Latest news with #RuPaul'sDragCon
Forbes
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Jiggly Caliente, ‘RuPaul's Drag Race' Alum And ‘Pose' Actress, Dies At 44
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 14: Jiggly Caliente attends 'RuPaul's DragCon' at Los Angeles ... More Convention Center on May 14, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/FilmMagic) Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known professionally as the drag performer Jiggly Caliente, died early Sunday surrounded by loved ones, according to a post on Instagram by her family. She was 44. Days earlier, the family had alerted fans to a serious health issue she was facing, revealing that Caliente had undergone the loss of most of her right leg. '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,' read the post. '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,' concluded the post. Born November 29, 1980 in San Pedro, Laguna, Phillippines, she moved to America in 1991 at age 10 with her mother and brother and lived in Sunnyside in Queens, New York. She came out in junior high school to her late mother, and chose her original drag name, Jiggly Puff from the Pokémon character Jigglypuff. Eventually she shifted her name to Jiggly Caliente and came out as transgender in 2016. Caliente first competed on season of reality/competition RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012. She placed eighth and later returned to compete on season six of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2021. She also served as a judge on Drag Race Philippines. As an actress, Jiggly Caliente had the recurring role of Veronica in the Ryan Murphy FX drama Pose from 2018 to 2021, which was set in the late 1980s to early 1990s and followed the New York City ball culture LGBTQ community. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 05: Bianca Castro attends FX Network's "Pose" season 2 premiere on June ... More 05, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by) Caliente also peppered her resume with guest appearances on series like Search Party, Playing House and Broad City. 'This is so devastating. Rest in peace,' wrote fellow RuPaul's Drag Race star Jackie Cox on social media. "Damn man…today we lost a sister and heaven gained an angel," wrote Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs the World winner Ra'Jah O'Hara, who competed against her on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars . "We will continue to speak your name 'BIANCA' and share your light. Thanks for all the laughs, the Kiki, the listening hear, shoulder the cry, the reading for filth, the masterful shade and endless love. Pain no more, fly high sister💜🕊️ Y'all prayer for her brother and other family/ friends." Corazon, Pangina Heals, Jiggly Caliente, Lawrence Chaney and Nicky Doll at World of Wonder's ... More "International Drag Day" event held at World of Wonder Gallery on July 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)
New York Post
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘RuPaul's Drag Race' star Jiggly Caliente dead at 44
'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Jiggly Caliente has died. She was 44. Caliente, whose real name is Bianca Castro, passed away after she was hospitalized for a 'severe infection' and had one of her legs amputated. The tragic news was announced Sunday via an Instagram statement from Caliente's family. 7 Jiggly Caliente. Instagram / @ jigglycalienteofficial 7 Jiggly Caliente at RuPaul's DragCon 2019. Getty Images '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,' the statement read. 'Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.' 7 Jiggly Caliente's family's statement. Instagram / @jigglycalienteofficial 'A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,' the family continued. 'She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.' The tribute added, '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.' 7 Jiggly Caliente at 'RuPaul's DragCon' in 2022. FilmMagic Stars from the 'Drag Race' community including Gottmik, Courtney Act, Mistress Isabelle Brooks, DeJa Skye, Melinda Verga, Alexis Michelle and more reacted to Caliente's death in the comments section. Caliente came in eighth place on Season 4 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' in 2012. She returned for 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Season 6 in 2021, where she placed 12th. In 2022, Caliente became a judge on 'Drag Race Philippines' for three seasons. She was born in the Philippines. 7 Corazon, Pangina Heals, Jiggly Caliente, Lawrence Chaney and Nicky Doll at World of Wonder's 'International Drag Day' event in 2023. Variety via Getty Images 7 Jiggly Caliente speaks at a press conference on Capitol Hall in June 2024. Getty Images for MoveOn Her drag name was named after the Pokémon character, Jigglypuff. Caliente's family announced Thursday that she had her leg amputated after she 'experienced a serious health setback.' 'Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg,' the family's statement read. 7 Jiggly Caliente at the 'NewNowNext Awards' in April 2012. Kevin Winter 'Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines,' nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future,' the message continued. 'Her recovery will be extensive.' Caliente's family asked fans for privacy and said that the reality star was concentrated 'on healing.' In addition to her 'Drag Race' career, Caliente had a recurring role on the FX series 'Pose' as Veronica Ferocity. She also appeared on 'Search Party' and 'Saturday Night Live.'
