Heartfelt Tributes Pour in for The Vivienne, Beloved Drag Star and Trailblazing Skater

In a wave of heartfelt tributes, professional figure skater Colin Grafton expressed deep sorrow over the unexpected passing of James Lee Williams, famously known as The Vivienne, a cherished drag queen and his partner on the popular television show "Dancing on Ice." The Vivienne, celebrated for her dynamic performances and captivating presence, passed away at the age of 32, leaving a profound impact on fans and fellow performers alike.

The Vivienne rose to fame as the inaugural winner of "RuPaul’s Drag Race UK" in 2019, capturing audiences with her charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent. She further solidified her place in the hearts of the public by competing in "RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars" in 2022, where her fanbase continued to grow. In a groundbreaking move, she became the first drag performer to participate in "Dancing on Ice," a prestigious British show where celebrities are paired with professional skaters in a thrilling elimination contest.

Colin Grafton, a former Team USA pairs skater, found himself at the start of a unique journey when he partnered with The Vivienne in 2023. Grafton, in his second season with the show, was thrilled to pair with The Vivienne, whose vibrant personality and dedication to her craft drew accolades from audiences and judges alike. Together, they skated their way into the finals, earning third place overall with memorable performances to iconic songs such as "Strong Enough" by Cher and "Jolene" by Dolly Parton.

A Pioneering Partnership

In February 2024, Grafton publicly came out as gay, marking a pivotal moment in his life and career. He spoke candidly about the profound effect his partnership with The Vivienne had on him, both personally and professionally. Their collaboration was not merely a display of athletic prowess and artistic expression; it was a beacon of representation and acceptance within the LGBTQ+ community.

Upon learning of The Vivienne’s passing, Grafton took to Instagram to express his grief and pay tribute to his "beautiful friend." "Viv was and is a true icon in every sense of the word, and inspired thousands of people far and wide with everything they did and accomplished," he wrote. "They truly brought light into every room they entered, and gave so many people hope where there was none."

Memorable Moments on Ice

One of the standout performances from the duo came during "Movies Week," where The Vivienne wowed the audience and judges alike by dressing as Mary Poppins for a whimsical skate set to "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." Their performance was lauded by Olympic gold medal-winning judges Torvill and Dean, who awarded them a remarkable score of 9 out of 10.

Reflecting on their partnership, Grafton wrote, "I will forever cherish our time together on and off the ice, you will forever be my Mary Poppins. I promise to carry your memory with me in everything I do. You taught me so much about so many things, and I am eternally grateful. Your legacy lives on."

Community Mourns a Beloved Star

The loss of The Vivienne has resonated deeply within both the LGBTQ+ and figure skating communities. Fellow skater Eric Radford, an Olympic gold medalist, is set to join "Dancing on Ice" for the upcoming season. He was among many to offer condolences on Grafton’s post, commenting, "beautiful words Colin" accompanied by a broken heart emoji.

The producers of "Dancing on Ice" also expressed their sorrow in a public statement. "Making TV history through their groundbreaking and spellbinding skating partnership with Colin Grafton, James’ unique vitality and fearless spirit entranced audiences week after week, as they became the first drag act to reach the final of the show. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their family and friends."

The Vivienne’s legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment and an inspiration to many will undoubtedly endure. Her contributions to both the drag and skating worlds will continue to inspire future generations to embrace their true selves and break boundaries. As fans and colleagues mourn her passing, they celebrate the indelible mark she has left on the world.