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Drag performer Jiggly Caliente, known for RuPaul's Drag Race and Pose, dead at 44

Reality TV star had recently been hospitalized for a 'severe infection,' family said

A woman poses in a silver dress in front of a pink backdrop that says 'WOW Presents Plus' and 'House of Love'.
Drag performer Jiggly Caliente, whose real name is Bianca Castro-Arabejo, is shown here at the International Drag Day at World Of Wonder on July 18, 2023, in Los Angeles. Castro-Arabejo died on Sunday following a hospitalization for a 'severe infection,' her family stated. (Robin L Marshall/Getty Images)

Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known for her work as drag performer Jiggly Caliente on RuPaul's Drag Race, died Sunday at age 44, just days after her family reported that she'd been hospitalized with an infection.   

Castro-Arabejo, who became a judge on Drag Race Philippines in 2022, had 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, adding that she was surrounded by family and friends. 

"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 first hit the screen as part of the cast for the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012. She quickly became a fan favourite for her vivacious personality and memorable interactions with judge RuPaul, who developed a recurring catchphrase for whenever they spoke: "May I call you Jiggly?"

 

A woman in a short pink dress poses at the top of the Empire State Building, with the city skyline visible behind her and a coin-operated viewer standing next to her.
Jiggly Caliente poses on top of the Empire State Building on June 24, 2021, in New York, during a photo shoot for the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 6. (Greg Allen/Invision/The Associated Press)

 

After placing eighth in her original run, she appeared on the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race Allstars in 2021, where she placed 12th. 

"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."   

 

 

 

Castro-Arabejo was also known for her portrayal of the character Veronica Ferocity on FX's hit series Pose, appearing in 12 episodes across its three-season run. She also had appearances on TV sitcoms like Broad City and Search Party. 

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 came out as a trans woman in 2016. 

'Laughter was endless'

Fellow drag performers and others who worked with Castro-Arabejo have been sharing photos and memories of her since the news broke. 

Manila Luzon, another Filipina American drag star who came to prominence on RuPaul's Drag Race, said on social media that Castro-Abejo had been her best friend for 25 years and that she was "heartbroken" to hear of her passing.  

"I'm really gunna miss all our long phone calls, your endless barrage of hilarious Reels in my DMs, your cooking, and especially ALL YOUR SHADE!!!" she wrote. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Manila Luzon (@manilaluzon)

 

 

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared a photo of her and Castro-Arabejo on Instagram in the wake of the news, writing:"My jiggles…. The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high…. I love you so much honey."

Fellow Drag Race Philippines judge Jervi Wrightson, also known as Kaladkaren, also posted a tribute to Castro-Abejo, who used to sit next to her on the panel. 

"I just lost my favourite seatmate. Drag Race Philippines will never be the same without you," Wrightson wrote. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Jervi Wrightson (@kaladkaren)

 

 

Across her career, Castro-Arabejo was vocal about 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." 

 

A woman stands at a podium outside which says 'People. Progress. PRIDE' on the front. She is speaking into a microphone. A couple people are visible behind her, and farther back a fancy, domed white building is visible in the distance.
Jiggly Caliente speaks during a media conference advocating for 2SLGBTQ+ rights on Capitol Hill on June 25, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for MoveOn)

Castro-Arabejo shared that she was a trans woman 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."

With files from CBC News

Author: The Associated Press

Source: CBC News:

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