Getty PhotographsRuPaul has mentioned his center is “damaged” after the dying of James Lee Williams, higher referred to as drag queen The Vivienne.
“I sign up for all the Drag Race universe in mourning the lack of The Vivienne, a surprisingly gifted queen and an exquisite human being,” he wrote on Instagram.
The Vivienne, who used to be 32 and received the primary collection of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, died over the weekend.
Tributes had been pouring in to the drag famous person on social media, with the display announcing they have been “deeply saddened” via the scoop.
In a submit on X previous, RuPaul’s Drag Race display additionally paid tribute: “She shall be dearly overlooked, however her legacy will survive as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it approach to be a real champion”.
It added: “Our hearts move out to her circle of relatives and enthusiasts all over this hard time.”
Like most of the drag queens at the display, The Vivienne used to be unapologetically distinctive and hilariously straight-talking, however she additionally had one thing extra: pizzazz.
Described via pass judgement on Michelle Visage as “the most productive Seize Sport personality within the historical past of the display”, it used to be The Vivienne’s President Trump impact within the recreation – whole with pouted lips, orange make-up and a floppy blonde wig – that received her the display.
That win consolidated The Vivienne’s affect within the drag neighborhood and her occupation on this planet of TV and musical theatre flourished.
Visage described the famous person as “a beacon to such a lot of”.
Writing on social media, the display’s pass judgement on referred to as the scoop “heartbreaking”, including: “My darling The Vivienne, we return to once I began coming over right here to the United Kingdom.”
“You have been all the time there, all the time giggling, all the time giving, all the time on level.”
“Your laughter, your wit, your skill, your drag. I cherished it all however I cherished your friendship maximum of all.”
Drag Race UK famous person Bimini Bon Boulash additionally reacted to the scoop, writing on Instagram: “I am so sorry I am in general surprise”.
Cheryl – who used to move via the identify Cheryl Hollow – took section in the similar collection of Drag Race as The Vivienne. The performer wrote on Instagram: “I will be able to love you perpetually Viv.”
Pronouncing the scoop of Williams’ dying on Sunday, publicist Simon Jones mentioned the performer used to be “a surprisingly cherished, warm-hearted and superb individual”.
‘Middle shattered’
Dexter Clift, higher referred to as River Medway, competed at the 3rd collection of Drag Race UK and went on to accomplish with The Vivienne in more than a few initiatives together with displays and tune movies.
They instructed the BBC: “He used to be the blueprint of a drag celebrity. So gifted, so humorous, so entertaining. I used to like getting a gig with Viv as it supposed I’d get to look at her.
“The Viv has been round doing drag for see you later however I believed we have been going to look the following Paul O’Grady. I used to be satisfied The Viv used to be going to host Drag Race UK at some point.
“I to find it very tough to assume that that is the top of that tale.”
Williams’ ex-husband, David Ludford, paid tribute on Instagram.
He wrote: “My center actually sank once I were given the decision! My center is shattered!”
Williams used to be born in Wales, and followed the drag identify on account of a love for dressed in Vivienne Westwood clothes.
