'He was so lovely, funny and kind' Taxi driver shares beautiful memory of The Vivienne
A taxi driver has shared a beautiful memory of The Vivienne as thousands have paid tribute online. On Sunday evening, January 5, it was announced that the drag artist had passed away at the age of 32.
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, won the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK and came third on the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice. The performer was born and raised in Colwyn Bay in north Wales before moving to Liverpool at at the age of 16. For the latest TV & Showbiz news, sign up to our newsletter.
Williams was given their name - The Vivienne, as they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing. Their publicist Simon Jones announced the news of their passing on Instagram.
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People have been sharing their tributes and memories in replies to The Vivienne's last post on X, formerly known as Twitter. Their last post was made on Boxing Day to promote their appearance on the BBC One Blankety Blank Christmas special.
One X user, who said they used to work as a taxi driver, explained that they had met the star. They wrote: "This is so sad I picked James up 1 night whilst working on the taxis (I didn’t last long&he told me 'You shouldn’t be on the taxis') We sat outside his place for about a hour I basically got a free 1 hour counselling apt he was so lovely funny&kind May you Rest In Peace James.x"
Another fan wrote: "Rest in glorious glamour forever more Viv. Thank you for the endless laughs. What an icon. A blazing beacon of drag. A pillar. A massive loss." While another posted: "Still can’t believe this news viv may you go fly with the angels your a legend that will live on in our hearts forever so so heartbroken... love and condolences to your family".
One fan said: "Absolutely heartbreaking. Gone to soon. She lit up dancing on Ice and had so much respect and admiration for her story. Plus on the game show she was as ever the best sense of humour. RIP beautiful angel. You'll be very missed".
The Vivienne's publicist wrote in a statement: "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, warm-hearted, and amazing person.
"Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve."
Fans and celebrities alike have shared their heartfelt tribute to the star, including their former husband David Ludford, who said they were "shattered" following the news. You can read more about their tribute here. Dancing On Ice judge Oti Mabuse remembered The Vivienne for being a "phenomenal entertainer" and "trailblazer", while fellow RuPaul's Drag Race winner Jinkx Monsoon said the star made a "mark in our hearts".
Meanwhile, RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage also paid tribute to Williams, writing that their death was "heartbreaking". Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote on Instagram: "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.
"You were a beacon to so many. Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes, I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times."
