British reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” winner James Lee Williams, aged 32, popularly known as The Vivienne, has died, publicist Simon Jones said on Sunday.
“It is with great sadness that we inform you that our beloved James Lee Williams — The Vivienne — has died this weekend,” Jones wrote on social networking site X. “James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.”
Born in Wales, Vivienne rose to notoriety in 2015 as the UK Drag Ambassador for the American TV show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Williams’ stage name was inspired by Vivienne Westwood, a prominent English fashion designer.
Tributes poured in for The Vivienne.
“Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration,” wrote RuPaul’s Drag Race on X. “She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on.”
Singer-songwriter Michelle Visage, a judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” wrote on Instagram, “I don’t know how to express how I feel. You will be greatly missed, my beautiful. May your light shine brightly and forever.