The Vivienne died at the age of 32 (Image: PA)
Family, admirers and fellow celebrities congregated in Liverpool on Sunday evening to honour the memory of RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne, who tragically passed away earlier this month at just 32 years old.
The entertainer, born James Lee Williams, , leaving a profound sense of loss in the entertainment industry and among those who knew them personally.
A vigil was organised on the steps of St George’s Hall to celebrate the life and career of the TV personality, with fellow Drag Race contestants and soap opera stars among the attendees.
In a touching tribute, buildings were illuminated in green, reflecting the performer’s acclaimed role as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK touring production of The Wizard of Oz last year.
Balloons were also released into the sky as those present bid a heartfelt goodbye to the star.
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A vigil was held on the steps of St George’s Hall (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A statement from The Vivienne’s family was read out by their friend Bobby Musker, which expressed: “As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne…
“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 family remembered the star as a “son, brother, uncle and true icon”, adding: “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.”
The family declared they are “so unbelievably proud of everything they achieved” before saying: “We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you.”
Season four champion of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Danny Beard, praised The Vivienne as a “truly larger than life” character, adding: “The performances weren’t just acts, they were celebrations of life. They taught us it was OK to live out loud.”
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 13: The Vivienne attends RuPaul’s DragCon at Los Angeles Convention Center on May 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Chelsea Guglielmino/WireImage) (Image: WireImage)
Sunday saw a vigil held in honour of The Vivienne with the support of Sahir House, Liverpool’s pioneering LGBTQ+ charity, and where The Vivienne served as an ambassador.
Gaining global acclaim after seizing the crown in the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, The Vivienne competed in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and has featured in shows including Celebrity Hunted and Dancing On Ice.
The seventeenth series of the ITV show kicked off on Sunday (January 12), but by the skating competition’s tribute to the late drag queen during the launch.
Before the first contestant took to the ice, presenter said: “Before we move on, like us, many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend.
Hundreds of people gathered to pay tribute to The Vivienne (Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
“They were a huge part of our show, making it all the way to the final in 2023. They’ll be very sorely missed and our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this time. So sad.”
Viewers rushed to social media to express their disappointment, claiming the tribute was far from good enough.
One user penned: “Nah #DancingOnIce making out they were doing a tribute to The Vivienne and they say practically nothing. They make more tribute that that s****y bolero. What the f**k absolutely abysmal show #doi.”
Another echoed:”Was that seriously the tribute for Teh Vivienne they were talking about? Hoping there’s something else later on in the show because that’s the only reason I tuned into doi #DancingOnIce.”
A third posted: “Is that it for a tribute to The Vivienne a few words why can’t we at least see some dances etc #DancingOnIce.”