Tributes pour in for RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente following her death

1 of 6

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente, who died at the age of 44, has been remembered as an “angel” who brought joy and laughter to the world. The Filipino-US drag performer, who competed in the fourth season of the original US competition, passed away after having part of her leg amputated due to a severe infection. Her family confirmed the news on Thursday, sharing that she died surrounded by loved ones on Sunday morning at 4.42am.

++ Kneecap responds to antisemitism allegations following coachella performance

Michelle Visage, a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “My jiggles…. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel.” Bianca Del Rio, who won the sixth season of the competition, also paid tribute, thanking Caliente for two decades of laughter and friendship. Other stars from the Drag Race family, including Mystique Summers Madison and Jujubee, also shared their sorrow, remembering her as a fierce light in the world.

Jaremi Carey, who competed on the same season of Drag Race as Caliente, expressed his profound grief, describing the pain he felt after her passing. He recalled rushing to the hospital to say goodbye to his best friend and sister, expressing his pride in her legacy. “The world knew you as the superstar Jiggly Caliente, some knew you as Bianca Castro, and to me you were my best friend, my sister, my family,” Carey wrote in a touching post.

++ Is the dire wolf’s return real? Experts explain

Caliente, whose legacy as a performer and activist touched the lives of countless people, also appeared in Ryan Murphy’s Pose, where she played Veronica Ferocity, and in US comedies such as Broad City and Saturday Night Live. She made history as a transgender contestant on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars season six and was set to judge Drag Race Philippines before her untimely death. Her passing follows the deaths of several other Drag Race stars, including Cherry Valentine and Sahara Davenport, highlighting the profound loss felt by the Drag Race community.