The recent passing of drag icon The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, has sparked profound sadness and tributes from fans, friends, and the broader LGBTQ+ community. An emotional vigil was held in Liverpool on a poignant Sunday evening, where The Vivienne’s family expressed their overwhelming pride for the remarkable life and career he led. Gathering on the steps of Liverpool’s historic St. George’s Hall, hundreds came to pay their respects, illuminating the night with their phone torches while swaying to a heartfelt rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” a tribute to The Vivienne’s role in the stage production of *The Wizard of Oz*.
At just 32 years old, The Vivienne’s untimely death left a gaping void in the hearts of many. He rose to fame in 2019 by claiming victory in the inaugural season of *RuPaul’s Drag Race UK*, a milestone that forever changed the landscape of drag performance in the UK and brought significant visibility to the art form. In a touching address, The Vivienne’s family highlighted his journey and unyielding passion for performance from a young age, emphasizing that “the road was not easy, but the dream never, ever changed.”
As the evening unfolded, it became evident that The Vivienne’s legacy touched many lives. The family not only celebrated his achievements on stage but reflected on his profound impact as a son, brother, and uncle. Their heartfelt sentiment resonated deeply when they asserted, “We will miss you for an eternity, and for an eternity we will all love you.” This personal embodiment of love was further highlighted when The Vivienne’s young niece, Isabella, stepped to the microphone to share her own emotional tribute, thanking the attendees for celebrating her uncle’s life with her.
The vigil featured stirring performances from artists such as Joey & the Hot Tub Boys, who entertained attendees with renditions of cherished songs including “Heart of Stone” by Cher and “Heroes” by David Bowie. The presence of fellow drag artists brought an air of communal solidarity as they shared their memories, with Danny Beard—another prominent figure in the drag community—describing The Vivienne as a “truly larger than life” character and a “shining beacon of light for the LGBT community.” The atmosphere was charged with nostalgia, laughter, and many shared stories of the joy The Vivienne brought through performances that transcended mere entertainment and became joyous celebrations of life itself.
Notably, Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, played a role in organizing the vigil. The Vivienne served as an ambassador for the charity, showing his unwavering commitment to supporting and uplifting the community. In the wake of his passing, the LGBTQ+ community and allies have rallied, holding vigils in various locations including Gran Canaria, celebrating his life and advocating for love and acceptance as The Vivienne would have wanted.
Tributes have also poured in from notable figures across the entertainment spectrum. Simon Jones, The Vivienne’s publicist, emphasized his kind-heartedness and humor as integral to his persona, stating, “There is literally no one who has made me laugh as much as Viv.” Similarly, presenter Holly Willoughby reflected on The Vivienne’s contributions, asserting that he would be “very sorely missed” and acknowledging his significant presence on platforms such as *Dancing on Ice* and *Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway*.
Social media resonated with heartfelt messages, with colleagues and fans alike paying tribute to The Vivienne’s legacy. Just a week prior, at DragCon UK, host RuPaul reminded attendees to embrace love and joy in remembrance of The Vivienne, emphasizing that life should be lived fully and freely. This expression of solidarity, compassion, and shared grief underscores the important role that The Vivienne played not only as an entertainer but also as an advocate and friend to many.
The tale of The Vivienne reflects not only a life well-lived but also the potential for performance to bridge gaps, foster understanding, and promote acceptance. As tributes continue to flow, it is clear that The Vivienne’s spirit will live on in the hearts of those he touched through laughter, inspiration, and love.
