Baga Chipz, Bimini and more pay tribute to The Vivienne: ‘One of the greatest drag stars ever’
Tributes to the late Drag Race star The Vivienne have continued to pour in since the announcement of her untimely passing at the age of 32 last weekend.
In a heartfelt piece published in Metro, Simon Jones, the late star’s publicist, wrote about his client and friend: “Viv leaves a legacy as one of the greatest drag and entertainment stars the UK has ever seen. Their presence will be felt forever. An icon of drag and a beautiful human who left us way too soon.”
“Audiences loved Viv,” Jones continued. “They felt safe with their hands and would laugh all night. Viv’s content for Netflix is some of the most hilarious filming you will ever watch, and that is why it is still constantly being clipped up on TikTok.
“But what I will remember most fondly is the amazing private moments we shared where Viv would make me laugh uncontrollably. Sometimes we’d go for lunch or dinner just simply to gossip and catch up.”
“That was the magic of Viv. They could enter a room and it would light up with a presence that everyone felt.”
Elsewhere, The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, was the subject of moving tributes from her fellow Drag Race UK alumni. “My beautiful, talented, mad, bestest friend in the whole wide world. Not just my sister but also my brother,” said the star’s fellow Drag Race UK series one cast member Baga Chipz in an Instagram post.
“You taught me the true meaning of sisterhood but more importantly you taught me how to do a cut crease. I’m sending all my love to your mama and family, me and the girls will always be there for them,” Baga continued.
“I’m gonna bloody miss you friend. Get the drinks in for me love. I love you.”
Bimini also took to Instagram to share their sentiments. “My heart is heavy. The Vivienne was truly loved,” they wrote.
“A unique talent, sharp tongue and a kind soul. I am sending my love to every person in our community today. Tell the people you love how special they are. Loss is one of the cruelest parts of the human experience,” Bimini concluded.
Drag Race UK vs The World champion Tia Kofi said: “This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally. She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all.”
“She has made her mark in our hearts and on her stages”
Television host Lorraine Kelly echoed similar sentiments, writing on X: “Oh this is so sad – such a lovely, funny, whip smart and generous person. A delight to interview. My thoughts with everyone who loved The Vivienne.”
Jinkx Monsoon also shared a tribute on social media writing: “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.”
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