GettyThe family of drag icon The Vivienne said they had “brought sparkle back to life” and will be missed “forever” during an emotional vigil in Liverpool on Sunday evening.
Hundreds gathered on the steps of St George’s Hall to pay their respects to the TV star, also known as James Lee Williams. Who died last week at the age of 32.
The landmark was lit green in honor of The Vivienne’s role in the Wizard of Oz movie and crowds swayed with lit torches on their phones to a moving rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
Vivienne shot to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.
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Reuters“As a family, we are absolutely overwhelmed with the outpouring of love for James, The Vivienne,” the family said in a statement read by Bobby Musker, a friend of The Vivienne.
The family paid tribute to the “son, brother, uncle and true icon.”
“From an early age it was clear that he was destined to take to the stage… He was determined to pave his way in this world,” they said.
He added: “The road was not easy, but the dream never changed, and James always told us that they would achieve it and they did.”
The family said they were “incredibly proud of everything she has achieved.”
“We will miss you forever and love you all forever,” they said.
Shortly before the statement was read, Vivian’s young niece, Isabella, took the microphone.
“Thank you for being here to celebrate my uncle,” she told the crowd. “I love you Uncle James.”
Crowds heard performances by Joey & the Hot Tub Boys, who sang Heart of Stone by Cher and Heroes by David Bowie, and speeches from a host of friends and colleagues.
Danny Bird, winner of the fourth series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, described The Vivienne as a “truly larger than life” character who “can never be limited to the ordinary”.
they He described them as a “shining beacon of light for the LGBT community.”
“The performances were not just theatrics, they were celebrations of life.” they He said.
“They taught us that it’s okay to live out loud.”
The vigil was organized with the help of Sahir House, Liverpool’s oldest gay charity. Vivian was an ambassador for the charity.
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ReutersSimon Jones, Vivian’s publicist and friend, told the BBC: “I will remember Vivian as a kind-hearted and kind person, as well as the most amazing talent.
“What I loved most about The Vivienne is that she made me laugh all the time.
“There’s literally no one who made me laugh as much as Viv, whether it was at a show where she was reading to an audience… or when we were going to lunch or dinner or just hanging out.
“There was always fast talk and something a bit wild.
“She was always fun and I will really miss that. She brought so much love and warmth into my life.”
Presenter Holly Willoughby has paid tribute to drag queen The Vivienne after the professional skaters’ opening performance in ITV’s Dancing On Ice on Saturday night.
The program began with a show of lifts and jumps for the figure skaters dressed in pink, blue and yellow.
After welcoming viewers to the new series, Willoughby added: “Before we move on, like us, many of you will be saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne’s death last weekend.
“They are now a big part of our bid, having reached the final in 2023.
“We will miss them terribly and our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this time. Very sad.”
After winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne became the only contestant from the UK series to compete in the US series when she took part in All Stars 7 in 2022.
They have become a household name by appearing on other TV shows including Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, Dancing on Ice and Emmerdale.
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Vivian’s death has led to an outpouring of grief in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
On Friday, DragCon UK, a convention for Drag Race fans, was attended by most of the show’s contestants.
Host RuPaul Charles praised The Vivienne during the event’s opening ceremony, saying he wanted to focus on “love.”
He said: “We will remember our dear Vivian with love and life, for that is what she was.
“She wants you to live your life and be free and have a lot of fun and spread it around, right?”
Other notable names to applaud include Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and singer and actress Ariana Grande.
Vivian grew up in Colwyn Bay on the north coast of Wales.
They attended Rydal Penhouse Private School but dropped out at 16 to move to Liverpool and become make-up artists.
They later went to live and perform in Gran Canaria. A vigil was held on the Spanish island at the same time as the Liverpool event.