Watch: Celebrity Deaths: 2025’s Fallen Stars
The RuPaul’s Drag Race fan community is in mourning.
Jiggly Caliente, who competed on the VH1 reality series twice and also recently served as a judge on Drag Race Philippines, has died. She was 44.
The drag performer, whose real name is Bianca Castro-Arabejo, passed away April 27. The cause of her death was not revealed. Biance died days after her family announced that she had undergone a leg amputation following a severe infection.
“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,” they said in a statement posted on her Instagram April 28. “Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”
The family called Bianca, who is also known for playing Veronica Ferocity on the FX series Pose, a “luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy.”
“Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,” they said. “She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.”
They continued, “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. She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered.”
Bianca was born in 1980 in San Pedro, the Philippines, and began her career as a drag performer after accepting a dare.
“It was a dare that took on a life of its own,” she told Socialite Life in 2019. “A friend dared me to do a drag talent search and I ran with it since then.”
Bianca’s drag performer name was inspired by a pink Pokémon character.
“I thought I was cute like the Pokémon so I chose Jigglypuff,” she said. “But I’m also a sexy b—h and since I do jiggle, I hacked off the ‘puff’ and put ‘Caliente’ on the end since it’s Spanish for ‘hot’—hence Jiggly Caliente emerged.”
Bianca competed on RuPaul’s Drag Race season four in 2012 and on the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2021. In recent years, she has been a judge on Drag Race Philippines.
Robin L Marshall/Getty Images
On April 24, Bianca’s family announced that she would not be returning to the series.
“Over the last month Bianca has experienced a serious health setback,” they said in a statement on Instagram. “Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalized and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.”
The statement continued, “Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. Her recovery will be extensive.”
Following news of her death, Bianca received a slew of tributes from fans and colleagues.
“We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family,” read a message posted on the flagship show’s Instagram. “Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay—always. We’re holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.”
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
