“Rupaul's Drag Race” Jiggly Caliente, a beloved drag star whose career and heritage extend beyond the longtime franchise, has died.
Jiggly Caliente, who also appeared in the television series “Pose” and “Broad City”, died early on Sunday morning, his family announced in a Instagram statement. She died “peacefully” and “surrounded by her loving family and her close friends,” the statement said. Additional details, including a cause of death, have not been revealed. She was 44 years old.
“A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and plea, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for his contagious energy, his fierce spirit and his unshakable authenticity,” continued the press release. “She touched countless lives through her artistic talent, her activism and the authentic connection she favored with fans around the world.”
Jiggly Caliente died a few days after her family announced Thursday that she had suffered a “serious” infection and had most of her amputated right leg therefore. At the time, the artist's family declared “his recovery will be extended” and asked fans to “raise him with messages of hope and love”.
Sunday, when the news of her death spread, the messages of love and support for the “Drag Race” family of Jiggly took a tone of memory. “You were really unique, and you're going to miss you deeply. Rest in Power Sister. Recognizing that the roars have one more angel,” wrote Shea Couleé, the finalist of season 9 and the winner of season 5 of “All Stars”.
“My jigles…. Laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious,” said Michelle Face, who poster A photo with the end of the star. “You were and stay so loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to you at the top … I love you so darling.
“Drag Race Philippines”, a derivative series where Jiggly Caliente brought his experience and expertise in his country of birth, remembered the artist for his “humor, love and light (which) touched so much in the family of the Dragsters race and beyond.” Queens Filipino, including Manila Luzon and Marina Summers also paid tribute.
“I know that we have always joked each other, but seriously, you would better save a seat next to you in our special place! Instagram job.
Bianca Castro-Arabejo was born on November 29, 1980 in the Laguna province of the Philippines. She immigrated to the United States during her pre-adolescents and called New York City Home. The “NYC Asian Plus Size Barbie” has participated in several competitions and diverti in many local discos. Jiggly would bring her experience to “Rupaul's Drag Race” for season 4 in 2012, in competition alongside the favorites of fans of “Drag Race”, notably Latrice Royale and Chad Michaels.
“She has a swag for your nerve, you can't take it,” said Jiggly when she entered customers. She was 30 at the time.
Jiggly's time on “Drag Race” experienced a difficult start, but she acquired a reputation for her hot humor and dynamic dance movements. Although Jiggly did not leave with the crown – she ranked eighth in the season – her heritage of “Dragsters race” includes an animated confrontation with the competitor Lashauwn beyond what inspired the popular quotation “This is not the race of Rupaul's best friends”.
Almost a decade later, Jiggly returned to the main stage of “Drag Race” in 2021 as she competed against other queens back in season 6 of “All Stars”. Jiggly was released as Trans in 2016 and proudly referenced its transition in its soil entry. Straking up in a black mini-down and platform heels, Jiggly said: “Well, Mother said:” That the best women earn.'”
“Going out as a trans woman was a huge weight removed from my shoulders. Now I know who I am as an artist. I know who I am as a queen. I know who I am as a person and I am full in force, ”she said in her first confessional. “Prepare.”
Jiggly's time on “All Stars” did not last very long – she was eliminated in the second episode – but the opportunities did not stop there. She has been a judge of “Drag Race Philippines” since her first in 2022, explaining her own experiences to offer competitors a difficult love and constructive criticism in English and Tagalog.
Beyond “Drag Race”, Jiggly has also briefly continued music and appeared in several television series. In the winning “pose” of FX, she appeared as a member of the Chamber of Ferocity. She shared the screen with stars, including Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson and Billy Porter. His acting credits also include “Search Party”, “Playing House”, the film “Milkwater” and several clips.
“My genre generally does not do it (past) 35. I honestly experienced a roller coaster of a life,” said Jiggly in a Instagram Post celebrating his 44th birthday. “Well, the evil completely made me the woman I am today. I hope that more to come. “
Jiggly Caliente's family said that “the heritage is that of love, courage and light. Although her physical presence has disappeared, the joy she shared and the space she helped to create for so many people will remain forever.
“We will miss it deeply, always loved and will remember forever.”
