Jiggly Caliente, star of Rupaul’s Drag Race, died at the age of 44

Jiggly Caliente, star of Rupaul’s Drag Race, died at the age of 44

jiggly Caliente, a talented performer and actress who by participating in " Rupaul’s drag Race ” Awareness has died, as her family announced in a statement. She was only 44 years old.

living conditions and legacy

Reality TV personality, whose birth name Bianca Castro-Arabejo was, died on Sunday. According to the explanation of her family, which was published on her verified Instagram profile, she was "surrounded by her loving family and close friends".

"As a shining presence in the world of entertainment and the Advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for their infectious energy, their sharp mind and their unshakable authenticity," the explanation said. "She touched countless life through her art, her commitment and the honest connection she made with fans around the world."

cause of death and health difficulties

The exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed. But her family said a few days before her death that Castro-Arabianjo had suffered a "serious health set" and had to amputate her right leg due to a "serious infection". Your recovery was assessed as extensive.

CNN contacted a representative of Castro-Arabejo and a family member to request further comments.

career highlights and appearances

Bianca Castro-Arabejo became known when she took part in the fourth season of "Drag Race" in 2012. Although she was eliminated at this point, she later returned in the "All Stars" season 2021.

"We are on the ground about the loss of Jiggly Caliente, an estimated member of the Drag Race Family", says a Explanation on the official Instagram of "Drag Race". "Your talent, truthfulness and influence will never be forgotten, and your legacy will always remain alive. In this difficult time we keep your family, friends and fans firmly in our hearts."

in 2022 Castro-Arabejo became a judge at "Rupaul’s Drag Race Filipines" and remained in this role until 2024. Due to her health problems, however, she could not appear in the upcoming season of the format, as her family announced.

from reality TV to acting

After her ascent to reality TV famousity, Castro-Arabejo targeted a acting career and applied for a role in Ryan Murphy's FX series "Pose", where she finally received a recurring guest role.

"There is a stigma against reality TV personalities who want to become an actor. That is why I did not list as a jiggly Caliente in my casting for pose, but as Bianca," she said in a interview with entertainment Weekly in 2021. "I didn't want people to classify me as a reality star. Give an opportunity. ”

transgender models and cultural heritage

2016 Castro-Arabejo came out as a transgender in an interview at the Grizzly Kiki Podcast and expressed the desire to inspire the Queere Community in the Philippines. "I never saw someone like me in my childhood," she said in a Interview to be there in 2024.

Castro-Arabejo was proud of her Filipino heritage. In a Interview with Billboard from 2018 very important. "

"" I lived here in America when my mother told me that I should remember who I am. She really wanted me to never forget where I came from, "she continued the publication. "There are many beautiful Filipinos out there, but I wanted to show them that the language is also beautiful and I love it!"