The celebrities and artists of the “RuPaul’s Drag Race” franchise are paying tribute to performer Cherry Valentine, a contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” who died Sunday at age 28.
Valentine, whose actual identify is George Ward, gained reputation competing on the sophomore season of the spinoff sequence, the place she was eradicated on the second episode. Ward’s publicist confirmed to The Occasions that he died on Sept. 18. A explanation for demise was not confirmed.
“It's with probably the most coronary heart wrenching and deepest unhappiness to tell you that our George — Cherry Valentine — has tragically handed away. This can come as a profound shock to most individuals & we perceive there isn't a straightforward manner for this to be introduced,” his household mentioned in a press release offered to The Occasions. “As his household, we're nonetheless processing his demise and our lives won't ever be the identical. We perceive how a lot he's cherished and what number of lives he has impressed and touched.”
In January 2021, Cherry Valentine entered the workroom of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” and instantly made a fellow queen chuckle. Whereas making her grand entrance, Valentine bumped her elaborate headpiece towards a door body and practically knocked it down.
“Roses are pink and violets are blue, right here’s your winner of Season 2,” she mentioned after dismissing the mishap.
Earlier than debuting on “Drag Race UK,” the Darlington artist described Cherry Valentine as “glamour, she’s membership child, she’s darkish, she’s gothic.” Along with being a drag performer, Ward prided himself on his work as a psychological well being nurse.
“I believe it’s put me in that proper place to have the ability to perceive folks a bit extra, and when you’re a drag queen, you’re working with folks, and to grasp folks I believe you go the additional mile,” he mentioned as Valentine.
The official “Drag Race UK” Twitter account remembered Valentine as a “variety soul who introduced pleasure and a particular chuckle to everybody she met.”
“She introduced aptitude, verve and allure to #DragRaceUK, we are going to miss her so deeply,” the present tweeted.
Drag icon RuPaul remembered Valentine as a “shiny star and a stunning particular person,” whereas inaugural “Drag Race UK” winner the Vivienne mentioned she was speechless.
“Drag Race UK” Season 2’s Miss Congeniality winner, Bimini, mentioned Valentine was “a type of souls so pure, so uncooked, so actual.”
“I’m extremely fortunate to have identified George and witnessed their infectious spirit,” she tweeted. “Their persistence and kindness was their superpower. They noticed you for you and never many individuals have that empathetic trait. My coronary heart.”
See extra tributes from the “Drag Race” neighborhood beneath.
“As an artist, nurse and an activist Cherry will at all times stay a beloved member of our Drag Race household,” wrote “Drag Race” producer World of Surprise. “Cherry’s love and irresistibly infectious chuckle touched the lives of so many.”
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 2" winner Alaska tweeted, “My coronary heart is breaking for the lack of one in all our sisters ... We are going to miss you Cherry Valentine ... I’m sending a lot like to her household and family members at the moment ...”
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