THEVIVIENNE
aka James Lee Williams
James Lee Williams, known professionally as The Vivienne, was a British drag queen from Colwyn Bay, Wales, and winner of the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019.
They later competed in the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice, placing third in the fifteenth series in 2023.
In 2015, before the release of Drag Race UK, they were the UK drag ambassador for the American series RuPaul's Drag Race.
In addition to appearing on television, The Vivienne released music, including the extended play Bitch on Heels (2022), and acted on stage, notably as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 2024 UK tour of The Wizard of Oz.
The Vivienne died two days before being found on 5 January 2025 from a cardiac arrest, associated with a ketamine overdose, at 32 years of age.
(12 April 1992 – 3 January 2025)
“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.
“I see it online all the time,
“Oh, she’s a bitch.”
I’m like, ‘You’ve never met me!’
The on-tour people say I’m the nicest person they’ve ever worked with!
It was season one of Drag Race UK that did it.”
The Vivienne
“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."
Family Spokes Person