The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, was a British drag performer whose charisma, talent, and courage made them a standout figure in the world of drag and entertainment. Best known for winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne broke barriers and brought visibility to the UK drag scene on a global scale. Their sudden passing in January 2025 at just 32 years old shocked fans, peers, and the LGBTQ+ community.
This article looks at their inspiring life, trailblazing career, and the important conversations their legacy continues to spark.
Early Life and Background
James Lee Williams was born in Colwyn Bay, a seaside town in North Wales, where they spent their early years. As a child, James had a natural flair for performance and a love for pop culture, especially iconic divas like Cher and Madonna. This passion would later fuel the creation of The Vivienne—a drag persona known for glamour, wit, and high-level impersonations.
Williams later moved to Liverpool, a vibrant city with a rich LGBTQ+ history, where their drag career truly began to blossom. Liverpool’s club scene provided a platform for The Vivienne to evolve, performing regularly and developing a reputation for polished looks and sharp comedic timing.
Rise to Fame on Drag Race UK
In 2019, The Vivienne made history by joining the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. From the very first episode, it was clear they were a front-runner. Their impersonation of Donald Trump in the Snatch Game challenge and runway looks earned consistent praise from the judges.
More than just a fierce competitor, The Vivienne brought heart to the show. They spoke candidly about their past struggles with ketamine addiction, using the platform to advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness. This honesty resonated with viewers, setting The Vivienne apart as not only an entertainer but also a voice for others dealing with similar issues.
After a series of strong performances, The Vivienne was crowned the winner of Drag Race UK Season 1, cementing their place in drag history.
Career Highlights Post-Drag Race
Winning Drag Race UK launched The Vivienne into stardom. Their career quickly expanded across television, theatre, and live performances. They became a fixture on UK television, appearing on shows like The Great British Sewing Bee, Celebrity Hunted, and Dancing on Ice.
One of their most notable achievements came in 2022 when they became the first UK queen to compete on the US-based RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars. Though up against stiff competition, The Vivienne held their own and won fans over once again with their professionalism and humor.
They also took part in numerous live tours, including the RuPaul’s Drag Race UK tour and solo performances across the UK and abroad. Beyond drag, The Vivienne used their platform to speak out about LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, and addiction recovery, offering support and solidarity to many.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Offstage, James Williams was known as thoughtful, generous, and deeply committed to using their experiences to help others. Their candidness about past drug use, particularly ketamine, was both brave and necessary. During Drag Race UK, The Vivienne revealed they had sought help for addiction, a moment that helped normalize discussions around substance abuse in the queer community.
In interviews and on social media, they often emphasized the importance of mental health and support networks. Their openness encouraged many to seek help, breaking down stigma and offering hope.
Tragic Passing and Cause of Death
On January 16, 2025, The Vivienne was found dead at their home in Cheshire. Fans and celebrities around the world mourned the loss of a bright star gone far too soon. Vigils were held, including a particularly emotional one in Liverpool, where friends and family paid tribute to the life and legacy of James Williams.
In April 2025, The Vivienne’s family released a statement revealing that the cause of death was cardiac arrest due to the effects of ketamine. Cheshire Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Their family, including sister Chanel Williams, shared that they were “completely devastated” but hoped to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine. The family has since begun working with the substance abuse charity Adferiad to honor The Vivienne’s legacy and prevent further tragedies.
Legacy and Impact
The Vivienne’s influence goes far beyond reality TV. As a performer, they brought polish, passion, and authenticity to every stage. As a person, they were open about their challenges and used their platform to uplift others. Their presence helped bring UK drag into the mainstream and inspired a new generation of performers.
At their funeral, which was attended by celebrities like Jade Thirlwall and Marcus Collins, tributes poured in from all corners of the entertainment world. But it’s perhaps their lasting impact on public health advocacy that stands as their most meaningful legacy.
In the words of their family: “The Vivienne brought sparkle to life. They will be missed for eternity.”
Awareness Around Ketamine and Substance Use
Ketamine is a powerful dissociative drug used medically for anesthesia and pain relief, but it is also widely misused recreationally. When abused, ketamine can cause hallucinations, bladder damage, heart issues, and, in some cases, death.
In England, the number of under-18s entering drug treatment where ketamine was identified as a problem substance nearly tripled from 2020–21 to 2023–24. Experts warn that the drug is becoming increasingly accessible among young people, who may not be aware of the risks.
The charity Adferiad, which The Vivienne’s family now supports, runs detox and rehabilitation programs and works to change public perception of drug addiction. Spokesperson Donna Chavez said the family’s decision to speak out was “incredibly brave” and that sharing James’ story could save lives.
Conclusion
The Vivienne’s story is one of talent, resilience, and transformation. From a young performer in North Wales to a global drag icon, they inspired countless people and left a mark that won’t be forgotten. Their untimely death is a tragic reminder of the dangers of substance abuse, but their legacy will continue to shine—both on stage and in the lives they touched.
As their family works to turn grief into advocacy, we are reminded of the power of community, honesty, and love in the face of loss.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was The Vivienne?
The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, was a British drag performer best known for winning RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1. They were a prominent figure in the UK drag scene and an advocate for mental health and substance abuse awareness.
What caused The Vivienne’s death?
The Vivienne passed away in January 2025 due to cardiac arrest caused by the effects of ketamine. Their family later confirmed the cause of death and are now working to raise awareness about drug-related dangers.
What was The Vivienne known for?
The Vivienne was known for their polished drag performances, celebrity impersonations, and appearances on multiple TV shows. They also openly discussed past struggles with addiction, becoming a voice for those dealing with similar issues.
How is The Vivienne’s legacy being honored?
The Vivienne’s family is working with the charity Adferiad to raise awareness of the risks associated with ketamine use and to provide support for those struggling with addiction. Fans continue to celebrate their life through tributes, performances, and social media.
What is ketamine and why is it dangerous?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic used medically but often misused recreationally. It can lead to severe health issues including bladder damage, addiction, and heart complications. The Vivienne’s death has brought new attention to the growing problem of ketamine misuse.