Jiggly Caliente Remembered As An 'Icon' And 'Trailblazer' In Beautiful Tributes

Bianca Castro-Arabejo, better known to RuPaul's Drag Race fans as Jiggly Caliente, pictured in 2021The world of drag is in mourning following the death of performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, better known to fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race as Jiggly Caliente.Over the weekend, it was announced that the fan-favourite queen had died at the age of 44, days after it was announced she had been hospitalised with a severe infection that led to her leg having to be amputated.A statement from Jiggly’s family posted on her official social media account on Sunday confirmed: “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. Bianca passed away peacefully on 27 April 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”Remembering Jiggly as a “luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy”, the statement continued: “[She] 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.“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.”View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jiggly Caliente (@jigglycalienteofficial)Jiggly first rose to fame when she was cast on the fourth run of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a season which helped turn the show from cult favourite to global hit.While Jiggly almost went home in the first episode, her lip sync to Britney Spears’ Toxic meant she stayed in the competition, eventually finishing in eighth place and being embraced by Drag Race fans.Almost a decade later, she was invited back to compete on the sixth All Stars season, delivering another memorable lip sync of En Vogue’s Free Your Mind during the competition.A spokesperson for RuPaul’s Drag Race said on Sunday: “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 difficult time.”View this post on InstagramA post shared by RuPaul's Drag Race (@rupaulsdragrace)Judge Michelle Visage wrote in the comments: “She was one of the best humans walking this earth and so pure. What you saw was what you got only waaaaaay more twisted in the best possible way.”Since the news of her death, those from the drag community who knew and worked with Jiggly have also paid their respects on social media.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Michelle Visage (@michellevisage)I love you pic.twitter.com/hgNdAw02AS— Jaremi (@JustJaremi) April 27, 2025🕊💙 pic.twitter.com/QxN6LUYPii— Jaremi (@JustJaremi) April 27, 2025View this post on InstagramA post shared by KYLIE SONIQUE LOVE (@xosonique)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Ginger Minj (@gingerminj)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Rajah Ohara (@therajahoharashow)Going to miss our 4hour phone conversations that were never planned, you surprising me if we're in the same town for a gig, or just hearing your laugh. To Know that i whote see you again is really tough & that's going to take a min for me to work through, I'm going miss u sis💕— DiDa “Susan Lucci” Ritz (@TheRealDiDaSwag) April 28, 2025View this post on InstagramA post shared by Pandora Boxx (@pandoraboxx)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Trinity K. Bonet (@trinitykbonet)View this post on InstagramA post shared by AkeriaChanelDavenport (@mizakeriachanel)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Miss PepperMint (@peppermint247)View this post on InstagramA post shared by jujubee (@jujubeeonline)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Madame LaQueer (@madamelaqueer)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Mrs. Kasha Davis • Drag Queen storyteller & speaker (@mrskashadavis)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jan Sport (@janjanjan)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Katya Zamolodchikova (@katya_zamo)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bob/ Caldwell Tidicue (@bobthedragqueen)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Bianca Del Rio (@thebiancadelrio)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Alaska (@theonlyalaska5000)View this post on InstagramA post shared by Manila Luzon (@manilaluzon)As well as competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race, she later became a judge on Drag Race Philippines for its first three seasons.She also had minor roles in the hit comedies Broad City and Search Party, and played Bianca Ferocity in the award-winning drama Pose.READ MORE:RuPaul Voices 'Heartbreak' Following The Death Of Drag Race UK Winner The Vivienne, Aged 32

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