Jamie Lee Williams, known professionally as the drag artist The Vivienne, has passed away at aged 32. The devastating news was announced yesterday (January 5) by their PR manager Simon Jones.
In two separate Instagram posts dedicated to The Vivienne, Jones wrote: “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.”
He continued: “Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved every much… Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other. I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years… I am heartbroken and devasted at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”
Williams’ drag name ‘The Vivienne’ emerged from a love of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Hailing from Wales, they quickly became a prominent name in mainstream drag culture after they were crowned champion of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. This success led them to star in BBC Three’s The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020, compete in an all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2022 and finish third place in the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice.
The Vivienne had also established a prominent position in musical theatre, having starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard Of Oz musical, which toured all over the UK and Ireland. However, most recently the drag artist finished a string of shows playing The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, set to reprise their role again in February.
Despite Williams’ PR manager stating: “we will not be releasing any further details” surrounding The Vivienne’s death, the tragic news has made the rounds online as countless tributes have come in to celebrate Williams’ talent and legacy.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage wrote: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel… My darling The Vivienne 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.”
Concluding: “I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
The passing of The Vivienne marks the loss of one of the UK’s pioneers in bringing drag into the mainstream of 21st century culture.
