The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, appeared on our screens just days before their tragic death at the age of 32 was announced on Sunday night (February 6)
Tragically, just days after gracing our screens over Christmas, Drag Race icon The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, has died at the age of 32.
Sunday night’s solemn announcement revealed that the television star had passed away, with a spokesperson for The Vivienne sharing the sombre news on social media, noting that their family needs time to come to terms with the loss.
It was only moments before this sad revelation that The Vivienne sparkled on BBC’s Blankety Blank celebrity special, bringing joy and gales of laughter to audience and co-stars alike, such as Oti Mabuse, Jonathan Ross, Joel Dommett, and the dual-threat of TV and song Jane McDonald. The iconic Welsh entertainer had viewers in fits of laughter, after banter with host Bradley Walsh about their over-the-top Christmas antics.
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On the pre-recorded episode, they quipped: “Christmas is too long. You get up, you start drinking at 8am, well I do. I want to be bladdered by the time I’m cooking, if it goes wrong, you can say ‘Sorry, I’m bladdered,” which had Jane in stitches.
Known for jaw-dropping impersonations like those of Donald Trump or Margaret Thatcher, the North Wales born, Liverpool-raised performer dazzled off-screen too, famously starring as the Wicked Witch of the West in the stage production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’.
In a heartfelt announcement, Simon Jones, close friend and PR for The Vivienne, broke the devastating news on social media, saying: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve,” reports the Mirror.
Michelle Visage also expressed her sorrow with an emotional tribute to The Vivienne on social media. Accompanying photos of them together, she wrote: “Heartbreaking. I don’t know how to say how I feel. My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.”
She cherished their relationship, adding, “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. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times. I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”
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