Kevin January 6th, 2025
He won the Snatch Game with his uncanny impression of Donald Trump, had a top 40 hit, and even fulfilled his West End dreams. Described by RuPaul's Drag Race social media accounts as a "beacon of creativity and authenticity" who "embodied what it [meant] to be a true champion," it has sadly been confirmed that The Vivienne has passed away at the age of 32. In a statement from his agent, it was confirmed that Williams had "died over the weekend" and that his family would not be releasing any further details at present.
Adopting the drag name because of a love for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing, the star had a bright and successful career post-RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
Tributes For The Vivienne
Michelle Visage called the news "heartbreaking," adding: "My darling The Vivienne, we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK." She continued, "Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it, but I loved your friendship most of all."
Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash has written on Instagram: "I'm so sorry. I'm in total shock."
Cheryl, who was a part of the same series of Drag Race as The Vivienne, wrote on Instagram: "I will love you forever, Viv."
About The Vivienne
The UK's "First Drag Superstar" took his talents to Hollywood with the documentary-style series The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood, chronicling his journey to create a music video in Los Angeles. He also teamed up with Baga Chipz again for I Like to Watch, a cheeky Netflix review series. That year, he dipped his heels into music, releasing the dance-pop anthem "Tonight," a tribute to '80s icon Pete Burns, with a cover of "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" and the Diane Warren-penned "Bitch on Heels."
The Vivienne's star continued to rise as he explored new ventures. In 2021, he appeared on Emmerdale and released a festive duet of "Jingle Bell Rock" with fellow drag queen Tia Kofi. By 2022, he was taking on even bigger challenges, including Celebrity Hunted for Stand Up to Cancer and competing on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7, which featured former winners battling for the ultimate crown.
In 2023, he broke new ground as the first drag performer on ITV's Dancing on Ice, impressing viewers and finishing in third place. Later that year, he took the stage at the British Soap Awards to present "Scene of the Year." he also played The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz on the West End and UK tour, as well as The Childcatcher in the UK tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
