From their spot-on impersonations to West End fame, here are some of the star’s wonderful achievementsÂ
BY BELLA FRANCIS, IMAGE BY BBC
Yesterday (5 January) it was announced on social media that legendary British drag queen The Vivienne tragically lost their life over the weekend. Taking their name from the iconic Vivienne Westwood brand, the star – also known as James Lee Williams – was well known for their glamorous style, witty sense of humour and infectious personality.Â
In their honour, here are eight of our favourite memories of the star.
When they became the inaugural winner of Drag Race UK
“Don’t get too comfy girls, this isn’t going to take two minutes!” were the first words we heard from The Vivienne as she entered the season one Drag Race UK werkroom back in 2019. Throughout her eight episode run, she impressed the judges with her flawless makeup and witty humour, taking home three challenge wins and the rightful title of RuPaul’s first Drag Race UK superstar.
When they starred on Dancing On Ice
The Vivienne came third on the 2023 edition of Dancing on Ice, becoming the first drag queen to appear in the franchise. Teaming up with American skater Colin Grafton, they ended up snagging third place, just behind gymnast Nile Wilson and Joey Essex.
Although the pair consistently performed well, it was their week five performance that really resonated with fans as The Vivienne chose to skate without drag as James.
When they did THAT Donald Trump impression.
Hailed by judge Michelle Visage as “the best Snatch Game character in the history of the show”, The Vivienne’s Donald Trump impression not only garnered her international attention but possibly also pushed her over the edge to snatch the crown.
Complete with exaggerated pouts, orange face paint, and a floppy blonde wig, the popularity of this character landed the Vivienne her own WOWPresents Plus show, Morning T&T, a mock talk show in which she performed as Trump alongside fellow season one finalist Baga Chipz reprising her Snatch Game character, Margaret Thatcher. She also narrated the BBC’s Trump In Tweets TV special chronicling the former president’s social media impact.
When they became a Drag Race UK ambassador
Long-time Drag Race watchers were surprised to learn that 2019 was not the first time The Vivienne had appeared on the Drag Race franchise.
She actually appeared in the audience during the season eight episode four episode “New Wave Queens”. She earned the opportunity after being appointed the role of the UK Drag ambassador, competing in a one-day event judged by RuPaul, Katie Price, and Jonathan Ross to secure the title
When they starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz on the 2024 UK tour
Earlier this year, The Vivienne was cast as the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West in the revival of The Wizard of Oz musical.
“I don’t have many words to say as this is one huge dream,” they posted on Instagram.
Starring alongside Jason Manford’s cowardly Lion and Aston Merrygold’s Tin Man, the musical received huge praise with The Vivienne being particularly heralded.
Their time on Celebrity Hunted
In January of 2022, The Vivienne starred in Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted, in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.
The show features a host of celebrities being tasked with spending 14 days on the run from an elite hunter crew.
Teaming up with Too Hot to Handle’s Chloe Veitch, The Vivienne made it to the final episode but was unfortunately unable to evade the Hunter’s grasp.
Their time on Drag Race All Stars
In April 2022, The Vivienne was announced as part of the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. This time around, she was pitted against American queens, and despite not reaching the final, it was certainly another feather to add to her bow.
When they presented at the British Soap awards
In June 2023, The Vivienne presented the award for “Scene of the Year” at the 2023 British Soap Awards.
Donning a black feather dress, the star took centre stage at the ceremony.
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