Jiggly Caliente, RuPaul's Drag Race Star, Passes Away at 44

Jiggly Caliente, a beloved contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race, has tragically passed away at the age of 44. Her family confirmed the news on April 27, 2025, leaving fans and the LGBTQ+ community mourning the loss of an influential and trailblazing figure.

A Vibrant Personality and Advocate

Known for her larger-than-life personality and passion for advocacy, Jiggly Caliente (born Bianca Castro-Arebejo) was a beacon of joy, courage, and authenticity. Throughout her career, Jiggly brought love and light to everything she touched. She will be remembered not only for her role in RuPaul’s Drag Race, but also for her significant contributions to trans and drag communities.

Her family shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, stating, "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." The post continued, "Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends."

Her family reflected on her inspiring spirit, saying, "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."

Jiggly's Recent Health Struggles

In the weeks leading up to her death, Jiggly Caliente had been facing significant health challenges. The family announced that she had been struggling with a severe infection, which led to the amputation of her right leg. Her family had been incredibly private during this difficult time, asking for support and love from fans while she focused on her recovery.

Despite the tough circumstances, Jiggly’s vibrant personality and fighting spirit remained strong. However, her family shared that the recovery process would be long and that she would not be appearing in any upcoming events, including the RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines season.

A Breakout Star on RuPaul’s Drag Race

Jiggly Caliente made her debut on RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2011 as a contestant in Season 4. Although she didn’t win, finishing in 8th place, her charismatic presence and energetic performances quickly earned her a place in the hearts of fans. She became one of the most memorable contestants of her season, known for her fierce personality and authenticity.

Jiggly’s return to the Drag Race franchise came in 2021 when she appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars Season 6. Fans were thrilled to see her return and celebrate her growth and legacy in the world of drag.

Beyond Drag Race: Jiggly's Career and Contributions

While RuPaul’s Drag Race was where Jiggly gained national attention, her talents and influence went far beyond the show. She was known for her acting roles, television appearances, and advocacy work within the LGBTQ+ community.

In 2015, Jiggly appeared in the season two finale of Broad City, a show known for its diverse representation of women and queer culture. She also became one of the 30 drag queens featured in Miley Cyrus's 2015 VMA performance, solidifying her status as a pop culture icon.

Additionally, Jiggly made history when she became a judge on Drag Race Philippines in 2021, marking a significant moment for her career. She continued to break barriers for drag queens and transgender individuals, using her platform to uplift others in the community.

Jiggly’s Journey as a Transgender Icon

In 2016, Jiggly made a powerful decision to publicly come out as transgender. This moment marked a major milestone in her career, and she became an important voice in the transgender community. Jiggly’s authenticity and strength helped pave the way for more visibility and acceptance of transgender individuals in the drag world.

She went on to co-host Translation, a groundbreaking talk show featuring an all-trans cast, which made history as the first talk show on a major network to be hosted by transgender individuals. This platform allowed Jiggly to continue her advocacy for trans rights, sharing her own experiences while amplifying the voices of other trans people.

A Legacy of Love, Courage, and Light

Jiggly Caliente’s death is a tremendous loss to the drag community and the LGBTQ+ world. Her contributions to drag culture and her unwavering commitment to advocacy will be remembered for years to come. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, authenticity, and joy, inspiring future generations of drag queens and LGBTQ+ individuals to embrace their true selves.

Her family’s tribute to her life serves as a powerful reminder of the impact she had on those around her: "Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever."

Remembering Jiggly Caliente

Jiggly Caliente’s passing at the age of 44 leaves a void in the hearts of many, but her spirit and legacy will live on through her work and the countless lives she touched. From her iconic moments on RuPaul’s Drag Race to her pivotal role in the transgender community, Jiggly’s journey was one of resilience, authenticity, and love.

As the LGBTQ+ community continues to honor her memory, fans around the world will remember Jiggly not only for her contribution to drag but for her bravery in living authentically. May her legacy serve as a shining example of the power of self-expression and love.