The Vivienne
she/her
“The UK's First Drag Superstar. Legend, forever.”
The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams in Colwyn Bay, Wales, was a trailblazing British drag performer who rose to international fame as the very first winner of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019. Based out of Liverpool for most of her career, she built her persona around a love of Vivienne Westwood couture, sharp comedic impersonations, and polished, glamour-forward looks that bridged club kid grit with West End theatricality. Her Snatch Game Donald Trump remains one of the most celebrated performances in the franchise's history. She went on to claim a second crown on RuPaul's Drag Race UK vs The World Season 1 in 2022, cementing her status as a global drag superstar. Beyond the runway, she broke ground as the first drag artist to compete on ITV's Dancing on Ice, finishing third in 2023, and headlined the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz as the Wicked Witch of the West. The Vivienne passed away in January 2025 at age 32, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the global Drag Race community. Her legacy endures through her music, her advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility, and the doors she opened for British drag.