Vivian family says 'we're so proud' at green light vigil

The family of drag icon The Vivienne said they “brought a light into lives” and will be “forever” missed at an emotional vigil in Liverpool on Sunday night.

Hundreds of people gathered on the steps of St George's Hall to pay tribute to the TV star, also known as James Lee Williams. Died last week at the age of 32.

The landmark was lit green to honor Vivian's character in “The Wizard of Oz,” and the crowd swayed to a moving performance of “Over the Rainbow” by cell phone flashlights.

Vivienne shot to fame after winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019.

“As a family, we are completely overwhelmed by the love of James and Vivian,” the family said in a statement read by Vivian's friend Bobby Musk.

The family paid tribute to a “son, brother, uncle and true icon”.

“From an early age he was destined for the stage… He was determined to make his own way in the world,” they said.

“The road hasn't been easy but the dream never changes and James always told us they would make it happen and they did.”

The family said they were “incredibly proud of everything they have achieved”.

“We will always miss you and we will always love you,” 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.”

The crowd listened to performances by Joey & the Hot Tub Boys, who sang Cher's “Heart of Stone” and David Bowie's “Heroes,” as well as speeches from numerous friends and colleagues.

Danny Beard, fourth-time winner of the British series RuPaul's Drag Race, called Vivian a “truly otherworldly” character who “will never be bound by the ordinary.”

them Describing them as “a shining beacon for the LGBT community”.

“Performance is more than just a performance, it’s a celebration of life.” them explain.

“They tell us it’s okay to live loudly.”

The vigil was organized with the help of Sahir House, Liverpool's oldest LGBTQ+ charity. Vivian is an ambassador for the charity.

Simon Jones, Vivian's publicist and friend, told the BBC: “I will remember Vivian as an incredibly kind, lovely person and the most amazing talent.

“What I love most about The Vivienne is that she makes me laugh all the time.

“There really is no one who makes me laugh more than Viv, whether it's on her show where she reads the audience…or when we go to lunch, dinner or just hang out.

“There’s always some quick quips and some stuff that’s a little bit savage.

“She was always hilarious and I'm really going to miss her. She brought so much love and warmth into my life.”

Host Holly Willoughby pays tribute to drag queen The Vivienne after the professional skater's opening act on ITV's Dancing on Ice on Saturday night .

The show begins with figure skaters dressed in pink, blue and yellow demonstrating lifts and jumps.

After Willoughby welcomed viewers to the new series, she added: “Before we move on, many of you will be saddened, like us, by the tragic news of Vivian's death last weekend.

“Now they have become an important part of our program, all the way to the 2023 finals.

“We will miss them terribly and our thoughts are with Vivian's loved ones at this time. It's so sad.”

After winning the first series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK, Vivienne competed in All Stars 7 in 2022, becoming the only British series contestant to compete in the US series.

They became household names through appearances in other TV shows including Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Dancing on Ice and Emmerdale.

Vivian's death sparked an outpouring of grief from the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

DragCon UK, an event for drag fans, was held on Friday, with most of the show's contestants in attendance.

Host RuPaul Charles opened the event by paying tribute to The Vivienne, saying he wanted to focus on “love.”

He said: “We will honor our dear Vivian with love and life, that’s all she was.

“She wants you to live your life, be free, have a lot of fun and spread it, doesn’t she?”

Other famous people paying tribute included 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 Penrhos private school but dropped out at 16, moved to Liverpool and became a make-up artist.

They later went on to live and perform in Gran Canaria. The event in Liverpool coincided with a vigil being held on the Spanish island.