Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente – real name Bianca Castro-Arebejo – died this morning aged just 44, and stars such as Michelle Visage and Baga Chipz have penned emotional statements after the loss
Singer Michelle Visage has joined a host of other celebrities from across the world in mourning the loss of RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente. Jiggly’s family confirmed that she died early this morning at the age of just 44, days after surgery to amputate her right leg due to a severe infection.
Jiggly, who was also a judge on Drag Race Philippines, stepped back from the spotlight while trying to recover from the surgery, with a family statement announcing. The family statement said at the time: “She will not be appearing on the upcoming season, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. Her recovery will be extensive.”
The performer was hospitalised due to the infection, with her family announcing the amputation of ‘most’ of her leg on April 24. Tragically, their next update was a notice of her death on April 27, with the bereaved loved ones writing: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arebejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”
Jiggly has now been remembered by countless fans and friends, after she rose to fame on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which was broadcast in 2012. The TV star went on to perform with Miley Cyrus at the VMAs, appear on Saturday Night Live, and even score acting roles in the shows Broad City and Pose.
Michelle Visage has shared a photo of herself and Jiggly on Instagram, showing the duo fully made up while Bianca smiled widely at the camera. Michelle wrote alongside the shot: “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.”
The Drag Race judge isn’t the only celeb to mark the loss of Jiggly, with drag queen and actor Bianca Del Rio, who won the sixth series of the US competition, writing on the platform: “Rest well, my good time gal @jiggly_official. Thank you for 20 years of laughter and friendship.”
Jaremi Carey, who competed on the same series as Jiggly as Phi Phi O’Hara, described: “The pain I’ve felt is something I’ve ever felt before,” adding that he “rushed to hospital to hold my best friend’s hand one last time as I wish her on her way to a place where she is no longer in pain.” The star, who has now moved away from drag, added that he was “broken and crushed” by the death.
Carey added: “I hope you know how proud I am of the woman you grew up to be and the spaces and hearts you touched. You have been a fighter your entire life and you will always be remembered for living life authentically and truthful. The world knew you as the superstar Jiggly Caliente, some knew you as Bianca Castro, and to me you were my best friend, my sister, my family.”
Others from the tight-knit Drag Race family continued to share their love of Jiggly, with Mystique Summers Madison penning: “Today we lost a true star. Jiggly you were my sister and a fierce light in this world. Thank you for your laughter, your fight! You’ll live on in all of us. Rest easy, sis.”
British drag icon Baga Chipz also shared some moving words, describing Jiggly as “one of the most kindest, sweetest souls.”
The Drag Race UK star added: “I’m gonna miss you, beautiful. Thank you for always being so lovely. Rest easy, legend. Sending your family so much love right now.”
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