The drag world was shocked and saddened by the recent death of The Vivienne. Now, a new documentary, Dear Viv, celebrating their life and legacy, is in production at World of Wonder.
Dear Viv, featuring those who knew and loved them. The film will detail the life and legacy of The Vivienne (born James Lee Williams) and pay tribute to the beloved drag superstar who left an indelible mark on the world before their passing in January 2025.
Through a compelling blend of archival footage, intimate interviews with loved ones including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, and Danny Beard, and deeply personal letters from fans, the film sensitively traces James’s journey from their humble beginnings in North Wales to their meteoric rise on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Showcasing their unbreakable spirit, quickfire and hilarious wit, and undeniable talent that came to define them, the documentary aims to be more than just a celebration of a dazzling career but also to honor their profound impact on the drag community and beyond, ensuring that The Vivienne’s legacy continues to shine.
Winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, The Vivienne burst into the mainstream. They captivated viewers with their pitch-perfect impersonations of well-known figures, including Donald Trump, Kim Woodburn, and Cilla Black. A fan favorite, they later competed in the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022 and became the first drag performer to compete on Dancing on Ice, placing third in the series15 broadcast in 2023. In addition to their television work, The Vivienne stunned theatergoers in their star turn as the Wicked Witch of the West in the 2024 UK tour of The Wizard of Oz.
Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, co-founders of World of Wonder and Executive Producers, said: “We want to celebrate The Vivienne’s extraordinary life and work so everyone can experience her incredible talent, sass and enormous heart. Although her stay here on Earth was far too brief it is with tremendous admiration and affection that we share her legacy in Dear Viv.”
Dear Viv is produced by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato and will premiere exclusively on WOW Presents Plus later this year.
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