In Memoriam: Jiggly Caliente, Beloved Drag Superstar, Passes Away at 44
Beloved Drag Race performer and Pose actor, Jiggly Caliente, passes away at age 44
In a heartbreaking announcement, the entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished figure in the drag community who left an indelible mark on reality television and beyond. Known for her vibrant energy, biting wit, and authentic spirit, Jiggly's star shone brightly beyond the confines of the "RuPaul's Drag Race" franchise.
Jiggly's family confirmed the devastating news on Instagram Sunday morning, stating that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. Although additional details, including a cause of death, were not disclosed, they praised her as a luminous presence in entertainment and advocacy. Her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity touched countless lives, the statement read.
Before captivating the world on "RuPaul's Drag Race," Jiggly made a name for herself in the New York City nightlife scene as the self-proclaimed "NYC Asian Plus-Size Barbie." She dazzled numerous local clubs with her glamorous performances and charmed audiences with her humor and warmth. In 2012, Jiggly brought her unique talent to "Drag Race" Season 4, where she faced off against memorable competitors like Latrice Royale and Chad Michaels[1].
Jiggly's journey on "Drag Race" was marked by adversity but also indelible moments. Her time on the show produced an iconic confrontation with competitor Lashauwn Beyond, giving birth to the popular quote, "This is not RuPaul's Best Friends Race." Despite placing eighth in the season, Jiggly left an indelible legacy that extended far beyond the workplace.
Jiggly's influence continued to resonate throughout subsequent seasons, and she returned to the "Drag Race" stage in 2021 for "All Stars" Season 6. Though her time on the show was brief, Jiggly never faded from the limelight. She went on to serve as a judge on "Drag Race Philippines," drawing on her own experiences to offer constructive criticism and encouraging words to competitors[2].
Beyond "Drag Race," Jiggly's talents stretched across various mediums. She had a minor acting role in FX's Peabody-winning series "Pose," alongside stars like Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, and Billy Porter. Jiggly also appeared in "Search Party," "Playing House," and the film "Milkwater," as well as several music videos. Jiggly's musical aspirations were fraught with challenges, but she remained undeterred, determined to make her mark in the entertainment industry[3].
As Jiggly's family, friends, and fans come to terms with her untimely passing, they celebrate her life and legacy. In a poignant Instagram post, fellow "RuPaul's Drag Race" alum Shea Couleé wrote, "You were truly one of a kind, and I'm going to miss you deeply. Rest in power sister. Grateful that the RuGirls have one more angel now."
Jiggly's vibrant spirit will be deeply missed, dearly loved, and forever remembered. Though her physical presence has been taken from us, her indelible laughter, love, and light will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.
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Rumors Abound Regarding Jiggly Caliente's Cause of Death
Following a series of challenging health issues, the drag community is grappling with the shocking passing of Jiggly Caliente, whose real name was Bianca Castro. The circumstances surrounding her death remain a subject of speculation, as her family's statement did not official disclose the cause. However, it has been reported that she struggled with a severe infection for an extended period before undergoing a leg amputation[4].
Jiggly's fight with her health issues was marked by resilience and courage, as proven by her 44th birthday Instagram post, in which she reflected on her life's ups and downs. She wrote, "Good the bad everything has made me the woman I am today. Hopefully more to come."
As the drag community mourns the loss of this irreplaceable icon, conversations around Jiggly's cause of death are filled with a mixture of sadness, disbelief, and growing concern regarding the threats to the health and well-being of drag artists everywhere. The passing of Jiggly Caliente serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by this vibrant community and the need for ongoing support and resources.
Enrichment Data:- Jiggly Caliente, whose real name was Bianca Castro, officially passed away on April 27, 2025.- Bianca Castro was born Nov. 29, 1980, in the Laguna Province of the Philippines, and grew up in New York City.- Her family announced Jiggly's death in an Instagram statement on April 27, 2025.- Jiggly's health issues were primarily linked to a severe infection, which led to the amputation of most of her right leg, although the official cause of death has not been disclosed.- Jiggly competed in "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 4 in 2012, placed eighth, and returned for "All Stars" Season 6 in 2021.- Jiggly served as a judge on "Drag Race Philippines" since its premiere in 2022.- Jiggly's acting credits include "Pose," "Search Party," "Playing House," and "Milkwater."- Jiggly's passing sparked concerns about the health and well-being of drag artists and the need for ongoing support and resources.
- Jiggly Caliente, a cherished figure in the drag community and the beloved star of "RuPaul's Drag Race," passed away at the age of 44, as confirmed by her family on Instagram.
- Despite her health issues, including a severe infection that led to the amputation of most of her right leg, Jiggly continued to impact the entertainment industry, appearing in television shows such as "Pose," "Search Party," and "Playing House."
- Jiggly's fellow celebrities in the entertainment industry, including Shea Couleeé, expressed their condolences and mourned her passing, as her vibrant energy, biting wit, and authentic spirit left an indelible mark on reality television and beyond.
- Jiggly's journey on "RuPaul's Drag Race" produced iconic moments and memorable confrontations, such as her famous quote, "This is not RuPaul's Best Friends Race," that resonated far beyond the show's workplaces.
- In her final days, Jiggly remained determined and hopeful, as evidenced by her birthday Instagram post where she expressed gratitude for her life's ups and downs.
- As the drag community grapples with Jiggly Caliente's untimely death, an ongoing conversation about the challenges faced by artists in the industry and the need for resources and support is being held, in an effort to honor Jiggly's memory and ensure the health and well-being of future artists.
