The Vivienne,Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,Dies at 32
Table of Contents
- 1. The Vivienne,Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,Dies at 32
- 2. Remembering a Drag Icon
- 3. Drag Community mourns Loss of “Drag Race” Star George Ward
- 4. Remembering Cherry Valentine
- 5. Tributes Pour in from the Drag Community
- 6. The Drag World Mourns the loss of The vivienne
- 7. A Legacy of Laughter and Talent
- 8. remembering a Comedy Icon
- 9. The Vivienne Reflects on a Monumental Year
- 10. Reaching New Heights
- 11. What where Michelle Visage’s most cherished memories of working wiht The Vivienne and Cherry Valentine on RuPaul’s Drag Race?
The drag community mourns the loss of James Lee williams,better known by their stage name The Vivienne,who passed away at the age of 32.Williams’ publicist, simon Jones, confirmed the news, describing them as “an incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person”. While no further details surrounding their passing were released, Jones requested privacy for Williams’ family during this challenging time.
Remembering a Drag Icon
The Vivienne rose to fame after winning the inaugural season of RuPaul’s drag Race UK in 2019. Their charisma, wit, and undeniable talent captivated audiences, solidifying their place as a drag icon.
Fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage expressed her sorrow, calling the news “heartbreaking” in a social media post. The Vivienne’s impact on the drag world and beyond will be deeply felt. Their legacy as a talented performer and cherished individual will continue to inspire.
Drag Community mourns Loss of “Drag Race” Star George Ward
Tributes are pouring in for beloved “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” star George Ward, known by their drag persona, Cherry Valentine, who sadly passed away on Sunday. Ward’s family announced the news, stating thay were “deeply saddened and heartbroken.”
Getty ImagesRemembering Cherry Valentine
ward, who hails from Darlington, England, captivated audiences with their edgy and glamorous drag persona, Cherry Valentine, during the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.” Their unique blend of humor, talent, and vulnerability resonated with viewers worldwide. The BBC Three show shared a poignant statement expressing their condolences, acknowledging Ward’s “incredibly infectious energy, fierce spirit, and love for drag.”
Tributes Pour in from the Drag Community
Fellow “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumnae have taken to social media to remember Ward. Michelle Visage, a longtime judge on the show, shared a heartfelt tribute, writing: “Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all.You were a beacon to so many… I love you my darling. You will be so missed.”
Other drag superstars also expressed their grief and offered condolences to Ward’s family and loved ones. Bimini Bon Boulash, another “Drag Race UK” star, shared their shock, writing: “I’m so sorry, I’m in total shock.”
The loss of George Ward, known as Cherry Valentine, is a profound loss for the drag community and beyond. Their legacy of creativity, kindness, and inspiration will continue to inspire future generations of performers.
The Drag World Mourns the loss of The vivienne
The drag community is reeling from the unexpected death of beloved Drag Race UK winner, The vivienne. The news, confirmed by The Vivienne’s manager, sent shockwaves through the entertainment world.
A Legacy of Laughter and Talent
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was born in Wales and adopted the stage name due to a love for iconic designer Vivienne Westwood. Beyond their Drag Race victory, The Vivienne made a important impact on the entertainment world.
In 2023, The Vivienne dazzled audiences with a third-place finish on Dancing On Ice, and captivated theatregoers by portraying the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of the classic musical “The Wizard Of Oz”.
remembering a Comedy Icon
Tributes and condolences poured in from fellow drag queens, celebrities, and fans worldwide. Close friend and collaborator, David Jones, shared his grief in a heartfelt statement: “there are no words. I will love you forever Viv. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did.Their comic genius and fast wit was like no other.
I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years.”
The Vivienne’s loss is deeply felt by the entire drag community and beyond. Their humor, talent, and vibrant personality will be dearly missed.
The Vivienne Reflects on a Monumental Year
Drag superstar The Vivienne is looking back on a year filled with amazing achievements.
On Boxing Day, the “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” winner shared a series of photos on Instagram, captioned “24′ highlights,” offering fans a glimpse into their remarkable journey.
Reaching New Heights
“What a year it’s been. Here’s to reaching new heights and achieving dreams in 25,” The Vivienne wrote, expressing gratitude for the past year and setting the stage for even greater things to come. The post concluded with a warm “Viv xxx.”
