8 hours ago
Fenton Bailey Honors The Vivienne’s Legacy With "Dear Viv"
READ TIME: 3 MIN.
When news broke in January 2025 of the sudden passing of James Lee Williams, known to millions as The Vivienne, the LGBTQ+ community was shaken to its core. The winner of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and an outspoken advocate for queer visibility, The Vivienne’s life and legacy have become the focus of a new documentary, Dear Viv, produced by World of Wonder. In an in-depth interview with OUT, producer Fenton Bailey reflected on the motivations, challenges, and hopes surrounding this poignant film, which premieres August 28, 2025, on WOW Presents Plus .
Bailey, co-founder of World of Wonder, spoke about his personal connection to The Vivienne and her family, describing moments of laughter and warmth shared during production. “Dear Viv is about more than a farewell; it’s a celebration of everything The Vivienne represented—her humor, her artistry, her activism, and her immense heart,” Bailey told OUT .
The documentary promises a comprehensive look at The Vivienne’s journey, from her Liverpool roots to her meteoric rise on Drag Race UK and beyond. The Vivienne made history as the inaugural winner of the UK edition, later returning for Drag Race All-Stars 7 and securing a role as the Wicked Witch of the West in London’s West End production of The Wizard of Oz. Her career reflected a commitment to LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream entertainment, earning her accolades and the admiration of fans worldwide .
Dear Viv features never-before-seen archive footage, intimate interviews with friends, family, and fellow drag artists such as Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, and Danny Beard, and heartfelt testimonials from those who knew her best. The film was developed with the blessing and active participation of The Vivienne’s family, including her father Lee and sister Chanel, who have played a pivotal role in shaping the documentary’s narrative .
The documentary does not shy away from the circumstances of The Vivienne’s passing. In January 2025, The Vivienne died at age 32 due to the effects of ketamine, a fact her family chose to share publicly to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction—a topic The Vivienne spoke about openly during her time on Drag Race . In interviews, her sister Chanel Williams emphasized the importance of using this tragedy to help others, stating, “If I can help one family to not feel what we are feeling, then it’s all worth it” .
The Vivienne’s family has since become advocates for addiction awareness, partnering with organizations such as Adferiad and lobbying for the reclassification of ketamine in the UK to help save lives . This advocacy is woven into the narrative fabric of Dear Viv, providing both a memorial and a message of hope for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
Throughout his conversation with OUT, Bailey emphasized the importance of focusing on The Vivienne’s joyous legacy. “We want to inspire a future where queer joy, talent, and resilience are front and center,” he explained. The documentary intentionally spotlights moments of celebration—from The Vivienne’s historic Drag Race win to her stage triumphs and her powerful presence at LGBTQ+ events, such as her posthumous honor at the first Metro Pride Awards .
The film arrives at a time when the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and representation is as urgent as ever. By celebrating The Vivienne’s unapologetic authenticity, Dear Viv aims to serve as both a tribute and a rallying cry for future generations of queer people to embrace their truth, support one another, and pursue happiness without fear or shame .
As anticipation for the documentary’s premiere builds, early reactions from the LGBTQ+ community and allies have been overwhelmingly positive. Many see Dear Viv as an essential addition to the growing canon of queer documentary storytelling, offering education, empathy, and inspiration in equal measure .
By centering The Vivienne’s story—replete with triumphs and struggles alike—the film invites viewers to reflect on the resilience and vibrancy of queer lives. Bailey and the World of Wonder team hope that Dear Viv will not only memorialize a beloved icon but also galvanize ongoing advocacy for addiction awareness and LGBTQ+ well-being.
Dear Viv premieres August 28, 2025, on WOW Presents Plus .
