“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, warmhearted and amazing person,” Simon Jones, the manager, said on Instagram.
“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,” the post further read.
RuPaul’s Drag Race also paid tribute to Williams, saying they were ‘deeply saddened’ by the news. In an Instagram post, the show wrote, “She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”
Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, called The Vivienne “a beacon to so many” and shared fond memories of their time together on social media.
On Instagram, Visage wrote, “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.”
Born on April 12, 1992, in Colwyn Bay, Wales, Williams moved to Liverpool at 16 to pursue a career as a makeup artist. They earned the nickname Vivienne because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing.
The Vivienne won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and starred in musical theatre and TV productions. In 2022, Williams also competed on “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” Season 7.
The Vivienne played the role of the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz musical and also came third in the 2023 edition of Dancing on Ice.
In 2020, The Vivienne starred in the BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood.
Williams, in a 2019 BBC interview, defined The Vivienne as someone who has come into money, she “moved to LA and blew it all and then she’s had to move back to Liverpool.”
