James Lee Williams best known as ‘The Vivienne’ dies

The drag entertainer’s death was announced this evening…

James Lee Williams best known by his persona The Vivienne has died aged 32.

The drag performer became a UK wide television sensation after winning the 2019 series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK – the first to be produced in the UK – and went on to appear on television shows such as Emmerdale, Blankety Blank, Dancing on Ice,  Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and her own series The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood.

In theatre there were rave reviews for roles in The Wizard of Oz in 2023 and as the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang last year.

While a lot of the Drag Race output is ‘Americanised glitzy slick drag’ and nothing like the gritty and earthy UK drag scene, The Vivienne was able to merge both stateside and British drag styles and make each performance into a powerhouse of a presence that she made her own for DragRace. Impressions were also a hit with viewers including a take on Kim Woodburn, Cilla Black and Donald Trump to name just a few.

On Sunday evening Simon Jones, manager of Williams, confirmed that the performer had passed away this weekend.

“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, warm-hearted, and amazing person.

“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. We will not be releasing any further details.” – Statement from Simon Jones

The Vivienne becomes the first ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK on BBC Three

A juggernaut of talent: James Lee Williams performs in The Wizard of Oz

Tributes have been paid across the showbiz world this evening from fans and fellow performers.

Martin Ramsdin – aka Bunny Galore:

“In utter shock at the sad news, The Vivienne was one of those people who whenever we ran into each other at events was just such a sweet soul. As well as being such a juggernaut of talent. I’ve been absolutely captivated by how they’ve been smashing it career wise lately with Wizard of Oz and then Chitty. She really was becoming a national treasure. A class act indeed. Will be very much missed.”

DragRace judge Michelle Visage said:

“You were a beacon to so many. I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times,”

Lawrence John Bolton – aka Tia Kofi:

“This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.”

Captivating an audience: The Vivienne as The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz

The Vivienne makes history on ITV’s Emmerdale with its first Pride event

Williams was born and raised in North Wales and moved to Liverpool at 16 years old. Williams married David Ludford in 2019 however in April 2023, the couple announced their separation, while professionally Williams was going from strength to strength the year was privately troubled as two months later James Lee was the victim of a homophobic attack at a fast-food restaurant in Liverpool.

In a statement, Merseyside Police confirmed that “a man made homophobic comments towards him [The Vivienne/James Lee Williams] and then proceeded to punch him in the face before fleeing the scene.” Williams utilised the attack as a way of highlighting the fact that homophobia still exists in 2023 and for members of the gay and lesbian community to remain vigilant when out in public.

In December 2023, 51-year-old Alan Whitfield from Everton was found guilty of an assault motivated by homophobia. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison with an 18-month suspended on January 5th, 2024.

In happier times The Vivienne won Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards ‘Inspiration Award’ in 2022 and in 2021 the drag star featured in ITV soap Emmerdale when the village held its first pride event. Speaking at the time The Vivienne said, ““I’m so happy that I will be part of Emmerdale’s first ever Pride. My role is to officially open the event on the stage! It’s great for Emmerdale to be doing this and I’m delighted to be part of it.”

As well as appearing on Lily Savage’s old stomping ground on Blankety Blank on Boxing Day on BBC One The Vivienne also hosted a festive special on BBC Radio Wales. The Vivienne’s Ultimate Queens Christmas Party can be heard for two more weeks on BBC Sounds.

We’ll leave the final words to Hera Hoffer aka Jinx Monsoon:

“I don’t entirely have words… She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call but I know it’s a standing ovation. I love you Viv.”