Latest news with #DragRacePhilippines'
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Reality TV star and influential drag performer dies at 44
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, a reality star and drag performer known by the stage name Jiggy Caliente, has died at age 44. Castro-Arabejo's family shared the news on Instagram, stating that the star passed away 'surrounded by her loving family and close friends' on Sunday morning. The news brings a sudden and unexpected end to Castro-Arabejo's career of 20-plus years, which included appearances on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and various spinoffs, and a recurring role in the TV drama 'Pose.' 'Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light,' the statement said. 'Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.' Castro-Arabejo's family had shared a serious health update about the performer just days earlier, announcing that she had lost 'most of her right leg' due to a 'severe infection.' As a result, the post announced that Castro-Arabejo would not appear as a judge in the next season of 'Drag Race Philippines' as planned. Working as a judge on the 'Drag Race' spinoff brought Castro-Arabejo back to her birthplace in previous seasons of the show; the performer immigrated to New York from the Philippines as a child. Over the course of her decades-spanning career, she appeared on three different versions of the 'Drag Race' reality TV series: first as a contestant on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars,' and later as a judge on 'Drag Race Philippines.' 'We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family,' reads a statement from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' on Instagram. '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.' Castro-Arabejo came out as transgender in 2016, and later told Billboard that she was transitioning while on 'Drag Race' but 'wanted to keep my personal life and my work life separate.' 'I didn't want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me, and I didn't want me being a trans woman have anything to do with the show,' she said. Castro-Arabejo's family released an additional statement via Instagram on Monday that revealed in-progress plans for both private and public services. The post also asked fans to donate to a GoFundMe page that is raising money to help pay for costs relating to the star's funeral, memorial services, medical bills, and 'related expenses.' Her family stated that they will donate any leftover money to causes that Castro-Arabejo 'cared deeply about — causes that fought for the people she fought for every day." 'We want to honor her the way she lived: loud, proud, full of color, full of heart,' the most recent statement reads. 'We are putting together a Celebration of Life that will be a true reflection of her spirit — not just mourning her loss, but celebrating the incredible, unstoppable life she lived." UPS expects to cut 20,000 jobs, close 73 buildings in 2025 Filing in R.I. case reveals EPA set to cancel nearly 800 environmental justice grants Police identify 5 involved in attack on college student in downtown Boston Child struck, killed by school bus in Boston was a 5-year-old boy Where Bruins stand going into NHL Draft Lottery Read the original article on MassLive.
The Province
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Province
Drag performer Jiggly Caliente from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' franchise dies at 44 after hospitalization for infection
Published Apr 27, 2025 • 2 minute read Jiggly Caliente from the cast of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 6" visits the Empire State Building on June 24, 2021, in New York. Photo by Greg Allen / Greg Allen/Invision/AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. NEW YORK — Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who was known as reality television star Jiggly Caliente on 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' died Sunday at age 44, days after her family reported hospitalization for a serious infection. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Castro-Arabejo, who became a judge on 'Drag Race Philippines' in 2022, scrapped plans to appear on the upcoming season after a recent hospitalization for a 'severe infection' and a leg amputation surgery, her family said in a statement on her Instagram page. She died early Sunday, her family said in another statement. 'A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,' her family said Sunday. 'She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.' Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Castro-Arabejo competed on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and later on 'RuPaul's Drag Race Allstars.' 'Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay — always,' said a statement from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' posted on X. 'We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.' 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… — RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) April 27, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Born in the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York. She started working in drag about 20 years ago, appearing in competitions and pageants. She noted the influence of her upbringing in her work and its importance for representation in the industry. In 2018, she released a hip-hop album called 'T.H.O.T. Process,' including a track where she raps in Tagalog. During a 2023 episode of reality show 'Bring Back My Girls,' which reunites different performers from the 'Drag Race' franchise, Castro-Arabejo said her work as a judge was important because of her heritage. 'When it comes to my culture, I live and breathe that I am Filipina,' she said. 'I am a proud immigrant woman.' She publicly came out as transgender in 2016 on a podcast, partly because she said she received letters from fans who were struggling with their own gender identities. 'I wanted to come out because I was ready to come out. I have been living as a trans woman for so long, but I just never told the audience and the fans that,' she said in a 2018 Billboard interview. 'I was actually transitioning while I was on the show, I just never talked about it. I didn't want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me.'
