The LGBTQ+ community and the entertainment industry are in mourning after the tragic passing of The Vivienne, known publicly as James Lee Williams, at the age of 32.
The LGBTQ+ community and the entertainment world are mourning the untimely loss of James Lee Williams, known publicly as The Vivienne, who passed away at the age of 32 over the recent weekend. A statement released on social media by a spokesperson for The Vivienne announced the heartbreaking news, stating: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.” The spokesperson further expressed the family’s grief, highlighting their pride in The Vivienne’s achievements.
Simon Jones, a close friend and publicist of The Vivienne, took to social media to convey his sorrow, accompanied by a broken heart emoji. Tributes quickly began to pour in from various friends and colleagues within the entertainment industry, reflecting the profound impact that The Vivienne had on those around them. Television personality Michelle Visage expressed her emotional turmoil, stating, “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken,” as reported by the Mirror.
Other notable figures, including Brian Dowling and Emmerdale star Lisa Riley, echoed similar sentiments regarding the devastating nature of the loss. Riley commented simply with “Broken,” while Dowling called the situation “absolutely heartbreaking.” Harriet Rose, a television presenter, expressed her condolences, offering her sympathies to Jones, saying, “Oh Simon I’m so sorry for your loss. That is absolutely heartbreaking.” Radio host James Barr also mourned, stating, “Simon I’m so so sorry. I’m heartbroken. James was such a beautiful person.”
The shock of The Vivienne’s death resonated within the musical community as well. Ashley Roberts from the Pussycat Dolls and Jaymi Hensley of Union J both shared their disbelief, with Hensley posting a heartfelt message that included a photo with The Vivienne and poignantly stating, “When we took this photo little did we know there would only be three of us left.”
In her Instagram tribute, Michelle Visage reminisced about her long-standing friendship with The Vivienne, noting their laughter and support for one another, and memorialised their remarkable journey in the entertainment industry. “Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all,” Visage wrote.
As of now, the cause of The Vivienne’s death has not been confirmed. Merely days before their passing, they had engaged with their fanbase, encouraging them to support charitable initiatives for Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBT+ charity. In an Instagram post, The Vivienne called for contributions, stating, “Join me in giving back this year,” reflecting their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.
The Vivienne first gained recognition in 2015 when they became the UK’s representative on the American series of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Their fame peaked when they won the UK edition in 2019 and later appeared in the All-Stars series in 2022. Furthermore, they secured a fresh following after finishing in third place on ITV’s “Dancing on Ice” in March 2023, and received the “Scene of the Year” award at the British Soap Awards in June 2023. In addition to their drag career, The Vivienne showcased their talent as an actor through their portrayal of The Wicked Witch of the West in the 2011 production of “The Wizard of Oz,” a role they reprised in London’s West End.
The death of The Vivienne has left a profound void in the hearts of those who knew them and in the community they inspired through their artistry and advocacy.
Source: Noah Wire Services