Jiggly Caliente, Renowned Drag Queen and Performer, Passes Away at 44

Her magnetic energy and contributions to LGBTQ+ representation will long be remembered.

 

Jiggly Caliente, the celebrated drag queen known offstage as Bianca Castro-Arabejo, passed away at the age of 44, according to a family announcement. The performer first rose to prominence on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and was known for her charismatic performances and sharp wit. In a heartfelt statement released on Instagram, her family expressed their sorrow, detailing that Caliente died early Sunday morning surrounded by her family and close friends after undergoing a leg amputation due to a severe infection.

Caliente's family praised her "infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity," declaring that her legacy of “love, courage, and light” will persist. They noted that she profoundly impacted countless lives through her artistry and activism. Fellow drag queens and performers took to social media to pay tribute to her. Laganja Estranja remembered Caliente as a "kind, caring soul," while RuPaul's Drag Race UK star Baga Chipz reflected on her as "one of the kindest, sweetest souls." Cheryl The Queen and Tia Kofi also shared fond memories, emphasizing Caliente’s role as a supportive figure in the drag community.

Born in the Philippines in 1980, Caliente moved to Queens, New York City as a child, where she transformed into a fan-favorite on Drag Race in 2012 due to her humor and memorable catchphrases that resonated with audiences. After her stint on the reality show, she ventured into acting, appearing in popular series like Broad City, Search Party, and most notably, Pose, which explored New York's LGBTQ+ ball culture.

Caliente made a return to the Drag Race universe by participating in the sixth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2021 and served as a judge on the Philippines' spin-off show for three seasons. Her family noted that prior to her passing, Caliente had faced significant health challenges, including a recent critical health setback that resulted in the loss of most of her right leg. Despite her physical absence, her impact on the drag community and beyond remains indelible.