The police have verified that they received a call regarding a residence near Chester following the passing of former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK champion James Lee Williams, recognized as The Vivienne.
The 32-year-old’s demise was announced on Sunday evening and has prompted a wave of tributes from fans and peers.
The artist gained fame in 2015 when they were appointed as the UK Drag Ambassador for the U.S. version of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They subsequently triumphed in the inaugural UK series of the competition in 2019 and secured third place in the 2023 season of Dancing On Ice.
A representative from Cheshire Police stated that officers were dispatched to a property in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12:22 PM on Sunday following reports of an unexpected death.
They reported “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the incident.
The representative elaborated: “Law enforcement responded, investigated the circumstances surrounding the death of the 32-year-old male, and determined there were no suspicious elements. A report will be compiled for the coroner.”
In a statement regarding Williams’ passing, their publicist Simon Jones noted that they would be cherished for their “remarkable talent”, adding that “the brightness they brought into every space was breathtaking”.
The family of Williams expressed being “devastated at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle” and indicated that no additional details would be disclosed.
Williams, a Welsh native who later relocated to Liverpool, portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West in a tour of The Wizard Of Oz across the UK and Ireland, reprising the role in the West End last year.
They were scheduled to resume touring next month, playing the role of the Childcatcher in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang musical.
A multitude of celebrities have honored the memory of Williams, including Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse, who referred to The Vivienne as a “remarkable performer” and “pioneer”.
Jinkx Monsoon, another winner from RuPaul’s Drag Race, expressed that the star had made an “indelible impact on our hearts”.
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage remarked that Williams’ passing felt “heart-wrenching”.
Alongside shared images of their moments together, Visage expressed on Instagram: “We go back to the time I began visiting the UK. You were always present, always laughing, always giving, always impeccable.
“Your laughter, your cleverness, your skill, your drag. I cherished all of it, but your friendship was what I valued most.
“You were a guiding light for so many. Witnessing your West End debut was a thrill as I saw your dreams unfold right before my eyes; I am fortunate to have known you and shared countless laughs together.”
Former EastEnders actress Patsy Palmer, who starred alongside Williams on Dancing On Ice, stated that she was “overwhelmed” and “profoundly saddened”.
“You were breathtakingly beautiful within and out, and I will always remember the moments we shared during Dancing On Ice,” she remarked.
Coronation Street star
Antony Cotton expressed that it was “incredibly tragic,” while Emmerdale actress Lisa Riley referred to The Vivienne as an “extraordinary individual” who will be dearly missed.
RuPaul’s Drag Race conveyed its “profound sadness upon learning of The Vivienne’s passing.”
In a social media announcement, the show praised Williams’ “talent, wit, and commitment to the craft of drag as a source of inspiration.”
Fiona Campbell, BBC’s controller for youth audience, remarked that the news was “immensely sad,” also noting that the broadcaster felt “immensely proud of The Vivienne’s accomplishments.”
In 2019, The Vivienne characterized their drag persona as “like a Scouse wife who has acquired wealth, who then relocated to LA, squandered it all, and subsequently returned to Liverpool.”
They mentioned that they chose the drag name The Vivienne in tribute to the fashion designer Vivienne Westwood because they were “dressed from head to toe in Westwood.”
A man who assaulted the drag performer in a hate crime in June 2023 was sentenced to a suspended jail term the following January.
Liverpool Magistrates’ Court determined that the one-punch assault by unemployed scaffolder Alan Whitfield on Williams was motivated by homophobia.
Williams’ face endured bruising and pain for a week, yet they told the court that “fortunately,” they were a 6ft former rugby player capable of taking a punch.
