RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne’s family said they will be missed “for eternity” during a vigil in Liverpool tonight (January 12).
Huge crowds gathered in the city on the steps of St George’s Hall to pay their respects to the late star – real name James Lee Williams – who died a week ago at the age of 32.
The landmark was lit up in green to honour The Vivienne’s role in The Wizard Of Oz musical and crowds held up their phone torches to a moving rendition of ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’.
“As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne,” the family said in a statement (via BBC News) read by The Vivienne’s friend Bobby Musker.
“From an early age it was evident he was destined for the stage… he was determined to pave his own way in this world. The road was not easy but the dream never, ever changed and James would always tell us that they would make it happen and they did.”
Lights are shining bright in #Liverpool as ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ is sang to bring the vigil for The Vivienne to a close. pic.twitter.com/wS5QNdpUiv
— Hits Radio News | Liverpool & North West (@HitsLpoolNews) January 12, 2025
Surreal and emotional gathering honouring The Vivienne in the city she called home 💚 pic.twitter.com/jnzEoURFYO
— Paul McAuley (@paul_mcauley) January 12, 2025
The moment green balloons were released into the #Liverpool night sky for The Vivienne.
A vigil is being held for the drag icon, following their death last week. pic.twitter.com/MPjw1cwKXR
— Hits Radio News | Liverpool & North West (@HitsLpoolNews) January 12, 2025
They added: “We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you.”
Crowds heard performances from Joey & The Hot Tub Boys, who sang Cher‘s ‘Heart Of Stone’ and David Bowie‘s classic hit ‘Heroes’.
Former RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner Danny Beard also paid their respects, saying The Vivienne was a “truly larger than life” character who could “never be confined by the ordinary”.
They described them as a “shining beacon of light for the LGBT community”, adding: “The performances weren’t just acts, they were celebrations of life. They taught us it was OK to live out loud.”
Publicist Simon Jones who confirmed The Vivienne’s death last week, paid tribute to the late star during the ceremony too.
“I will remember The Vivienne as being a really kind-hearted, lovely person as well as being the most amazing talent,” Jones said.
“What I loved the most about The Vivienne was that she made me laugh the whole time. There is literally no one who has made me laugh as much as Viv, whether that was at a show where she was reading the audience… or when we were going for lunch or dinner or hanging out.
“There was always a quick one-liner and something a bit savage. She was always hilarious and I’m really going to miss that. She brought so much love and warmth into my life.”
The Vivienne rose to prominence in 2015 after becoming the UK Drag Ambassador for the American series of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
They later competed in the first UK series of the show in 2019, going on to win it after lip-syncing in the final to Wham! hit ‘I’m Your Man’.
Williams, who was born in Wales, also came third on the 2023 series of Dancing On Ice.
While no cause of death has been released, a spokesman for Cheshire Police recently shared a statement saying there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding their passing.
