The Vivienne’s family pay tribute at emotional vigil in Liverpool

Hundreds of people gathered to pay their respects rupaul’s drag race Winner The Vivienne said her family are “overwhelmed” with “love” at an emotional wake in Liverpool last night (January 12).

Vivienne’s fans and loved ones arrive by the steps of the city’s landmark St George’s Hall to honor her recent ‘dream’ role as the Wicked Witch of the West in the West End did. wizard of oz.

Vivian, also known as James Lee Williams, passed away on Sunday, January 5th at the age of 32. rupaul’s drag race uk Participated in 2019 all stars 7 In 2022.

In recent years, he has become famous by appearing on TV programs. dancing on ice and celebrity huntand began a successful stage career.

During the emotional wake, fans watched as Vivian’s friend Bobby Musker read a statement from Vivian’s family paying tribute to the late “son, brother, uncle and true icon.”

“As a family, we are completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for James, aka Vivian,” the statement read. BBC.

“From an early age, it was clear that he was destined for the stage…He was determined to make his own way in this world.

“The road wasn’t easy, but the dream never changed. James always told us they would make it happen, and they did.”

The eulogy went on to say that the family was “incredibly proud” of what the star had accomplished.

“We will forever miss you and forever we will all love you,” he concluded.

The audience watched as Vivian’s young niece Isabella thanked her uncle for coming to “congratulate” her and added: “We love you Uncle James.”

Sakhir House, Liverpool’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity, of which The Vivienne is an ambassador, hosted the vigil, which included a moving performance of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’.

A moving gathering to honor Vivian🤍💚 pic.twitter.com/FSq0pAkaCb

— Ra✨🦋 (@itssimplyangel) January 12, 2025

A surreal and emotional gathering honoring Vivian in the city she called home 💚 pic.twitter.com/jnzEoURFYO

— Paul McCauley (@paul_mcauley) January 12, 2025

Queer pop band Joey & the Hot Tub Boys played Cher’s “Heart of Stone” and David Bowie’s “Heroes,” after which attendees released green balloons into the sky one after another. evil The song “For Good” was playing from the speakers.

In addition to the performances, the crowd listened to speeches from Vivian’s friends and colleagues. rupaul’s drag race England Season 4 winner and fellow Liverpool legend Danny Beard.

Danny described Vivian as a “truly larger-than-life” character and a “shining light for the LGBT community.”

“They taught us it’s okay to live out loud,” Danny added.

hundreds of people came out from inside #Liverpool A wake was held to remember Vivian, an icon in the drug world who passed away last weekend.@tadannybeard, @simonjonespr Vivian’s friend Bobby also paid tribute on behalf of James’ family. pic.twitter.com/0hsXcsTqO9

— Hits Radio News | Liverpool & North West (@HitsLpoolNews) January 12, 2025

Vivian’s wake. 💚 pic.twitter.com/f1O6lnQwPA

— WhatsOnStage (@WhatsOnStage) January 12, 2025

emerdale Star Liam Fox recently appeared in a touring production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Along with Vivian, she described the wake as “so beautiful.”

“She was so loved by everyone who knew her, so losing her at such a young age is even more tragic as she had so much ahead of her,” he said. subway.

“Viv was a world-class star, breaking boundaries and shining a light wherever she went, but there was no place like home for them. Liverpool, her family and friends tonight… I would have been proud of Viv.”

At the opening of DragCon UK on Friday 10th January, drag race Host RuPaul said the weekend’s fan event would be a “remembrance of our dear Vivienne”.

The ITV competition was held last night (January 12th) as well. dancing on ice We would like to pay a short tribute to the star who competed as the first ever drag contestant in 2023 and made it all the way to the finals.

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