influence was “Like a handprint on my heart” Many friends, colleagues and fans have expressed that the world will feel a tremendous void due to the loss of such an artist and beautiful human being from stage and screen. Baga Chipz raised a glass to his best friend stating in his moving and emotional farewell message “What am I gonna do now without you…My beautiful boy My James Our Viv." Many fans have used the shared public statement information and combined with previous messages shared on other platforms like Instagram and Facebook to further their understanding of such tragic situation.
Legacy and Humanity of The Vivienne Shines Through Artistry and Philanthropic Works
BenDeLaCreme who had a two week tour with The Vivienne also posted about how he noticed James’ kindness adding his experience made him aware of her “kindness and generosity also just blasted out of her with inescapable fervour” noting a strong presence felt through their encounters. The world will always remember The Vivienne as a kind and generous spirit whose love reached many. Fans will long remember The Vivienne’s talent from iconic moments and viral video clips in an attempt to cope with the devastating loss. The Vivienne openly discussed her past struggles to connect with fans and also help others dealing with similar issues. Even during The Vivienne faced challenges with hate from the public that violence further amplified her desire for speaking out against hate crimes creating lasting and impactful differences. This helped The Vivienne solidify herself as not just an artist but as a strong advocate against inequalities.
Before starting Drag Race The Vivienne won the position to serve as a British Ambassador also later going to compete on the first season of the UK show . She won RuPaul’s Drag Race UK series one 2019 and became All Star 7 competitor on follow up series while also being the first drag queen competing on ITV’s Dancing On Ice also earning third place alongside professional Colin Grafton. In their fifth week The Vivienne opted to appear as their non-drag form to show more vulnerability by performing a heartfelt version of Halo to mainstream television viewers . She is an inspiration to both viewers as a human being plus performing and sharing the love and humanity so much through all media opportunities presented throughout a stellar yet too short career. Many viewers saw her performances for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on tour also Wizard of Oz in West End. Even small parts such as those in Absolutely Fabulous and Emmerdale. This artist gave back to their community by engaging in projects such as Celebrity Hunted with Stand Up To Cancer plus Jag Race to aid HIV charity Sahir House. The Vivienne remains a reminder to be true to ones self in all personal pursuits.
The Vivienne remains an important representation of what British drag encompasses. While mourning the passing of such an important and loved icon it can serve as a gentle reminder of The Vivienne's very touching advice: "surround yourself with fabulous people real people and amazing friends and you’ll always have somewhere to turn make sure that you can be that place for somebody else to turn". Many fans in different regions across globe look to provide comfort to anyone needing help during the grief cycle . Those in distress may call Samaritans help line at 116 123. Or one may send email to [email protected].
Ethel Lee "Missy" Rollins Miller Eubanks Obituary: Remembering A Life of Faith and Giving in Jefferson, SC
Ethel Lee "Missy" Rollins Miller Eubanks born September 7 1935 passed away peacefully January 6 2025 after many well lived years dedicated to family and God. Missy always poured love generosity and light onto all her many relations and fans who appreciated everything the amazing woman represented during her time among people. Missy was from Jefferson High School from there used talent to her fullest while working as a seamstress for many years at Jefferson Cleaners Laundromat with skill and passion. She also worked at home utilizing talent with family and friends receiving gifts throughout a long life.
Missy loved spending her days within the beauty of nature tending her garden. Her ‘good cookin' became a favorite across different congregations of faith as a gift for community. She gave her unwavering faith with the church with countless hours donated to support her Christian communities. Missy who had been Predeceased by both parents her husband Edwin Miller and also Haul Eubanks plus several siblings who have all previously died including Ray "Nick" Rollins and Gerald Rollins along with Carolyn Rollins Shirley step son Jeffrey Eubanks has a great and lasting legacy of love which lives on through her family and through close friends as we move into 2025.
Surviving family includes daughter Edwina Miller Brown her brother Frank (Pat) Rollins and Jerry Shirley plus Era Rollins Watson and also Lynda Eubanks (Jimmy) Dunn all family who were most impacted from such wonderful generous spirit. Her community her friends and loved ones will be forever moved and changed from kindness and wonderful legacy which is lasting. Missy’s memorial is planned at Bethel Baptist Church in Jefferson on Saturday January 11 2025 at 2 pm with additional support offered for those who need it at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home in Chesterfield. Memorial donations for Missy’s life and legacy may be given at Bethel Baptist Church at 11078 Hwy 151 Jefferson SC or at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home 843 623 2449 who provided services to loved ones.