'RuPaul’s Drag Race' winner and musical performer The Vivienne has died aged 32

The Vivienne won the first ever season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 and starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in a revival of The Wizard of Oz musical.

The winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK James Lee Williams, also known as The Vivienne, has died aged 32.

Williams, whose drag name stemmed from their love of fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, rose to prominence as the UK drag ambassador for the US series of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2015. They were later crowned the first ever winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, and appeared in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.

Williams has also appeared in stage productions, playing the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang on tour, as well as the Wicked Witch of the West in a revival of The Wizard of Oz musical, which came to the Gillian Lynne Theatre last summer.

Our critic for LondonTheatre.co.uk named The Vivienne a "glamorous" Wicked Witch of the West, and described the show as "upbeat, colourful fun that would serve as a great introduction to theatre. There’s no place like the West End!"

Publicist Simon Jones confirmed the news on social media: “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.”

Tributes were paid to Williams on social media. RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said: “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.

“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.”

Photo credit: The Vivienne in The Wizard of Oz. (Photo courtesy of production)