{"id":17678,"date":"2025-01-06T16:59:14","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T16:59:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=17678"},"modified":"2025-01-06T16:59:14","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T16:59:14","slug":"rupauls-drag-race-uk-star-the-vivienne-passes-away-at-32","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/?p=17678","title":{"rendered":"\u2018RuPaul\u2019s Drag Race&#8217; UK Star The Vivienne Passes Away at 32"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36 ContentRenderer_paragraph-first___d_VF\">A publicist confirmed on social media that the first-ever winner of &#8220;RuPaul&#8217;s Drag Race UK&#8221; has died, just days after welcoming 2025.<\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">James Lee Williams, known worldwide as The Vivienne, passed away over the weekend at 32. Publicist Simon Jones\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/simonjonespr\/status\/1875980641432743962\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/x.com\/simonjonespr\/status\/1875980641432743962\">confirmed the news<\/a>\u00a0on X on January 5.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/pe0XLfGovzZzxLFIse9sapSy8FbNiPYKrpkbfnZz32Y\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWEwZThkN2NkMWExZTY1ZjMzNjkyMjE0ZWZkZDNlZjhmYWE5MzRlNzdjZTI5NDM3ZWIyOTk4YTA1M2NkYzRjNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTIyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQ3.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/0Lnioq2x0ScsGZrbYxPE4c2TDQzLfdpFAj_MuY7wZAw\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWEwZThkN2NkMWExZTY1ZjMzNjkyMjE0ZWZkZDNlZjhmYWE5MzRlNzdjZTI5NDM3ZWIyOTk4YTA1M2NkYzRjNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTIyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQ3.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/BH96ZNIUHsGUuXsGA4CVMEAFqC2qntbKrX1Vuj_NgqQ\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWEwZThkN2NkMWExZTY1ZjMzNjkyMjE0ZWZkZDNlZjhmYWE5MzRlNzdjZTI5NDM3ZWIyOTk4YTA1M2NkYzRjNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTIyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQ3.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/gFqpEe9rFTP8F6zKlro3HvrDf30g8LF-ZDLR8uAMMGI\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWEwZThkN2NkMWExZTY1ZjMzNjkyMjE0ZWZkZDNlZjhmYWE5MzRlNzdjZTI5NDM3ZWIyOTk4YTA1M2NkYzRjNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTIyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQ3.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/Pq8Fla9Q5ERYafKPGeWKJK0VB16m8yVzJ5w7v-Uez28\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWEwZThkN2NkMWExZTY1ZjMzNjkyMjE0ZWZkZDNlZjhmYWE5MzRlNzdjZTI5NDM3ZWIyOTk4YTA1M2NkYzRjNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTIyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQ3.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.amomama.com\/1a0e8d7cd1a1e65f33692214efdd3ef8faa934e77ce29437eb2998a053cdc4c5.jpg\" alt=\"A netizen's reaction to The Vivienne's sudden death, posted on January 5, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com\/michellevisage\" width=\"1224\" height=\"347\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A netizen&#8217;s reaction to The Vivienne&#8217;s sudden death, posted on January 5, 2025 | Source: Instagram.com\/michellevisage<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">According to the publicist&#8217;s statement, The Vivienne&#8217;s family, including their parents, siblings, and extended relatives, are heartbroken by the loss but deeply proud of the accomplishments they leave behind.<\/p>\n<p>Simon also\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/simonjonespr\/status\/1875980641432743962\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/x.com\/simonjonespr\/status\/1875980641432743962\">emphasized<\/a>\u00a0that the drag artist was an &#8220;incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.&#8221; He added that no further details about The Vivienne&#8217;s passing would be shared, respectfully requesting privacy for the grieving family.<\/p>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div><iframe src=\"https:\/\/if-cdn.com\/tIcbteX?_showcaption=false&amp;app=1\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">News of the late drag artist&#8217;s death prompted an outpouring of tributes on social media. Fans expressed disbelief and grief, with one commenter\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DEdJvzasSmD\/c\/18264654877248299\/?img_index=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DEdJvzasSmD\/c\/18264654877248299\/?img_index=1\">writing<\/a>,\u00a0<i class=\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\">&#8220;\ud83d\ude14\ud83d\ude23 shocked like the rest of the world is\ud83d\ude22\u2764\ufe0f.