RuPaul’s Drag Race is an American reality competition TV series that follows contestants competing to be ‘America’s next drag superstar.’
Each week, the contestants are tasked with different challenges in which to compete.
The reality competition series has aired for seventeen seasons and has inspired numerous spinoffs, including RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked.
Fans of the show have now been left devastated following the passing of one of its most iconic stars.
Paying tribute online, one person wrote: “You were an icon, legend even.”
“RIP, a legend,” another added. “She was amazingly talented.”
A third penned: “She was an absolute icon who brought so much light and love to the Drag Race community.”
Somebody else commented: “I’m so sad to read this. I remember her season, she was a star with a wonderful spirit. Too young.”
Bianca Castro-Arabejo, widely known by her stage name Jiggly Caliente, has passed away at the age of 44, her family has confirmed.
In a heartfelt statement posted to Instagram, her loved ones wrote: “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.”
They shared that she passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning, surrounded by her devoted family and close friends.
Caliente’s family commemorated the reality TV star‘s ‘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,” they continued.
“Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”
We are heartbroken by the loss of Jiggly Caliente, a beloved member of the RuPaul’s Drag Race family.
Her incredible talent, authenticity, and influence left an indelible mark on our community. Jiggly’s legacy will forever shine and inspire.
Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans as we mourn this profound loss together.
Fellow drag queens have also left tributes for the star.
Laganja Estranja, who appeared on the sixth season of the U.S. version of the show, described Caliente as a ‘kind, caring soul.’
Baga Chipz, from RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, said Caliente was ‘one of the kindest, sweetest souls I’ve ever met.’
Born in the Philippines in 1980, Caliente moved to Queens, New York City, with her family as a child.
She appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her humor and interactions with fellow queens.
Later, she starred in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars and judged the spinoff show Drag Race Philippines for three seasons.
The reality TV star also ventured into acting, with appearances in episodes of Broad City and Search Party.
Her most prominent role was playing Veronica in the critically acclaimed drama Pose, which delves into New York City’s ball culture—an influential LGBTQ subculture rooted in African-American and Latino communities during the 1980s and 1990s.
Caliente publicly came out as transgender in 2016, later sharing with Mega magazine: “Drag was the awakening for my transness.”
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Caliente’s family informed fans that the reality star was facing a ‘severe health setback’ earlier this month.
They disclosed that the 44-year-old had been hospitalized and suffered the ‘loss of most of her right leg’ following a ‘severe infection.’
