Cover The Vivienne was catapulted to international prominence as the first winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’, which aired in 2019 (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for VH1/Paramount+)
The Vivienne was catapulted to international prominence as the first winner of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’, which aired in 2019 (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for VH1/Paramount+)
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The Vivienne, the first winner of ‘RuPaul's Drag Race UK’, has died at the age of 32. In tribute, we look back at the drag queen’s most iconic moments on the show
The Vivienne, AKA James Lee Williams, has died at the age of 32. They shot to fame after winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, which aired in 2019, before joining RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 (2022).
Williams’ publicist Simon Jones wrote on Instagram: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.” Jones described the drag queen as “warm-hearted” and “amazing,” adding that “their comedic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
The cause of death was not revealed, and Jones has stated that no further details will be given.
In honor of Williams’ colourful life, we’re looking back at their best moments from RuPaul’s Drag Race.
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1. The Vivienne’s Queen Elizabeth Balmoral look
The queens had to dress up as Queen Elizabeth II for the first runway challenge of the inaugural UK edition. Instead of the usual brightly coloured twinsets and hat, The Vivienne went for a hunting look inspired by the Queen’s activities at her favourite Scottish home, donning black wellies, tights, and a few stuffed ducks. The Vivienne made such a terrific impression that she won the challenge in—wait for it—flats.
2. Their impression of Donald Trump
Portraying a straight male on Snatch Game is always a risk. An even bigger risk is doing an impression of controversial US president Donald Trump. However, The Vivienne did it justice, winning the challenge alongside Baga Chipz’s Margaret Thatcher. They would continue performing this tangerine-tinted impression throughout their career.
3. The Vivienne’s uplifting message to their younger self
Sharing a message with their younger selves is a classic for RPDR finalists. Looking at a childhood photo of their seven-year old self, The Vivienne said, “You’re going to be doing what you love to do and that is just going to be such a hell of a ride because you’re going to end up on Drag Race with all these amazing people, and that is better than anything than anyone could ever give you.”
4. The Fairytale Justice challenge
For the Fairytale Justice challenge on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7, the drag queens must dress up as different fairytale characters and defend themselves in a mock trial in front of Michelle Visage. In multiple roles as Hansel, Gretel, Helga, Goldilocks, and Little Red Riding Hood, The Vivienne managed to show off their range, especially with accents. Who could forget the “It was from IKEA!” defence when explaining to Baby Bear why her chair broke?
5. Their “2getha 4eva” performance
The Vivienne, together with Jaida Essence Hall, Jinkx Monsoon, and Yvie Oddly, channeled ’90s British girl groups in their performance of “2getha 4eva.” It was a fun, chaotic mess, with The Vivienne carrying it through till the end.
