Drag artist Jiggly Caliente died on Saturday, April 27. He was 44.
Known offstage as Bianca Castro-Arabejo, she passed away peacefully at 4:42 a.m., surrounded by family and close friends, according to a statement from her family.
“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,” 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.
Born in the Philippines and raised in New York City, Caliente first captured audiences in 2012 as a contestant on Season 4 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where she charmed fans with his fierce performances and relatable vulnerability. She later returned for the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” and remained a notable figure in the drag and LGBTQ+ community.
In recent years, Jiggly had taken on a mentoring role as one of the regular judges of “Drag Race Philippines,” bringing her unique mix of humor, heart, and candid critique to the show.
However, she announced earlier this year that she would be stepping back from public engagements to recover from a severe infection that led to the loss of her right leg.
Despite her health battles, the drag artist continued to inspire with his resilience and advocacy, championing body positivity, transgender rights, and representation in mainstream media.
“She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world,” her family added.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced.
