RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 44 following 'severe infection'
Topics: Film and TV, News, LGBTQ, US News, Health
Niamh Shackleton
Featured Image Credit: Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images
Topics: Film and TV, News, LGBTQ, US News, Health
RuPaul’s Drag Race star and Pose actress Jiggly Caliente has died at the age of 44, her family has said.
They had announced on Thursday that the drag performer, who took part in the original US competition during season four, had part of her leg amputated due to a 'severe infection'.
Caliente, real name Bianca Castro, has also appeared in hit LGBTQ+ drama Pose, and was set to judge the latest season of spin-off programme, Drag Race Philippines.
A Sunday statement from her family on Instagram said: "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. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends."
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The statement continued: "A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her 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. Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light.
"Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.
"She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered."
The statement also said she was born on November 29 1980.
The Drag Race star's passing comes just a few days after her family announced that she'd suffered 'a serious health setback' and that she was needing part of her leg amputated because of an infection.
"Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg," they said at the time of the initial post.
As a result of her poor health, the family said that Caliente wouldn't be appearing on the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.
Caliente's untimely passing comes after the recent death of fellow Drag Race icon, The Vivienne.
The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, died aged 32 in January.
It went on to be revealed that the reality TV favorite died from cardiac arrest after taking ketamine.
As well as the UK version of RuPaul's Drag Race, The Vivienne competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise in the US in 2022.
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