Bianca Castro-Arabejo, identified for her work as drag performer Jiggly Caliente on RuPaul’s Drag Race, died Sunday at age 44, simply days after her household reported that she’d been hospitalized with an an infection.
Castro-Arabejo, who grew to become a decide on Drag Race Philippines in 2022, had scrapped plans to seem on the upcoming season after a current hospitalization for a “extreme an infection” and a leg amputation surgical procedure, her household mentioned in a press release on her Instagram web page.
She died early Sunday, her household mentioned in one other assertion, including that she was surrounded by household and pals.
“A luminous presence within the worlds of leisure and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious power, fierce wit and unwavering authenticity,” her household mentioned Sunday.
“She touched numerous lives by her artistry, activism, and the real connection she fostered with followers around the globe.”
Castro-Arabejo first hit the display screen as a part of the solid for the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012. She shortly grew to become a fan favorite for her vivacious persona and memorable interactions with decide RuPaul, who developed a recurring catchphrase for each time they spoke: “Could I name you Jiggly?”
After inserting eighth in her unique run, she appeared on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Allstars in 2021, the place she positioned twelfth.
“Her expertise, reality and impression won’t ever be forgotten, and her legacy will proceed to slay — all the time,” mentioned a press release from RuPaul’s Drag Race posted on X. “We’re holding her household, pals and followers shut in our hearts throughout this troublesome time.”
We’re devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race household. Her expertise, reality, and impression won’t ever be forgotten, and her legacy will proceed to slay—all the time. We’re holding her household, pals, and followers shut in our hearts throughout this… pic.twitter.com/wkDXQKfwoy
Castro-Arabejo was additionally identified for her portrayal of the character Veronica Ferocity on FX’s hit sequence Pose, showing in 12 episodes throughout its three-season run. She additionally had appearances on TV sitcoms like Broad Metropolis and Search Get together.
Born within the Philippines, Castro-Arabejo immigrated to New York. She began working in drag about 20 years in the past, showing in competitions and pageants. She got here out as a trans lady in 2016.
‘Laughter was countless’
Fellow drag performers and others who labored with Castro-Arabejo have been sharing photographs and reminiscences of her for the reason that information broke.
Manila Luzon, one other Filipina American drag star who got here to prominence on RuPaul’s Drag Race, mentioned on social media that Castro-Abejo had been her greatest pal for 25 years and that she was “heartbroken” to listen to of her passing.
“I am actually gunna miss all our lengthy telephone calls, your countless barrage of hilarious Reels in my DMs, your cooking, and particularly ALL YOUR SHADE!!!” she wrote.
Drag Race decide Michelle Visage shared a photograph of her and Castro-Arabejo on Instagram within the wake of the information, writing:”My jiggles…. The laughter was countless, our talks have been particular, your power was contagious. You have been and stay so very beloved. This world has misplaced an angel and we would like you to soar excessive…. I like you a lot honey.”
Fellow Drag Race Philippines decide Jervi Wrightson, also referred to as Kaladkaren, additionally posted a tribute to Castro-Abejo, who used to take a seat subsequent to her on the panel.
“I simply misplaced my favorite seatmate. Drag Race Philippines won’t ever be the identical with out you,” Wrightson wrote.
Throughout her profession, Castro-Arabejo was vocal concerning the affect of her upbringing in her work and its significance for illustration within the trade.
In 2018, she launched a hip-hop album referred to as T.H.O.T. Course of, together with a observe the place she raps in Tagalog.
Throughout a 2023 episode of actuality present Carry Again My Ladies, which reunites completely different performers from the Drag Race franchise, Castro-Arabejo mentioned her work as a decide was essential due to her heritage.
“In terms of my tradition, I dwell and breathe that I’m Filipina,” she mentioned. “I’m a proud immigrant lady.”
Castro-Arabejo shared that she was a trans lady in 2016 on a podcast, partly as a result of she mentioned she acquired letters from followers who have been scuffling with their very own gender identities.
“I needed to come back out as a result of I used to be prepared to come back out. I’ve been dwelling as a trans lady for thus lengthy, however I simply by no means informed the viewers and the followers that,” she mentioned in a 2018 Billboard interview.
“I used to be truly transitioning whereas I used to be on the present, I simply by no means talked about it. I did not need it to be my storyline, as a result of being a trans lady shouldn’t be what defines me.”
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