RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Jiggly Caliente Dies Aged 44
Bianca Castro, the renowned drag queen and star of RuPaul’s Drag Race US, known as Jiggly Caliente, has passed away at the age of 44. According to a statement shared on her Instagram page by her family, Castro died peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loved ones.
The news of Castro’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and the LGBT+ community, with tributes pouring in from fellow drag queens and fans around the world. As reported by The Independent, Castro’s family shared a heartfelt statement, expressing their profound sorrow at her passing.
"Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends," the statement read. "A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity."
Castro, born in San Pedro, Laguna, in the Philippines, moved to America with her mother and brother at the age of 10, where they lived in Queens, New York City. She first rose to prominence as Jiggly Caliente after competing in the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012, alongside notable drag queens like Latrice Royale and winner Sharon Needles.
In 2016, Castro came out as transgender, becoming the fifth Drag Race contestant to publicly do so, alongside stars including Kylie Sonique Love, Carmen Carrera, Kenya Michaels, and Monica Beverly Hillz. She then returned for the sixth season of spin-off show RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2021, which was won that year by Kylie Sonique Love.
Castro’s career extended beyond her appearances on Drag Race. She appeared in numerous TV programmes, including the acclaimed comedy series Broad City and the drama series Pose, alongside Billy Porter and Indya Moore. In an interview with Billboard in 2018, Castro spoke about auditioning for Pose after coming out as trans, saying: "It’s really cool to see my name. No offense to Drag Race but to see ‘Bianca Castro’ instead of ‘Jiggly Caliente’ on the credits just felt so cool, to be recognised for who I am and not just a character that I have created."
Castro also pursued a music career, releasing her first single "Fckboi" in March 2018, followed by her debut album T.H.O.T in the same month. The twelve-track record featured other Drag Race contestants, including Sharon Needles, Peppermint, Alaska Ginger Minj, Phi Phi O’Hara, and Manila Luzon.
In the days leading up to her death, Castro’s family announced that she had suffered a serious health setback, resulting in the amputation of her right leg due to a severe infection. According to a post shared on her Instagram account, Castro was treated in hospital and lost "most of her right leg" as a result of the infection.
The LGBT+ community and fellow drag queens have paid tribute to Castro, with UK drag icon Baga Chipz saying: "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." Model Munroe Bergdorf and Australian drag queen Hannah Conda also shared messages of condolence on social media.
As reported by The Independent, Castro’s legacy will live on through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world. Her family concluded: "Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever."
