James Lee Williams rose to fame as The Vivienne, one of the most successful drag queens in Britain. Introduced to the world on the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, The Vivienne won over fans and judges alike with her impersonation of Donald Trump in the Snatch Game. With her straight-talking but unique personality, The Vivienne soon became a popular figure in the drag community.
In addition to her impressive Trump impression, The Vivienne became known for her bold, glitzy, and saucy outfits. Describing her style as that of a “Scouse wife who moved to LA and blew all her money, then had to move back to Liverpool,” The Vivienne became known for her immaculate makeup and perfect walk in stilettos. Her Queen Elizabeth outfit, which she embellished with knitted ducks, and her dance moves while performing to Dolly Parton and Cher songs on Dancing on Ice in 2023 were also memorable moments.
Following her appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne forged a successful career in TV and musical theatre. She was a contestant on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and appeared on shows including Hunted, Emmerdale, and the Great British Sewing Bee. She even starred in a six-part series, The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood, documenting her travels to Los Angeles to make a music video.
Williams’ success is a testament to her personality and talent. Despite facing discrimination and a homophobic attack, she remained true to herself and became a beloved figure in the drag community. Her death at the age of 32 was a shock to fans and friends, but her legacy lives on, inspiring others to dream big and be unapologetically themselves
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