'Drag Race' Star and Trans Activist Jiggly Caliente Has Died at 44

Variety reports the sad news that "RuPaul Drag Race" star and judge of "Drag Race: Philippines," Jiggly Caliente has died at the age of 44. "Caliente had been suffering from complications due to a severe infection, and as a result, had undergone surgery losing most of her right leg."

Her family reported her death on her Instagram page. "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. Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends," reads the post.

The family statement went on to say, "A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world. 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."

"Caliente competed on Season 4 of 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' where she placed eighth. She would later return to compete on All Stars 6, where she placed 12th. The fan favorite wowed audiences with her talent, humor and killer dance moves," adds Variety. She is most famous for her infamous "baked potato couture" look on the season premiere's Apocalyptic Couture runway.

"Though the design was derided by the judges," Entertainment Weekly writes, "it quickly became a fan-favorite look among viewers, and Jiggly's resulting lip-sync victory against Alisa Summers kept her in the competition.

"Following her appearance on 'Drag Race,' Jiggly worked as an actress, appearing in a 2018 'Saturday Night Live' sketch about a drag queen-centric GPS device, performing small parts on 'Broad City,' and later booking a recurring role on FX's 'Pose' drama series. Jiggly remained on Pose across all three seasons of the Ryan Murphy series as Veronica Ferocity, member of the House of Ferocity ball collective."

In 2022 she became a judge on "Drag Race Philippines." Caliente was on the judging panel for three seasons of that franchise.

Born in San Pedro, Philippines, she moved to America in 1991 with her mother and sister at the age of 10 to Sunnyside, Queens in New York City. Her drag name was named after the Pokémon character, Jigglypuff.. In 2016, Jiggly publicly came out as transgender, becoming a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. Her authenticity and advocacy left a lasting impact on the community.

"A cause of death was not stated, but Jiggly's family had announced on Thursday that the entertainer "experienced a serious health setback" that unfolded across the last month, and eventually led to her hospitalization," reports Entertainment Weekly. They added the health crisis led to her losing most of her right leg.

Longtime RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage reacted to the news of Jiggly's death, writing on Instagram: "My jiggles.... The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high.....I love you so much honey."

The official "RuPaul's Drag Race" Instagram account posted:
"We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family. 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."

Production company World of Wonder also reacted to the news with a statement: "We are devastated to hear of the passing of Bianca Castro, aka Jiggly Caliente. Jiggly's humor, love, and light touched so many in the Drag Race family and beyond. Her legacy will continue to uplift the communities she advocated for. Our love and deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. Please give them the privacy and space to grieve this tremendous loss."

Her friends in the drag and trans community responded with condolences. Bianco Del Rio wrote on Instagram: "Rest well, my good time gal ❤️ @jigglycalienteofficial. Thank you for 20 years of laughter and friendship."

"Damn man..... today we lost a sister and heaven gained an angel. @jigglycalienteofficial we will continue to speak your name "BIANCA" and share your light. Thanks for all the laughs, the Kiki, the listening hear, shoulder the cry, the reading for filth, the masterful shade and endless love. Pain no more, fly high sister💜🕊️ Y'all prayer for her brother and other family/ friends," posted Rajah Ohara.

Frequent "Drag Race" contestant Jujubee wrote "I will miss you so much, my sister. Thank you for all the laughs and snacks we shared. The quick reads you had for me will always bring a smile to my face. I am so grateful we met this lifetime. I love you Jiggly. Rest in peace. ❤️❤️❤️."

And Jiggly's season 4 costar and close friend Jaremi Carey, who previously performed under the name Phi Phi O'Hara, posted a lengthy statement about the the news, writing, "Truly I have been just a shell for the person I was prior to this tragedy. I've cried more than ever and the pain I've felt is something I've ever felt before. I'm truly, and honestly....not okay right now."

He went on to detail that days prior he'd "rushed to hospital to hold my best friend's hand one last time as I wish her on her way to a place where she is no longer in pain. We played her a goodbye song as the nurses and doctors rolled her bed through those double doors...an image I will never get out of my head."

"In her 'All Stars 6 'exit interview, Jiggly told Entertainment Weekly that she wanted to keep building her filmography - and even had aspirations to be in a big-budget Marvel movie in the future."

"There's a stigma with reality TV personalities who want to be actors, and that's why, when I auditioned for 'Pose,' I didn't audition as Jiggly Caliente, I auditioned as Bianca! I didn't want people to box me in as a reality star. I wanted people to give me a fair shot," she said at the time. "When I got the call from 'All Stars,' I couldn't possibly turn it down. I'm in a different space in life. It just felt like it was time for me to do this and compete in a whole different mindset, the right mindset to actually compete - and I got my teeth fixed!"