RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente dies at 44, days after critical surgery

One of the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Jiggly Caliente, has died at the age of 44 after suffering a severe infection and undergoing major surgery.

The TV personality, real name Bianca Castro, passed away on Sunday, April 27. The sad news was broken by her family who released a statement posted on her Instagram, revealing that she had undergone a leg amputation in recent days.

“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 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends,” the statement read.

“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,” it continued. “She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered.”

The news came just days after Caliente’s family had announced that the star would need to have her right leg amputated due to a “serious health setback”. All upcoming public engagements were cancelled and it was confirmed that she will not appear as a judge on the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.

She first found fame in 2011 when she appeared on season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race and went on to appear in other television roles. She appeared in season two of Broad City and co-hosted Translation, becoming a member of the first all-trans casts on a major network talk show.

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