Drag Race UK Winner The Vivienne Passes At Age 32

January 5, 2025
ALEXANDER

Drag Race UK Winner The Vivienne Passes At Age 32

Social media is going crazy today with the devasting news that The Vivienne, winner of Drag Race UK, has passed away at the young age of 32. Powered by James Lee Williams, The Vivienne has established herself as an actor, singer, and maven of drag. Her publicist announced her passing via social media.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Simon Jones (@simonjonespr)

The statement reveals that no further details will be shared at this time and asks that everyone respect The Vivienne's family's privacy during their loss. The formal statement from her PR was followed up by a more personal sharing of the feeling of loss and friendship, and what a talent she was.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Simon Jones (@simonjonespr)

The Vivienne was appointed the UK Drag Ambassador for Drag Race in 2015. She went on to compete and win the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019. She also appeared in Drag Race All Stars in 2022. As a trailblazer, she was the first drag queen to appear on the UK's Dancing on Ice. Theatrically, she appeared in the West End in The Wizard of Oz (as the Wicked Witch of the West) and the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE VIVIENNE (@thevivienne_)

Her passing seems to be sudden, as she posted to social media just three days ago urging her followers to donate to Sahir House, Liverpool's oldest LGBTQ+ charity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE VIVIENNE (@thevivienne_)

In 2023 she was the victim of a homophobic attack at a McDonald's in Liverpool. She used the opportunity to highlight the homophobia that still runs rampant. Her attacker was sentenced to 12 weeks in jail.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE VIVIENNE (@thevivienne_)

She got the name The Vivienne for wearing Vivienne Westwood fashion and performed in her first drag show in Liverpool. She first caught RuPaul's eye when Mama Ru served as a judge for a drag competition at Café de Paris. She placed in the top and was flown to make a cameo in Drag Race.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by THE VIVIENNE (@thevivienne_)

She appeared in a number of web series, stage tours, and even a soap opera. She was a hard worker and was able to infiltrate many mainstream genres. Just about every Drag Race queen has posted loving memories of The Vivienne and her legacy. RIP.