A Modern Icon’s Rise and Untimely Demise
The Vivienne was on a trajectory to become a legend of this century, comparable to icons like Lily Savage or Dame Edna Everage. With a comedic flair and a sophisticated approach to makeup, she was far from rudimentary in her appearance. Her victory in the inaugural UK season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2019 catapulted her into the limelight, leading to roles in Dancing on Ice, Celebrity Hunted, and Emmerdale. By 2024, she achieved a new level of fame, starring as the Wicked Witch of the West in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of The Wizard of Oz.
However, James Lee Williams, known to the public as The Vivienne, did not get to fully experience widespread cultural fame. In January of this year, he tragically passed away from a cardio-respiratory arrest caused by ketamine use. He was only 32 years old.
An Emotional Tribute to a Lost Star
A mere eight months after his passing, a tribute to Williams has been released. Known affectionately as Viv to friends and James to his family, the documentary explores his life and legacy. It must have been incredibly difficult for his parents to speak publicly about his death so soon. In a poignant moment, his mother, caught off guard, asks his sister off camera if she had ever expressed her pride in him. The documentary concludes with a tear-jerking prompt for his loved ones, including his young niece, to write him an imaginary letter, a method that, while deeply moving, borders on exploitative given the rawness of their mourning.
Before delving into these emotional depths, “Dear Viv” provides a vibrant, insightful, and fascinating look at Williams’ life both as an entertainer and as a person. With a rich archive of footage from his career and early vlogs, combined with interviews from friends, family, and fellow performers, the documentary paints a full picture of his life. It recounts his coming out at 14 in a north Wales private school, his mischievous antics that amused his father who worked there, and how an obsession with Cher led him to discover drag. At 16, he moved to Liverpool, immersing himself in the club scene and developing his signature drag persona, inspired by Vivienne Westwood. His act, polished yet retaining a British roughness, was perfected during a spell in Gran Canaria.
His impersonations of celebrities like Donald Trump and Cher in his Drag Race audition tape not only secured him a spot on the show but also helped him win the competition and forge lasting friendships, notably with Baga Chipz. Following his success, Williams participated in Drag Race All Stars and hoped his appearance on Dancing on Ice would challenge public perceptions of drag queens.
Behind the Glamour
Off the stage and screen, Williams faced challenges. Initially anti-drug, his perspective shifted as he became accustomed to the extreme partying lifestyle in Liverpool. This led to a four-year struggle with ketamine dependency, which he managed to conceal from his family. He sought to break this cycle in Spain, and by the time he appeared on Drag Race, he was proudly sober.
In an archive interview, Williams shared the profound loneliness he felt before meeting his husband David, who became a significant source of happiness until their split in 2023. Despite his professional success, Williams experienced intense insecurity during All Stars, feeling overshadowed by the American contestants. The documentary reveals how his drag persona became a double-edged sword, providing an escape while also causing him to neglect his personal identity in favor of his alter ego, The Vivienne.
The complexities of his life and identity, including his final relapse, are handled with care in the documentary. While his manager was aware of his ketamine use and had arranged for therapy, the film does not simplify the reasons behind his death. Instead, it honors Williams as a talented artist who brought immense joy to many, even as he grappled with personal vulnerabilities.
“Dear Viv” aired on BBC Three and is available on iPlayer, providing a heartfelt and comprehensive look at the life of a beloved performer who left the world too soon.
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Fatima Clarke is a seasoned health reporter who bridges medical science with human stories. She writes with compassion, precision, and a drive to inform.
