**Jiggly Caliente, Beloved Drag Race Star, Passes Away at 44**
**Meta Description:** Jiggly Caliente, known for her role in RuPaul’s Drag Race, has died at 44. Her family shared the news, highlighting her impact on the LGBTQ+ community.
**URL Slug:** jiggly-caliente-dies-44
**Jiggly Caliente, a celebrated star of RuPaul’s Drag Race, has tragically passed away at the age of 44. Her family announced her death, stating she died peacefully “surrounded by her loving family and close friends” at 4:42 AM on Sunday. The news comes shortly after they revealed that she had undergone a leg amputation due to a severe infection.**
Born Bianca Castro-Arabejo in the Philippines, Caliente moved to New York as a child and became a prominent figure in the drag community. She first gained fame as a contestant on the fourth season of the original U.S. version of Drag Race and later returned for the sixth season of All Stars after coming out as transgender.
In addition to her reality TV success, Caliente also appeared in the acclaimed LGBTQ+ drama series Pose, portraying the character Veronica Ferocity, a drag queen immersed in the vibrant New York ballroom scene of the 1980s and 1990s. Her contributions to the arts extended beyond performance; she was also selected as a judge on the Filipino version of Drag Race, which premiered in 2022.
Throughout her time on Drag Race, Caliente was celebrated for her humor and captivating performances, particularly in lip sync battles. Michelle Visage, a judge on the show and a close friend of RuPaul, paid tribute to Caliente on Instagram, expressing her deep affection and admiration. “You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel,” she wrote.
Caliente’s passing is a significant loss to the LGBTQ+ community and the entertainment industry, where she inspired many with her talent and spirit. Since the show’s debut in 2009, several contestants have sadly passed away, including UK stars The Vivienne and Cherry Valentine.
**Conclusion:** Jiggly Caliente’s legacy will continue to resonate within the drag community and beyond, as she leaves behind a rich history of artistry and advocacy. Her impact on the world of drag and her contributions to LGBTQ+ representation will not be forgotten.
**FAQ:**
**What was Jiggly Caliente known for?**
Jiggly Caliente was known for her participation in RuPaul’s Drag Race, her role in the series Pose, and her work as a judge on the Filipino version of Drag Race.
