The Vivienne's stint in West End's Wizard of Oz was a 'dream come true' for Drag Race winner
The Vivienne starred as the infamous Wicked Witch of the West in London over the summer.
Drag performer and the first ever winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, The Vivienne has died aged 32.
James Lee Williams, better known professionally as The Vivienne was on the rise in the world of theatre having landed roles in touring productions of The Wizard Of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
During their stint as the iconic green character the Wicked Witch of the West last summer in the touring production of The Wizard Of Oz, The Vivienne took to the stage of London’s Gillian Lynne Theatre on Drury Lane.
Performing in London’s West End was a real “dream come true” for The Vivienne with the star having shared their excitement ahead of the run on social media.
In a TikTok The Vivienne gushed about how they were "absolutely gagged” and they “never expected it to happen”.
The star’s publicist announced they had sadly died in a statement on Instagram on Sunday (January 5).
The message began: “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."
Following the news, tributes have flooded social media with their The Wizard Of Oz co-star having also posted a sweet message.
JLS singer Aston Merrygold who took on the role of The Tin Man in the show alongside The Vivienne, shared a backstage selfie with them on his Instagram stories along with the line “Rest easy now my friend.”
If you want more great content like this, follow us on social media! We’re on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn.