The drag world is mourning the loss of a bright star this week. Jiggly Caliente, the fan-favorite performer from RuPaul’s Drag Race, has died at age 44 after battling a severe infection. Known for her quick wit and memorable moments on season 4 of the show in 2012, Jiggly (born Bianca Castro-Arabejo) passed away on April 27, 2025, surrounded by family and friends. Her death comes just days after doctors were forced to amputate part of her right leg due to complications from the infection.
A rise to fame that touched millions of fans
Before becoming a household name, Jiggly was born in the Philippines in 1980 before moving to the Queens neighborhood of New York City as a child. Her path to stardom began when she entered the world of drag about 20 years ago, developing the larger-than-life personality that would eventually captivate viewers. When she appeared on the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2012, fans immediately connected with her genuine personality and sense of humor. Her interactions with other contestants became some of the most memorable moments of the season, establishing her as a true fan favorite even though she didn’t take home the crown.
After her initial season, Jiggly’s career continued to blossom in ways many contestants only dream of. She returned to the franchise for the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2021, showing her growth as both a performer and person. Her career expanded beyond drag competitions into acting, with appearances in popular shows like Broad City and Search Party. Perhaps most notably, she landed the role of Veronica in the groundbreaking series Pose, making her one of the first trans-Filipina actors to appear in a Ryan Murphy production. Most recently, she had been serving as a judge on Drag Race Philippines, bringing her expertise back to her roots.
The health battle that took her too soon
The news of Jiggly’s health struggles came as a shock to fans. According to statements from her family, she had been battling a severe infection for over a month before her passing. The situation took a dramatic turn in late April when complications from the infection necessitated an emergency amputation of most of her right leg. Despite this drastic measure taken to save her life, Jiggly’s condition continued to deteriorate rapidly. Just three days after the surgery, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, she passed away peacefully at 4:42 a.m., with her loved ones at her bedside. The specific details about the nature of the infection have not been fully disclosed.
Medical experts not involved in her case have suggested that the rapid progression might indicate sepsis played a role, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed. Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to infection damages its own tissues and organs, and it can progress very quickly. Prior to her hospitalization, Jiggly had been scheduled to participate in the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines as a judge. Her family had released a statement asking for privacy as she focused on her recovery, indicating they had hoped for a different outcome. The suddenness of her decline has left many in the drag community and her fanbase struggling to process the loss of someone who seemed so vibrant and full of life.
Her family’s moving statement about her final moments
In the midst of their grief, Jiggly’s family shared a touching statement about her passing that has provided some comfort to her fans. They described how she was surrounded by loving family members and close friends in her final hours, passing away peacefully rather than alone. The statement highlighted Jiggly’s “infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity” – qualities that had endeared her to so many throughout her career. They called her “a luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy” who had “touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.” These words painted the picture of someone who lived with purpose and passion.
The family’s statement also emphasized Jiggly’s legacy as “one of love, courage, and light” that would continue to inspire others even after her passing. They requested privacy as they navigated their loss but expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans. This glimpse into Jiggly’s final moments and her family’s perspective helped humanize what might otherwise have been just another celebrity news story. It reminded everyone that behind the makeup and performances was a deeply loved daughter, sister, and friend whose loss created a real void in the lives of those closest to her. The statement has become a touchstone for grieving fans seeking to process the sudden loss of someone who brought so much joy to their lives.
Jiggly Caliente leaves behind a world that’s better for her having been in it. Her courage in living authentically, her generosity of spirit, and her determination to create space for those who came after her ensure that her impact will far outlive her 44 years. As fans and friends mourn her passing, they also celebrate a life that, while too short, was lived with purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to being true to herself. That may be the most powerful legacy anyone can leave behind.
