The Vivienne, season 1 winner of “Rupaul’s Drag Race UK,” died over the weekend. The drag performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was reportedly 32.
A cause of death was not revealed in a social media post announcing the death.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” representative Simone Jones shared Sunday on Instagram. “James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person.”
Jones added, “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.”
The Vivienne and RuPaul in 2022. (Getty)
With a stage name inspired by legendary English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, the Welsh performer, who judge Michelle Visage once said was “the best Snatch Game character in the history of the show,” took home the grand prize on the U.K. edition of the popular reality competition series’ inaugural season in 2019.
They also competed on season 7 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.”
RuPaul shared his condolences amid the tributes pouring in online for The Vivienne.
“With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne—an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being,” he wrote on Instagram Monday.
James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. (Getty)
“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion,” the show also tweeted in tribute for The Vivienne, who made their West End debut as the Wicked Witch of the West in “The Wizard of Oz” musical last year.
Visage, a friend of the beloved performer, wrote on Instagram: “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.”