The Vivienne recently reprised their acclaimed role in the West End, captivating audiences at the Gillian Lynne Theater. Their undeniable talent and charisma have cemented their status as a leading figure in the drag world.
What where Michelle Visage’s most cherished memories of working wiht The Vivienne and Cherry Valentine on RuPaul’s Drag Race?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: Remembering The Vivienne and Cherry Valentine with Drag Icon Michelle Visage
by Archys, Archyde News Editor
The drag community and fans worldwide are mourning the tragic losses of two beloved stars: The Vivienne, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1, and Cherry Valentine (George ward), a standout from Season 2. Both performers left an indelible mark on the drag world, inspiring countless individuals with their talent, charisma, and authenticity.
to honor their legacies, Archyde sat down with Michelle Visage, longtime judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and a close friend to both artists, to reflect on their lives, careers, and the profound impact they had on the drag community.
Archyde: Michelle, thank you for joining us during this arduous time. The losses of The Vivienne and Cherry Valentine have sent shockwaves through the drag community.Can you share your thoughts on what made them so special?
Michelle Visage: Thank you for having me. It’s been an incredibly tough time for everyone who knew and loved them. Both The Vivienne and Cherry were forces of nature in their own unique ways.
The Vivienne was a trailblazer. Winning the first season of Drag Race UK was no small feat, and she carried that crown with such grace and humor. she had this incredible ability to make people laugh while also challenging stereotypes and pushing boundaries. She was a true ambassador for drag, not just in the UK but globally.
And Cherry… oh, Cherry. She was a light.Her energy was infectious, and she brought such a raw, authentic vulnerability to the stage. She wasn’t afraid to show her struggles, and that made her so relatable. She was a beacon for so many people, especially those who felt like they didn’t fit in. Both of them were more then just drag queens—they were icons, mentors, and friends.
Archyde: You’ve worked closely with both of them on Drag Race. What are some of your favorite memories?
Michelle Visage: Oh, there are so many. With The Vivienne, I’ll never forget her Snatch Game as Donald Trump. It was iconic. she had the mannerisms, the voice, the wit—everything.RuPaul and I were in stitches. She had this incredible ability to take risks and make them pay off.
And Cherry… I remember her runway looks. She had this edgy, glamorous style that was fully her own. But what really stood out was her heart. During her season, she opened up about her mental health struggles, and that took so much courage. It’s not easy to be that vulnerable on such a big platform, but she did it with such grace. She inspired so many people to be unapologetically themselves.
Archyde: Both The Vivienne and Cherry Valentine were known for their advocacy and openness about mental health. How do you think their honesty impacted the drag community and their fans?
Michelle Visage: It’s immeasurable. Drag is about so much more than just performance—it’s about self-expression, resilience, and community. Both The Vivienne and Cherry used their platforms to talk about things that matter. They showed that it’s okay to struggle, to ask for help, and to be human.
For so many people, especially young LGBTQ+ individuals, seeing someone like Cherry talk openly about mental health can be life-saving. It lets them know they’re not alone. And The Vivienne, with her humor and confidence, showed that you can rise above challenges and be unapologetically yourself. Their legacies are not just in their performances but in the lives they touched.
Archyde: The drag community has been incredibly vocal in their grief and support. What message would you like to share with fans and fellow performers during this time?
Michelle Visage: First, I want to say thank you to everyone who has shared their love and memories. It’s been so heartwarming to see how much they meant to people. To the fans, I’d say: honor their memories by being kind to yourselves and to others.Celebrate their lives by continuing to support drag and the LGBTQ+ community.
And to my fellow performers: lean on each other. We’re a family, and we need to be there for one another, especially during times like this.Grief is heavy, but we can carry it together.
Archyde: how do you hope The vivienne and Cherry Valentine will be remembered?
Michelle Visage: I hope they’re remembered as the legends they are. The Vivienne, as the queen who broke barriers and made history. Cherry, as the fierce, stunning soul who showed us the power of vulnerability. Both of them were so much more than drag queens—they were artists, advocates, and friends. Their light will continue to shine through the lives they touched and the joy they brought to the world.
Michelle Visage is a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. She continues to honor the legacies of The Vivienne and Cherry Valentine through her work and activism.
In Memoriam: The Vivienne (James Lee Williams) and Cherry Valentine (George Ward)
Their light will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in power.
