The “RuPaul’s Drag Race” queens and group are mourning the dying of British drag performer Vivienne, who died over the weekend.
Vivienne could also be finest identified for successful the debut season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” and going head-to-head with different winners on the 2022 season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars,” however to the opposite queens she was a lot extra.
The Liverpool artist, born James Lee Williams, was “an extremely proficient queen and a stunning human being,” RuPaul wrote in an Instagram on Monday gift. Likewise, the Instagram account for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” remembered Vivienne for her “expertise, humor and dedication to the artwork of drag.”
“His legacy will reside on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity — he embodied what it means to be a real champion,” the present’s assertion learn.
Publicist Simon Jones announced Vivienne’s dying on social media on Sunday however the reason for dying was not revealed; he additionally requested privateness and time so the drag performer’s family members may grieve. In a separate declaration shared on Sunday, Jones mourned Vivienne’s sudden dying, noting that “their careers have been solely simply starting.”
Vivienne – named after the late British punk designer Vivienne Westwood – made her debut on “Drag Race” in 2019, strutting around the lab in a metallic pink go well with. “Don’t get too comfy women, it will not take two minutes,” Vivienne stated, shading her opponents.
“I’m right here as a result of I should be right here,” Vivienne stated in her first confessional. Prior to “Drag Race UK,” RuPaul appointed Vivienne because the UK ambassador for the “Drag Race” franchise.
He continued: “There can be no particular therapy, however I’ll kill anyway.”
During her tenure at “Drag Race UK”, Vivienne was a continuing competitor: she achieved a number of victories and was usually protected when different queens achieved a victory. She charmed judges and viewers along with her humorous impersonations of Queen Elizabeth II within the season premiere and President Trump for the primary time. Catch game challenge.
Vivienne ended up on the underside solely as soon as after a bunch problem went unsuitable. Ultimately, she outlasted fellow queen Crystal and stayed on to win the crown, beating runner-up Divina de Campo.
“I keep in mind your confidence on set so clearly: virtually 10 years youthful than me and filled with confidence,” Crystal recalled Vivienne in an Instagram gift. “It was apparent to everybody that you just have been going to do nice issues. I’m actually completely happy to have met you.”
In 2022, Vivienne returned to the Werkroom for the primary season of all of the winners of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” She competed alongside queens together with Hall of Essence Jaida, Shea casting and “Queen of All Queens” Jinkx Monsoon, who paid tribute on social media.
“He left his mark in our hearts and on his phases. It’s too early for a curtain name, however I do know it is a standing ovation,” Monsoon he wrote. “I like you Viv.”
Artists Bob the Drag Queen, Jimbo, Trinity the Tuck, Priyanka, Baga Chipz and choose Michelle Face they have been additionally among the many “Drag Race” characters who remembered Vivienne on social media.
In addition to “Drag Race,” Vivienne additionally appeared on the ITV competitors “Dancing on Ice” and devoted herself to music and theater. According to the BBC, she carried out because the Wicked Witch of the West within the UK and Irish tour of “The Wizard of Oz,” and appeared because the Child Catcher in a production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”. Weeks earlier than her dying, Vivienne additionally hosted her personal “Ultimate Queens Christmas Party” radio special for the BBC.
During “Drag Race,” Vivienne was open about his struggles with drug use and dependancy. Moments earlier than successful the crown, she advised the judges that she would have advised her youthful self to “attempt saying ‘no’.”
“Just attempt to avoid it, however you are going to do what you like to do and it is actually going to be one hell of a experience,” Vivienne stated. “Because you are going to find yourself on ‘Drag Race’ with all these superb folks and that is higher than something anybody may ever offer you.”
