‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ star Jiggly Caliente dies aged 44 after “severe infection”

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has died at the age of 44 after a “severe infection” that led to the amputation of her right leg.

The family of the drag queen, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, confirmed the news on Instagram on Sunday (April 27), writing: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world and cherished by many as Jiggly Caliente.”

“Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends,” they added.

“A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.”

They added: “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. She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered.”

On Thursday (April 24), Caliente’s family announced that she had suffered a “serious health setback” that had led to the leg amputation. She had been treated for a “severe infection” in hospital.

She was born in San Pedro in the Philippines in 1980 and moved to the US with her mother and brother aged 10, settling in Queens, New York.

Jiggly Caliente advocating for LGBTQ+ rights on Capitol Hill on June 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jemal Countess/Getty Images for MoveOn)

Caliente was a contestant on the fourth season of the US version of Drag Race, and after coming out as transgender in 2016, she appeared in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2021.

Among those to pay tribute are UK drag star Baga Chipz, who said: “One of the most kindest, sweetest souls I’ve ever met. I’m gonna miss you beautiful. Thank you for always being so lovely. Rest easy legend. Sending your family so much love right now.”

In 2018, Caliente also released a hip-hop album ‘T.H.O.T.’, featuring contributions from several other Drag Race alumni. “I thought about it and was like, ‘You know what? Let me get my moment. Let me get my Janet Jackson moment, do some songs, and see how it goes,’ she said about the record. “And it turned out great. I wanted to make songs that were true to me and true to who I am. I took this album seriously because I want people to know that I do have a voice.”

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