Toronto Sun
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Drag performer Jiggly Caliente from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' franchise dies at 44 after hospitalization for infection
Published Apr 27, 2025 • 2 minute read Jiggly Caliente from the cast of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 6" visits the Empire State Building on June 24, 2021, in New York. Photo by Greg Allen / Greg Allen/Invision/AP Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. NEW YORK — Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who was known as reality television star Jiggly Caliente on 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' died Sunday at age 44, days after her family reported hospitalization for a serious infection. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Castro-Arabejo, who became a judge on 'Drag Race Philippines' in 2022, scrapped plans to appear on the upcoming season after a recent hospitalization for a 'severe infection' and a leg amputation surgery, her family said in a statement on her Instagram page. She died early Sunday, her family said in another statement. 'A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,' her family said Sunday. 'She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Castro-Arabejo competed on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and later on 'RuPaul's Drag Race Allstars.' 'Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay — always,' said a statement from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' posted on X. 'We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.' 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… — RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) April 27, 2025 This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Born in the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York. She started working in drag about 20 years ago, appearing in competitions and pageants. She noted the influence of her upbringing in her work and its importance for representation in the industry. In 2018, she released a hip-hop album called 'T.H.O.T. Process,' including a track where she raps in Tagalog. During a 2023 episode of reality show 'Bring Back My Girls,' which reunites different performers from the 'Drag Race' franchise, Castro-Arabejo said her work as a judge was important because of her heritage. 'When it comes to my culture, I live and breathe that I am Filipina,' she said. 'I am a proud immigrant woman.' She publicly came out as transgender in 2016 on a podcast, partly because she said she received letters from fans who were struggling with their own gender identities. 'I wanted to come out because I was ready to come out. I have been living as a trans woman for so long, but I just never told the audience and the fans that,' she said in a 2018 Billboard interview. 'I was actually transitioning while I was on the show, I just never talked about it. I didn't want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me.' Sports Canada Sunshine Girls Columnists Columnists
Winnipeg Free Press
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
Drag performer Jiggly Caliente from ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' franchise dies at 44 after hospitalization
NEW YORK (AP) — Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who was known as reality television star Jiggly Caliente on 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' died Sunday at age 44, days after her family reported hospitalization for a serious infection. Castro-Arabejo, who became a judge on 'Drag Race Philippines' in 2022, scrapped plans to appear on the upcoming season after a recent hospitalization for a 'severe infection' and a leg amputation surgery, her family said in a statement on her Instagram page. She died early Sunday, her family said in another statement. 'A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,' her family said Sunday. 'She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.' Castro-Arabejo competed on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and later on 'RuPaul's Drag Race Allstars.' 'Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay — always,' said a statement from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' posted on X. 'We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.' During Elections Get campaign news, insight, analysis and commentary delivered to your inbox during Canada's 2025 election. Born in the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York. She started working in drag about 20 years ago, appearing in competitions and pageants. She noted the influence of her upbringing in her work and its importance for representation in the industry. In 2018, she released a hip-hop album called 'T.H.O.T. Process,' including a track where she raps in Tagalog. During a 2023 episode of reality show 'Bring Back My Girls,' which reunites different performers from the 'Drag Race' franchise, Castro-Arabejo said her work as a judge was important because of her heritage. 'When it comes to my culture, I live and breathe that I am Filipina,' she said. 'I am a proud immigrant woman.' She publicly came out as transgender in 2016 on a podcast, partly because she said she received letters from fans who were struggling with their own gender identities. 'I wanted to come out because I was ready to come out. I have been living as a trans woman for so long, but I just never told the audience and the fans that,' she said in a 2018 Billboard interview. 'I was actually transitioning while I was on the show, I just never talked about it. I didn't want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me.'
Associated Press
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Drag performer Jiggly Caliente from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' franchise dies at 44 after hospitalization
NEW YORK (AP) — Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who was known as reality television star Jiggly Caliente on 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' died Sunday at age 44, days after her family reported hospitalization for a serious infection. Castro-Arabejo, who became a judge on 'Drag Race Philippines' in 2022, scrapped plans to appear on the upcoming season after a recent hospitalization for a 'severe infection' and a leg amputation surgery, her family said in a statement on her Instagram page. She died early Sunday, her family said in another statement. 'A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,' her family said Sunday. 'She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.' Castro-Arabejo competed on the fourth season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and later on 'RuPaul's Drag Race Allstars.' 'Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay — always,' said a statement from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' posted on X. 'We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.' Born in the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York. She started working in drag about 20 years ago, appearing in competitions and pageants. She noted the influence of her upbringing in her work and its importance for representation in the industry. In 2018, she released a hip-hop album called 'T.H.O.T. Process,' including a track where she raps in Tagalog. During a 2023 episode of reality show 'Bring Back My Girls,' which reunites different performers from the 'Drag Race' franchise, Castro-Arabejo said her work as a judge was important because of her heritage. 'When it comes to my culture, I live and breathe that I am Filipina,' she said. 'I am a proud immigrant woman.' She publicly came out as transgender in 2016 on a podcast, partly because she said she received letters from fans who were struggling with their own gender identities. 'I wanted to come out because I was ready to come out. I have been living as a trans woman for so long, but I just never told the audience and the fans that,' she said in a 2018 Billboard interview. 'I was actually transitioning while I was on the show, I just never talked about it. I didn't want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me.'
