Credit: World of Wonder
RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Has Died
A beloved star of RuPaul’s Drag Race has died.
RuPaul’s Drag Race is an American reality competition TV series that follows contestants competing to be ‘America’s next drag superstar.’
Each week, the contestants are tasked with different challenges in which to compete.
The reality competition series has aired for seventeen seasons and has inspired numerous spinoffs, including RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked.
Fans of the show have now been left devastated following the passing of one of its most iconic stars.
Paying tribute online, one person wrote: “You were an icon, legend even.”
“RIP, a legend,” another added. “She was amazingly talented.”
A third penned: “She was an absolute icon who brought so much light and love to the Drag Race community.”
Somebody else commented: “I’m so sad to read this. I remember her season, she was a star with a wonderful spirit. Too young.”
The passing of 44-year-old Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known professionally as Jiggly Caliente, was confirmed by her family.
In a statement on Instagram, they wrote: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente.”
They shared that she died in the early hours of Sunday morning, ‘surrounded by her loving family and close friends.’
Caliente’s family commemorated the reality TV star‘s ‘infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.’
“She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world,” they continued.
“Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”
The official X (formerly Twitter) account of RuPaul’s Drag Race has paid tribute, penning: “We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family.
“Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay – always.
“We’re holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.”
Fellow drag queens have also left tributes for the star.
Laganja Estranja, who appeared on the sixth season of the U.S. version of the show, described Caliente as a ‘kind, caring soul.’
Baga Chipz, from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, said Caliente was ‘one of the kindest, sweetest souls I’ve ever met.’
Born in the Philippines in 1980, Caliente moved to Queens, New York City, with her family as a child.
She appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her humor and interactions with fellow queens.
Later, she starred in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and judged the spinoff show Drag Race Philippines for three seasons.
The reality TV star also had an acting career, appearing in Broad City and Search Party episodes.
Most notably, she played the role of Veronica in the TV drama Pose, a series that explores New York City’s ball culture, an LGBTQ subculture in the African-American and Latino communities through the 1980s-90s.
Caliente came out as transgender in 2016, telling Mega magazine last year: “Drag was the awakening for my transness.”
Caliente’s family informed fans that the reality star was facing a ‘severe health setback’ earlier this month.
They disclosed that the 44-year-old had been hospitalized and suffered the ‘loss of most of her right leg’ following a ‘severe infection.’
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