James Lee Williams, known as drag artist The Vivienne, has died at the age of 32, their public relations representative announced on Sunday.
Simon Jones posted on Instagram: “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. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Williams, whose drag name came from their love of the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, rose to prominence after becoming the UK drag ambassador for the US series of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015.
They won the first UK series of the show in 2019 after lip-syncing in the final to I’m Your Man, a song by Wham!
Williams subsequently appeared in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and was a finalist in the UK series of Dancing on Ice in 2023, finishing in third place.
The drag artist most recently played the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on tour and previously appeared as the Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of the Wizard of Oz musical.
Their film credits included Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie and their TV credits included Emmerdale.
Tributes were paid to Williams on social media on Sunday.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said: “Heartbreaking, I don’t know how to say how I feel.
“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. You were a beacon to so many.”
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news was “unbelievably sad”, adding: “James was a real joy to be around. We loved him, x.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash wrote on Instagram: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock.”
Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley wrote on Instagram: “You incredible human … rest in peace. Never stop shining your beautiful light over us all. Love and strength to all your family. We will miss you so much.”
The ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote on X: “Oh this is so sad – such a lovely, funny, whip smart and generous person. A delight to interview. My thoughts with everyone who loved The Vivienne.”
Williams, who was born in north Wales, also starred in BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood in 2020, which saw them make their first music video.
They were joined each week by a different celebrity, with guests including Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur and US comedian Bruce Vilanch.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World winner Tia Kofi said in a post on social media: “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.”
Speaking in 2019, The Vivienne said: “My style is like a scouse wife who has come into money, she moved to LA and blew it all and then she’s had to move back to Liverpool.
“I like to have a really fierce look, but I like to be hilarious on stage so I’m kind of an old school and the new school put together which I think works.
“Comedy is definitely my trump card. My favourite trick in drag is my vocal impersonations so I do everyone from Kim Woodburn, Cilla Black, Donald Trump: you name it, I’ll do it – for the right price.”
Last January, a man who attacked Williams in a hate crime received a suspended jail sentence.
Liverpool magistrates court found that the one-punch attack by Alan Whitfield, an unemployed scaffolder, on Williams was homophobic.
Williams’s face was bruised and painful for a week, but they told the court that “luckily” they were a 6ft ex-rugby player who could take a punch.
