Heartwarming reason The Vivienne chose her stage name – as beloved drag queen dies suddenly aged 32

When they began their journey as a drag queen, The Vivienne turned to a British fashion icon for inspiration. 

The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK legend, who died suddenly aged 32, previously revealed their stage name was a tribute to legendary fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. 

James Lee Williams, better known as The Viviene, won the first series of the UK version of the drag contest in 2019, before returning for the US All Stars Winners season in 2022. 

When asked about the meaning of their stage name, The Vivienne told the BBC it had everything to do with his love for Westwood’s creations.

The iconic Scouse drag queen said: ‘I love Vivienne Westwood and, when I moved to Liverpool, everyone used to call me Vivienne as I was head to toe in Westwood, so when I started doing drag it was a natural progression, 

They added: ‘I didn’t want one of those cheap, nasty, sl***y drag names so I thought of “The Vivienne” and here she is, there’s only one of them.’

On Sunday, their publicist Simon Jones confirmed Williams ‘passed this weekend’ in an Instagram statement, as tributes poured in for the star on social media.

Jones wrote: ‘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, warmhearted 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.’

He continued: ‘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 as much in my life as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.

‘I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life everyday for the last five years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in.

‘I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.’

Police have confirmed The Vivienne’s ‘sudden’ passing is not being treated as suspicious, with a cause of death still awaited. 

In the wake of Williams’ death, Wicked star Grande and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage honoured The Vivienne’s legacy in heartfelt social media posts. 

‘You were a beacon to so many,’ Visage’s emotional message read. ‘I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.’ 

Grande reshared drag performer Jinkx Monsoon’s tribute post on her Instagram Stories along with three heart emojis. 

Jinkx Monsoon’s message read: ‘I don’t entirely have words. 

‘She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages. It’s too soon for a curtain call, but I know it’s a standing ovation. 

‘I love you, Viv.’ 

TV presenters Rylan Clark and Lorraine Kelly, Perrie Edwards, soap stars Antony Cotton and Lisa Riley were among those who remembered The Vivienne, after Jones confirmed Williams’ death. 

After winning the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne went on to host an online chat show where celebrities joined her to chat about series’ of the show, before they ventured in musical theatre. 

Recently, the performer hosted a Christmas party show on BBC Radio Wales. 

Just days before their death, they took to Instagram to urge fans to donate to LGBTQ+ and HIV charity SAHIR. 

Encouraging others to give £1 a month, they wrote: ‘Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!!

‘The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it.’

The drag artist’s shock death came just days after they said when they meet strangers they hope they ‘love gay people’ as they spoke in a victim impact statement.

The comments came after magistrates last month ruled a one-punch attack by scaffolder Alan Whitfield on The Vivienne was a hate crime.

The Vivienne, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in last year’s Dancing On Ice, was targeted at the restaurant in Edge Lane on June 16 last year.

They were subjected to a ‘barrage of abuse’ from the defendant who then struck him to the left side of the face with a ‘heavy blow’.

Their face was bruised and hurt for a week but The Vivienne said ‘luckily’ they were a 6ft ex-rugby player who could take a punch, Liverpool Magistrates’ Court was told.

In a victim personal statement read to the court on Wednesday, The Vivienne said: ‘As a proud gay man, I have never hidden who I am or edited myself.

‘It shames me to say at the age of 31, I am now a lot more conscious that I could be attacked at any moment simply for living my life.

‘This has caused me stress, anguish and ongoing trauma.’

Last year, they made history as they became the first drag queen to perform on Dancing On Ice, with viewers branding The Vivienne a ‘superstar’.

The Vivienne and her pro partner Colin Grafton were thrilled as they scored a total of 28.5 out of 40, with Ashley, Oti and Jayne scoring her 7, while Chris gave a 7.5.

Oti praised The Vivienne’s first performance: ‘If you are going to make history, this is how you make history congratulations!’