Fans paid tribute to The Vivienne on what would have been their 33rd birthday after the Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star tragically passed away earlier this year, aged 32
In January, the world was left in mourning following the tragic passing of The Vivienne at just 32 years old. The larger-than-life reality TV sensation, best known for their time on Drag Race UK, would have celebrated their 33rd birthday today, on April 12.
In a touching tribute, fans and celebrity friends alike flocked to social media to honour their memory. Fellow Drag star Cheryl The Queen was among the first to express her sorrow, sharing a podcast clip featuring The Vivienne. The video showed The Vivienne and Cheryl The Queen reminiscing about their worst dating experiences. Alongside the clip, Cheryl posted: “Happy Heavenly Birthday @thevivienne_ This clip always makes me smile with how much you cared! We miss you, we love you, we celebrate YOU!” followed by a red heart emoji.
Another fan penned: “Words can’t describe What an absolute awful tragic loss to such a darling true down to earth beautiful soul. Rest and celebrate in peace Viv xx”. A third chimed in with: “Love this clip.”, reports the Mirror.
A fourth follower commented: “Happy heavenly birthday to Queen Viv (Also, that anecdote was hilarious and kind of terrifying at the same time! )”, while a fifth wrote: “Oh Viv! We love you and miss you so much. Rest gently.”
A sixth person added: “Happy Heavenly Birthday Viv miss you everyday! Xoxox.”
Similarly, drag best friend Baga Chipz shared two photos of them with Viv, both in and out of drag. Baga captioned the post: “Happy birthday @thevivienne. Miss you everyday.
“Could really do with my mate lately. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of you. Just wish we were going out tonight to celebrate. Love you bab.”
On January 5, it was announced that The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, had sadly passed away at home, leaving family and friends heartbroken. At the time, a touching vigil was held on the grand steps of St George’s Hall to honour their life, with fellow Drag Race stars and celeb mates in attendance.
The venue was bathed in brilliant green lights, tipping the hat to the performer’s stint as the Wicked Witch of the West in last year’s UK tour of The Wizard of Oz. As part of the tribute, balloons were sent soaring into the sky. A heartfelt message from The Vivienne’s family was delivered by their friend, Bobby Muskar.
He shared: “As a family we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne.” Bobby continued: “From an early age it was evident he was destined for the stage… he was determined to pave his own way in this world.”
Fondly recalling The Vivienne as a “son, brother, uncle and true icon,” Bobby added: “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 expressed their immense pride in all their achievements, saying: “We will miss you for an eternity and for an eternity we will all love you.”
Danny Beard, who bagged the crown in series four of Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK, hailed the star as a “truly larger than life” figure, noting: “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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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
