The death of The Vivienne, at just 32 years old, has left Drag Race fans and former contestants heartbroken. The Liverpudlian drag queen, also known as James Lee Williams, won the first-ever series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019 after impressing the judging panel with their wit, talent and polished aesthetic. They went on to star in television shows, including The Weakest Link and The Great British Sewing Bee in 2021, before participating in Drag Race All-Stars and ITV's Dancing on Ice in 2022.
They tragically died over the weekend, with police confirming there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding their death. Sharing the heartbreaking news on Instagram, publicist Simon Jones wrote: "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, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle."
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BBC/TalkbackThames/Matt Frost)However, the Drag Race legend's devastating death is just the latest in a string of drag queen's from the series around the globe who have lost their lives at a young age. Here, we look back at the stars who have died since leaving the programme.
The Vivienne
The Vivienne chose their drag name due to their love of the British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. They previously told the BBC, "Everyone used to call me Vivienne, as I was head to toe in Westwood. So when I started doing drag it was a natural progression. I didn't want one of those cheap, nasty, sl***y drag names so I thought of "The Vivienne" and here she is, there's only one of them."
Over the past year, they have been performing as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard of Oz musical, with the star regularly posting updates from the shows on her Instagram.
Their death has been described as "heartbreaking" by Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who shared in an online tribute: "We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all."
Meanwhile, RuPaul Charles himself shared: "With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne - an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being."
Their former husband David Ludford, who met James in August 2017 in Gran Canaria, said in his heartfelt tribute: "We literally clicked straight away, and we knew we (were) going to be together for a long time." David posted a series of wedding photos and pictures to his followers throughout their six years together.
Cherry Valentine
Drag Race UK season two contestant Cherry Valentine sadly died at 28 in September 2022. Cherry, whose name out of drag was George Ward, was found by his flatmate in north London after struggling to deal with fame, an inquest heard.
Cherry, who hailed from Darlington, fronted the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen and Proud following their time on Drag Race. They had been a qualified mental health nurse who helped the NHS with vaccinations during the coronavirus pandemic.
Their death saddened the drag race community, and during the inquest, assistant coroner Doctor Peter Straker recorded a verdict of suicide.
The family shared a tribute at the hearing, which read: "As his family, we are still processing his death, and our lives will never be the same. We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched. We love you Georgie."
Chi Chi Devayne
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Getty Images)Chi Chi Devayne was part RuPaul’s Drag Race season eight and RuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars season three. The drag performer from Louisiana, named Zavion Michael Davenport, died on August 20, 2020 at the age of 34.
In 2018, the star told fans they'd been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that causes the skin to thicken and can restrict the function of organs called scleroderma. Chi Chi had to be hospitalised for kidney failure but was rushed to the emergency room with pneumonia in August 2020, when they were later pronounced dead.
Following the news, their family shared on Instagram: "It is with tremendous sorrow that my family and I announce the passing of my beloved son, Zavion Michael Davenport, the world-renowned 'Chi Chi DeVayne,'" the post read. The family said plans for final arrangements were still forthcoming and shared "his final words to his family and fans, 'Never give up!'"
Sahara Davenport
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Getty Images North America)Sahara graced screens with her mighty presence during the second American series of Drag Race. The Texas-born queen came seventh in the show and began a long line of Davenport's to feature in upcoming seasons. They include season seven's Kennedy Davenport, who also appeared in the spin-off show, All-Stars.
Sahara's partner, fellow drag icon Manila Luzon, appeared on the third season of US Drag Race. Reflecting on Sahara's passing, Manila posted on Facebook in 2018: "Six years ago, my boyfriend Antoine (Sahara Davenport) passed away and many of us were devastated. It was a reality check for me, reminding me how precious life is, that we aren’t as invincible as we think we are, that terrible things can happen to us all! His death changed me forever."
The star, known as Antoine Ashley, suddenly died at the tender age of 27 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland on October 1, 2012.
Bandit
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Instagram/ @bandilicous)Drag Race queen Bandit rose to fame in the second series of Drag Race Thailand and came fourth overall. Away from drag, Bandit lectured in fashion design and was a personal stylist. She sadly died in her home country in December 2023, and was 38 years old. Her cause of death has not been determined.
Drag Race Thailand cohost and UK vs the World contestant Pangina Heals told Entertainment Weekly at the time: "We're all completely lost because Bandit has been a light. He has taught me. I would not be the same person I am today without Bandit teaching me about fashion."
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