James Lee Williams, known as drag artist The Vivian, has died at the age of 32, his publicist announced Sunday.
Simon Jones wrote on Instagram: “It is with great sadness that we announce that our beloved James Lee Williams, Vivian, passed away this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and wonderful person. Their family is saddened by the loss of a son, brother and uncle. They would like to thank James for all the great things he accomplished in his life and career. I'm very proud.
“We will not be releasing any further details. We ask that James' family be given the time and privacy they need to process their grief at this time.”
Williams, whose drag name comes from his love for fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, rose to fame in 2015 after becoming the UK drag ambassador for the US series of RuPaul's Drag Race.
They lip-synced to Wham!'s song 'I'm Your Man' in the final, winning the show's first UK series in 2019.
Williams then appeared on the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars and was a finalist on the 2023 British series of Dancing on Ice, finishing in third place.
The drag artist most recently toured as the Childcatcher in “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” and previously appeared as the Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of the musical “The Wizard of Oz.”
Film credits include “Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie'' and television credits include “Emmerdale.''
Tributes have been pouring in for Williams on social media.
RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said: “My heart is broken and I don't know how to express how I feel.
“Dearest @thevivienne_, it takes me back to when I first started here in the UK. You were always there, always smiling, always giving, always on point.
“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your charm. I loved it all, but most of all I loved your friendship. You were a lighthouse to so many.”
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news was “incredibly sad”, adding: “James was such a joy to be around. We loved him, X.”
RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Bimini Von Boulash posted on Instagram: “I'm really shocked and sorry.”
Emmerdale actor Lisa Riley described Mr Williams as a “wonderful human being” who will be missed.
She wrote on Instagram: “You are an amazing human being…Rest in peace and never stop shining your beautiful light on all of us.
“Love and strength to all your family. We will miss you very much.”
ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly wrote of X: It's an honor to interview you. My thoughts are with everyone who loved Vivian. ”
North Wales-born Williams also appeared on BBC Three's The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood in 2020, where she made her first music video.
They were joined by a different celebrity each week, along with guests such as Broadway star Marissa Jaret Winokur and American comedian Bruce Vilanch.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs. World winner Tia Coffey said in a social media post:
“Viv represented the best of British drag on stages and screens around the world.
“She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This impact will be felt deeply by all of us. We love you Viv.”
In 2019, The Vivian said of their drag style: “My style is like a scout’s wife who gets rich and moves to Los Angeles and blows everything and then has to go back to Liverpool.
“I like a very intense look, but I also like to be playful on stage, so I think it's kind of a combination of old school and new school, and it works really well.
“Comedy is definitely my trump card. My favorite trick in drag is vocal impersonation, so I'll do Kim Woodburn, Cilla Black, Donald Trump, you name it, and I'll do it for the right price.”
The man who attacked Mr Williams in a hate crime in January last year was given a suspended prison sentence.
Liverpool Magistrates' Court has ruled that unemployed executioner Alan Whitfield's one-punch attack on a drag performer was homophobic.
Mr Williams had bruises on his face for a week, but they told the court he was “lucky” the 6ft tall former rugby player was able to withstand the punch.
