The Vivienne, a star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, tragically passed away at the age of 32, just days after sharing a final social media post. The performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died this weekend, according to a statement from friend and publicist Simon Jones.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.”
they said. “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.”
Just three days prior to her death, The Vivienne had taken to Instagram to encourage fans to donate to SAHIR, Liverpool’s largest and oldest LGBTQ+ and HIV charity.
She wrote: “Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpool’s oldest LGBT+ charity! ! ! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it.”, reports the Mirror.
Following the tragic news of the star’s death, an outpouring of grief emerged from friends and colleagues. Michelle Visage was among those expressing sorrow, saying: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.”
Brian Dowling remarked with deep sadness: “Simon this is absolutely heartbreaking.”
Emmerdale’s Lisa Riley succinctly shared her anguish, writing: “Broken,” accompanied by tears-filled emojis.
Harriet Rose, in a poignant message, said: “Oh Simon I’m so sorry for your loss. That is absolutely heartbreaking.”
Radio host James Barr conveyed his devastation, noting: “Simon I’m so so sorry. I’m heartbroken. James was such a beautiful person.”
Pussycat Dolls’ Ashley Roberts struggled to come to terms with the news, commenting: “Omg! I can’t believe this. This is heartbreaking news,” with the addition of a broken heart emoji. Union J’s Jaymi Hensley posted a touching photo with The Vivienne, musing: “I actually can’t believe this! When we took this photo little did we know there would only be three of us left. my darling @ollymarmon please welcome our beautiful James @thevivienne_ into heaven! Look after each other, this is too much for my heart to handle! The scales of better people being up there then here has now well and truly changed.”
In another heartfelt Instagram post, Michelle Visage shared pictures of herself with The Vivienne and emotionally wrote alongside them: “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. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
Simon later elaborated in a subsequent post: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager.”
“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. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”
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