Jiggly Caliente Dies at 44 After Battle with Infection

Jiggly Caliente, RuPaul’s Drag Race Star, Dead at 44—Fans and Celebs React in Shock

Jiggly Caliente, one of the most iconic queens to ever strut across the RuPaul’s Drag Race runway, has tragically passed away at just 44 years old. The news hit early this morning, and the drag world is absolutely reeling.

The cause of death? A tough battle with a severe infection that led to a recent leg amputation. The news was confirmed by her family, who shared the heartbreaking details. It’s a punch to the gut for fans who were hoping Jiggly would pull through this final battle.

Jiggly—real name Bianca Castro—was a fierce, funny, and unapologetically bold queen who became a fan favorite on Season 4 of Drag Race. While she didn’t take home the crown (hello, did anyone really think she’d lose?), Jiggly’s larger-than-life personality stole the show. She had IT—the humor, the heart, the charisma—and there was no doubt she was a star in the making.

Jiggly didn’t just stop there. In 2016, she shook things up by coming out as a transgender woman—and trust us, it wasn’t just a ‘big deal’ for the drag community. It was a game-changer. Her courage sparked a fire for others in the LGBTQ+ community, making her an absolute trailblazer. She didn’t just follow the script—she rewrote it.

“Jiggly was the epitome of strength and resilience,” said Drag Race alum, Sharon Needles. “She didn’t just do drag—she lived it.”

Jiggly wasn’t just a queen of Drag Race—she also had a starring role on the hit TV series Pose and even dropped an album, T.H.O.T. Process, in 2018. Yeah, she wasn’t just a reality TV star—she was a multi-talented force to be reckoned with. And let’s not forget how many lives she touched with her openness, her heart, and her willingness to speak up.

Fans are flooding social media with tributes. “I’m in total shock. Jiggly was one of a kind,” one fan tweeted. “The world just lost a giant,” wrote another. And it’s not just the fans grieving—fellow queens have also been quick to share their sorrow. “Rest in power, Jiggly,” said Drag Race alum, Latrice Royale. “You were a queen in every sense of the word.”

It’s tough to put into words what Jiggly meant to so many. Her humor, her vulnerability, and her unapologetic attitude made her an instant legend. Drag Race was never quite the same after her season, and now it feels like a huge piece of that world is gone.

Rest in peace, Jiggly. You may be gone, but your legacy—and your spirit—will live on forever. And if anyone can pull off a grand finale like this, it’s you. #JigglyForever #GoneButNeverForgotten