Have a look at the bio, age, net worth and cause of death of The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams
The Vivienne, also known as James Lee Williams, a beloved drag queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race star, has passed away at the age of thirty-two.
“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams, The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” the performer’s manager, Simon Jones, wrote in a statement shared via Instagram on Sunday, January 5.
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner James Lee Williams aka “The Vivienne” cause of death reason, bio, age, height, parents, husband and net worth
Although no official cause of death is known as of yet, police have now released a new update into the death of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star, The Vivienne whose real name was James Lee Williams.
Cheshire Police released a statement saying that officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death and a spokesman said: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
And this will forever be one of my favorite videos of The Vivienne.
May she rest in peace. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YqVmPUTBrE
— juelz (@juelzxx) January 5, 2025
The Vivienne aka James Lee Williams gained international recognition in 2019 by winning the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, a historic accomplishment. The Vivienne immediately gained popularity in the drag and LGBTQ+ communities thanks to their witty repartee, flawless impersonations, and polished performances.
In addition to being a personal achievement, their win was a momentous cultural event that raised the profile of drag in the UK and abroad. The Vivienne received a lot of praise after winning since they kept entertaining spectators with their charm and skill.
Although the Vivienne’s premature death has created a vacuum in the drag and entertainment industries, their legacy of happiness, humour, and self-determination will go on. Their life and talents are being honoured by both fans and fellow artists, who remember them as a trailblazer and a source of laughter and affection.
James aka The Vivienne was aged 32 and had a height of 5 feet 5 inches. Their net worth was between $1-5 million. The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was born in Colwyn Bay, Wales and moved to Liverpool from Wales aged 16 to pursue a career as a makeup artist.
From 2019 until 2023, “The Vivienne” was wed to David Ludford. Drag Helmet Wigs was a business owned and operated by David Ludford. The business sold drag queen wigs. After dating for three years, beginning in October 2017, the couple got married in late 2019. After the local government authorized the venue to host marriages, they got married at a nightclub in Westminster.
The wedding was attended by a number of Drag Race UK celebrities, including Blu Hydrangea, Cheryl Hole, and Gothy Kendoll. The Vivienne announced their separation on Instagram in April 2023.
Their paths crossed in Gran Canaria and Vivienne had previously expressed gratitude towards David and their relocation to Spain for aiding recovery from a ketamine addiction.
“I’m so happy to say I not only met you but we was together, we was husbands and you was the biggest part of my life for such a long time. 6 years is such a long time to spend 24/7 with. You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel,” David wrote in a tribute after James passed away.
James, who recently bought a home in Chester, was brought up in Colwyn Bay and has family in the Colwyn Bay and Towyn areas and attended Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay and returned there last year to work with drama students while in Llandudno starring in the Wizard of Oz at Venue Cymru.
The performer played the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz, the tour of which came to Llandudno’s Venue Cymru in March and went on to portray the villainous Child Catcher in the stage production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Tributes pour in for James Lee Williams
Bimini Bon Boulash, a prominent figure in the UK drag scene, shared their reaction on Instagram: “I’m so sorry. I’m in total shock.”
Cheryl Hole, who competed alongside The Vivienne in the inaugural season of Drag Race UK, paid tribute, writing: “I will love you forever, Viv.”