The entertainment world was left in shock following the tragic death of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams.
The 31-year-old drag performer, who won the inaugural season of the UK franchise in 2019, was discovered unresponsive at home near Chester on January 5.
A recent inquest into their passing has revealed that a post-mortem examination identified an “unnatural” cause of death,
though additional tests are still required to determine the full circumstances.
Details from the Inquest
The inquest into Williams’ passing was formally opened at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, where area coroner Victoria Davies stated that further investigations were necessary to establish the exact cause of death.
Williams was identified by their father, Lee Williams, and authorities have confirmed that the case is not being treated as suspicious.
While the post-mortem examination pointed to an unnatural cause of death, officials have not yet disclosed further details. A full hearing has been scheduled for June 30, where more clarity is expected.
Tributes Pour In for a Beloved Star
Following the heartbreaking announcement of The Vivienne’s passing, tributes from fans, fellow performers, and celebrities flooded social media. The news was initially shared by publicist Simon Jones, who described Williams as an “incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person”.
Simon also emphasized their immense talent and infectious energy, stating, “The light they brought to every room was astonishing.”
The Vivienne’s former husband, David Ludford, also shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling their time together after meeting in Gran Canaria in 2017. The couple had announced their separation in April 2023, but David remained deeply moved by the news, writing:
“Never in a million years did I ever think I’d be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams. This man changed my life so much from the day we first met.
Remembering The Vivienne’s Legacy
The Vivienne made history as the first-ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, impressing judges and audiences with their sharp wit, flawless performances, and remarkable impersonations, including their iconic take on Donald Trump.
After their victory, Williams went on to star in The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020, a BBC Three series documenting their journey to international stardom. They also competed in the all-winners season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in the US in 2022, becoming the first British queen to do so.
In 2023, they reached the final three on Dancing on Ice, where they dazzled viewers with their skating skills and dynamic performances. Judge Oti Mabuse was among the many who paid tribute, calling Williams a “phenomenal entertainer” and a “trailblazer” in the drag community.
Industry Tributes and Heartfelt Goodbyes
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage expressed her devastation over the loss, sharing a touching message on Instagram alongside photos of her and The Vivienne:
“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag—I loved all of it, but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.”
Michelle also recalled how special it was to watch Williams make their West End debut, calling it a “dream come true” for them.
Presenter Holly Willoughby, who hosted Dancing on Ice, also paid tribute at the beginning of the show’s latest season.
“Before we move on, many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend,” she said. “They were a huge part of our show, making it all the way to the final in 2023. They’ll be very sorely missed.”
An Unforgettable Talent and a Lasting Impact
Beyond their achievements on television, The Vivienne was a pioneering figure in the UK drag scene. Born in Wales but later settling in Liverpool, Williams initially worked as a makeup artist before rising to fame as a drag performer. Their talent, humor, and bold personality made them an inspiration to many.
Although further investigations are needed to fully understand the circumstances of their passing, one thing is certain—The Vivienne’s legacy will live on in the hearts of fans, friends, and the drag community.
Their impact on the industry, their undeniable charisma, and the joy they brought to audiences worldwide ensure that they will never be forgotten.
