The world mourns the loss of The Vivienne, a celebrated drag icon who passed away at the young age of 32. Born as James Lee Williams and raised in Colwyn Bay, Wales, The Vivienne's journey from a small town to international fame has left an indelible mark on the drag community and beyond. Hundreds gathered on the steps of St George's Hall in Liverpool to pay tribute, where the landmark was illuminated in green, a nod to The Vivienne's role in "Wizard of Oz."
The Vivienne's early life was marked by a vibrant spirit and an undeniable talent for performance. They attended the prestigious Rydal Penrhos but chose to leave at the age of 16 to pursue a career in make-up artistry. This decision took them to Liverpool, where they honed their skills and later moved to Gran Canaria to live and perform.
In 2019, The Vivienne gained widespread recognition by winning the first series of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK." Their charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent were undeniable as they captivated audiences with each performance. Their journey continued as they became the only contestant from the UK series to compete in the American "All Stars 7" in 2022.
Beyond "Drag Race," The Vivienne graced numerous television screens with appearances on shows like "Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway," "Dancing on Ice," and "Emmerdale." They also served as an ambassador for a charity, using their platform to advocate for meaningful causes.
"The performances weren't just acts, they were celebrations of life," expressed Danny Beard, winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK series four.
The Vivienne was cherished not only for their remarkable talent but also for their infectious sense of humor. They had an unparalleled ability to make people laugh, earning admiration from peers and fans alike. Danny Beard described them as a "truly larger than life" character who could "never be confined by the ordinary." Their performances were more than mere acts; they were vibrant celebrations of life itself.
"They taught us it was OK to live out loud," Danny Beard added, highlighting The Vivienne's impact as a "shining beacon of light for the LGBT community."
Family members spoke fondly at the vigil, reflecting on the joy and sparkle The Vivienne brought into their lives. Their family expressed profound gratitude for the support shown by those who gathered to honor their beloved.
"We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you," said The Vivienne's family, capturing the deep sense of loss felt by all.
In heartfelt tributes, The Vivienne's young niece, Isabella, shared her affection and gratitude.
"Thank you for being here to celebrate my uncle," Isabella expressed before adding, "I love you Uncle James."
Simon Jones, The Vivienne's publicist and friend, remembered them as both a kind-hearted individual and an exceptional talent, sentiments echoed by many who knew them.
"I will remember The Vivienne as being a really kind-hearted, lovely person as well as being the most amazing talent," Jones remarked.
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