James Lee Williams, generally known as drag artist The Vivienne, has died on the age of 32, his public relations consultant introduced on Sunday.
Simon Jones posted on Instagram on Sunday: “It’s with immense unhappiness that we let our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has handed this weekend.
“James was an extremely beloved, warm-hearted and wonderful particular person. Their household are heartbroken on the lack of their son, brother and uncle. They’re so pleased with the fantastic issues James achieved of their life and profession.
“We is not going to be releasing any additional particulars. We please ask that James’s household are given the time and privateness they now must course of and grieve.”
Williams, whose drag identify got here from their love of the style designer Vivienne Westwood, rose to prominence after changing into the UK drag ambassador for the US collection of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015.
They received the primary UK collection of the present in 2019 after lip-syncing within the last to I’m Your Man, a music by Wham!
Williams subsequently appeared within the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and was a finalist within the UK collection of Dancing on Ice in 2023, ending in third place.
The drag artist most lately performed the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on tour and beforehand appeared because the Depraved Witch of the West within the revival of the Wizard of Oz musical.
Tributes have been paid to Williams on social media.
RuPaul’s Drag Race decide Michelle Visage stated: “Heartbreaking, I don’t know learn how to say how I really feel.
“My darling @thevivienne_ we return to once I began coming over right here to the UK. You had been at all times there, at all times laughing, at all times giving, at all times on level.
“Your laughter, your wit, your expertise, your drag. I beloved all of it however I beloved your friendship most of all. You had been a beacon to so many.”
Coronation Road star Antony Cotton stated the information was “unbelievably unhappy”, including: “James was an actual pleasure to be round. We beloved him, x.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash wrote on Instagram: “I’m so sorry I’m in whole shock.”
Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley described Williams as an “unimaginable human” who will likely be missed.
She wrote on Instagram: “You unimaginable human … relaxation in peace. By no means cease shining your stunning gentle over us all.
“Love and energy to all your loved ones. We are going to miss you a lot.”
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