The Vivienne Biography: Height, Net Worth, Age, Songs, Movies, Ex-Husband, Siblings, Parents, Divorce, Ethnicity

James Lee Williams, commonly known as The Vivienne, was a Welsh drag queen, singer, and television personality who rose to fame as the winner of the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

Known for their sharp wit, glamorous performances, and trailblazing presence as the first Romani contestant and winner in the Drag Race franchise, they became a prominent figure in British entertainment through appearances on shows like Dancing on Ice, West End productions including The Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, and music releases.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: James Lee Williams
• Stage Name: The Vivienne
• Born: 12 April 1992
• Died: 3 January 2025
• Age: 32 years old
• Birthplace: Colwyn Bay, Wales, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Ethnicity: Romani
• Occupation: Drag Queen, Singer, Television Personality
• Height: 6’1″
• Religion: Unknown
• Parents: Cassie Williams, Lee Williams
• Siblings: Chanel Williams
• Spouse: David Ludford (m. 2019–2023)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $1.5 million

Early Life and Education

James Lee Williams was born on 12 April 1992 in Colwyn Bay, Wales, United Kingdom, to parents Cassie Williams and Lee Williams. They grew up in Colwyn Bay and Towyn and had a sister named Chanel.

Williams began performing at age 5, attending stage school and appearing in a production of Bugsy Malone. They attended Rydal Penrhos school, came out as gay at 14, and relocated to Liverpool at 16 to work as a make-up artist.

Their ethnicity is Romani and their religion is unknown.

Career

The Vivienne began their drag career around 2015, performing in Liverpool’s local scene before gaining national attention by competing on and winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

Their bold, charismatic style and quick humor stood out, leading to immediate recognition as a fresh voice in British drag. They followed with music singles, tours, and high-profile TV appearances, including RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and Dancing on Ice, where they showcased versatility beyond drag.

Key accomplishments included starring in West End musicals like The Wizard of Oz and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, releasing music, and serving as a trailblazer for Romani representation in entertainment.

Their transition from local performer to international drag icon highlighted their talent for comedy, performance, and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community.

The Vivienne left an enduring influence as a beloved entertainer whose work in drag, television, theater, and music inspired many.

Their openness about personal struggles, combined with groundbreaking achievements, cemented a legacy of authenticity and excellence in the industry.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @thevivienne_
• Twitter Handle: @THEVIVIENNEUK

Personal Life

James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, married David Ludford in 2019; the couple divorced in 2023. They had no children.

Williams was open about their journey, including coming out young and navigating personal challenges, while maintaining close family ties, particularly with their mother Cassie and sister Chanel.

Their untimely death in January 2025 prompted family statements to raise awareness about substance risks, reflecting their impact on loved ones and fans.

Net Worth

The Vivienne had an estimated net worth of around $1.5 million at the time of their passing.

Their income came primarily from drag performances, television appearances on shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and Dancing on Ice, West End theater roles, music releases, touring, and related entertainment ventures.

Discography

• “Tonight” (2020)
• “Bitch on Heels” (EP, 2022; includes title track and related singles)
• “You Spin Me Round (Initial Talk Remix)” (cover/single)
• “Jingle Bell Rock” (with Tia Kofi, 2022)
• “We Werk Together” (feature with Ant & Dec, Lawrence Chaney, Krystal Versace, 2022)
• “Break Up (Bye Bye)” (as Filth Harmony, 2019)
• “To the Moon” (RuPaul feat. The Cast of RuPaul’s Drag Race, 2019)

Filmography

• RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (Season 1 Winner, 2019)
• RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (contestant)
• Dancing on Ice (contestant, 2023)
• The Vivienne Takes on Hollywood (host/series, 2020–)
• Absolutely Fabulous: The Movie (cameo/appearance, 2016)