&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Another user\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DEdJvzasSmD\/c\/17866301865284526\/?img_index=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DEdJvzasSmD\/c\/17866301865284526\/?img_index=1\">said<\/a>,\u00a0<i class=\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\">&#8220;Absolutely devastating and what a shock \ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f\ud83d\udc9c Rest in peace beautiful Angel [sic].&#8221;\u00a0<\/i>A third\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DEdJvzasSmD\/c\/18366438274140987\/?img_index=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DEdJvzasSmD\/c\/18366438274140987\/?img_index=1\">paid tribute<\/a>\u00a0to The Vivienne&#8217;s legacy,\u00a0<i class=\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\">&#8220;Can&#8217;t believe this. Heartbreaking news. What an icon. May the Viv rest in peace [sic]. \ud83d\udd4a\ufe0f&#8221;<\/i><\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Celebrities also paid tribute to The Vivienne following their death. On X, actor and comedian Antony Cotton\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/antonycotton\/status\/1876008091420090619\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/x.com\/antonycotton\/status\/1876008091420090619\">described<\/a>\u00a0them as a remarkable talent and a &#8220;wonderful human being,&#8221; highlighting their wisdom, kindness, and humor while bidding them a fond farewell.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Drag performer Tia Kofi, winner of &#8220;Drag Race UK vs the World,&#8221; took to the same platform to honor The Vivienne&#8217;s legacy on stage and screen,\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TiaKofi\/status\/1875983444272144460\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/x.com\/TiaKofi\/status\/1875983444272144460\">describing<\/a>\u00a0them as &#8220;a mentor, an inspiration, and a friend,&#8221; while acknowledging the profound loss felt across both the British and global drag communities.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"><a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm7909393\/?ref_=tt_ov_st_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm7909393\/?ref_=tt_ov_st_1\">Born<\/a>\u00a0on April 12, 1992, in Colwyn Bay, Wales, The Vivienne&#8217;s extraordinary career spanned film, television, and stage. They were celebrated for their starring role in &#8220;Morning T&amp;T (2019)&#8221; and appearances in &#8220;This Is Going to Hurt (2022),&#8221; as well as their feature in &#8220;Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (2016).&#8221;<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Beyond the spotlight, The Vivienne was\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm7909393\/?ref_=tt_ov_st_1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/name\/nm7909393\/?ref_=tt_ov_st_1\">married<\/a>\u00a0to David Ludford from December 15, 2019, until their passing on January 4, 2025.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">The heartfelt tributes, alongside the publicist&#8217;s statement, came just days after The Vivienne shared a post on Instagram following New Year&#8217;s, encouraging charitable giving.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">The post\u00a0<a class=\"Link_link__PUK08 Link_link__kvrlb\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DEVI_jHodnW\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DEVI_jHodnW\/\">read<\/a>, &#8220;Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. \u00a31 a month you won\u2019t miss it. \ud83d\udc9a&#8221;<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Embed_wrapper__UQbow\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\">Though details of the drag star&#8217;s passing remain private, The Vivienne&#8217;s kindness and creativity will be cherished by fans.<\/p>\n<div class=\"ShareButtons_share-buttons-wrapper__IuyIK\" data-testid=\"share-button-on-post-bottom\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\">\n<div class=\"Ad-Container AdvInTextBuilder_slot-wrapper___Oz3G\">\n<div class=\"AdvTitle_wrap__wIGWH\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; A publicist confirmed on social media that the first-ever winner of &#8220;RuPaul&#8217;s Drag Race UK&#8221; has died, just days after welcoming 2025. James Lee Williams, known worldwide as &hellip; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":17679,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17678","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17678","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17678"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17678\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17680,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17678\/revisions\/17680"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/17679"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17678"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17678"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/usdailys.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17678"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}