Jiggly Caliente, known for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race and the television series Pose, has passed away at the age of 44, according to her family.
The family had announced on Thursday that the well-known drag performer, who had been a contestant on the fourth season of the original U.S. Drag Race, had to have part of her leg amputated due to a ‘severe infection’.
Caliente, whose real name was Bianca Castro, had also been featured in the acclaimed LGBTQ+ drama Pose, and was scheduled to be a judge on the forthcoming season of the spin-off show, Drag Race Philippines.
A statement released by her family on Instagram on Sunday read: “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.”
The statement went on to say: “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 noted that she was born on November 29, 1980.
The news of the Drag Race star’s death comes shortly after her family disclosed that she’d experienced ‘a serious health setback’ and needed a portion of her leg amputated due to 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 shared at the time of the initial announcement.
Consequently, her family mentioned that Caliente would not be able to participate in the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.
Caliente’s tragic passing follows the recent death of another Drag Race legend, The Vivienne.
The Vivienne, whose birth name was James Lee Williams, passed away at the age of 32 in January.
It was later revealed that the reality TV star died from cardiac arrest after using ketamine.
The Vivienne had not only been a part of the UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race but also competed on an all-winners season of the RuPaul franchise in the U.S. in 2022.
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