British drag queen The Vivienne dies at 32: What is known
British drag queen The Vivienne dies at 32 (photo: instagram.com/thevivienne_)
British drag queen The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died at the age of 32. The tragic news was confirmed by the celebrity's family, but the cause of her death remains unknown.
The Vivienne has died
The death of the celebrity was confirmed on January 5 this year. James' agent said that he “passed away over the weekend” and that no further details would be released at this time.
“The police investigated all the circumstances surrounding the 32-year-old's death and concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances. A report will be prepared for the coroner,” said the star's representative.
The Vivienne was 32 years old (photo: instagram.com/thevivienne_)
What is known about The Vivienne
The artist became known for her participation in RuPaul's Drag Race UK. She took this pseudonym because she often wore clothes from British designer Vivienne Westwood.
On social media, colleagues honor Williams' memory by publishing relevant posts. The publications call the artist a “beacon of creativity and authenticity” and emphasize that The Vivienne “embodied the image of a true champion.”
American artist Michelle Visage called James “a beacon for many” and noted that she would miss him.
Williams was born in North Wales and moved to Liverpool at the age of 16. He attended Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay and was of Roma descent.
The Vivienne (photo: instagram.com/thevivienne_)
The Vivienne (photo: instagram.com/thevivienne_)
The Vivienne (photo: instagram.com/thevivienne_)
His career began in 2015. The future celebrity worked in various bars and found himself on the list of the best along with another drag performer La Voie. Later, he starred in the British reality series RuPaul's Drag Race UK, where he won.
After his success in reality TV, a new stage in his career began. In January 2022, The Vivienne starred in the Channel 4 series Celebrity Hunted. In April of the same year, she joined the filming of the 7th season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, where former winners of the franchise competed for the title of “Queen of All Queens”.
Later, Williams became the British ambassador for the American reality series RuPaul's Drag Race. He also became the first drag performer to participate in Dancing on Ice in 2023.
The Vivienne outside the stage image (photo: instagram.com/thevivienne_)
The Vivienne outside the stage image (photo: instagram.com/thevivienne_)
Personal life of The Vivienne
In 2019, the artist married David Lutford. In April 2023, the couple announced their separation.
Throughout his life, James has faced homophobic manifestations and urged members of the LGBTQ+ community to remain vigilant when they go out in public. Williams also struggled with drug addiction, particularly ketamine.
The Vivienne (photo: instagram.com/thevivienne_)
Note: a drag queen is a person, usually a man, who dresses in drag (clothes belonging to the opposite sex) and often behaves predominantly feminine, within the female gender role.
