The Liverpool performer’s publicist announced on Instagram they had died over the weekend
The Vivienne at The National Lottery’s Big Eurovision Welcome at St Georges Plateau, Liverpool. (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
Police have issued an update after the death of The Vivienne, aged 32. The publicist of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s first-ever winner took to Instagram to announce they had died over the weekend.
Publicist Simon Jones issued a tribute to the TV star, explaining how they were more than just a client but also a friend. He said: “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.”
In a separate post, Simon added: “These are words, I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client, and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019, I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager.
“Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.”
The Vivienne was originally from Colwyn Bay but made their name in Liverpool’s Pride Quarter. They lived in the city until a number of years ago when they moved to Cheshire, following a split from their ex-husband.
The Vivienne performs at Fabuloso In The Park during the Brighton & Hove Pride 2023.(Image: 2023 Lorne Thomson)
In a statement today, Monday, January 6, Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
The spokesman added: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
The Vivienne performed at the Liverpool Empire in a production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang last year and told the ECHO about how much they treasured their Liverpool roots. They said: “My drag career started in Liverpool, and so it holds such a dear place in my heart.” Since their start in Liverpool, The Vivienne broke the mould and became a trailblazer in improving LGBTQ+ representation in the media.