Jiggly Caliente, star of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race,’ dies after leg amputation
Former “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Jiggly Caliente, whose real name is Bianca Castro-Arabejo, has died following a leg amputation and an infection, her family announced.
Three days after the reality television star’s family shared on her Instagram page that Jiggly Caliente recently suffered a “serious health setback” that required her to be hospitalized and have “most of her right leg” amputated, the family returned to social media to inform fans that the drag performer died at the age of 44.
“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 family wrote in a statement posted a few hours after her death. “Bianca passed away peacefully on April 27, 2025, at 4:42 am, surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”
The family continued, “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.”
Although Jiggly Caliente has passed, the family says her legacy will live on, adding that the joy, love, courage, light and inclusivity she spread will have a lasting impact.
“She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered. In Loving Memory of Bianca Castro-Arabejo (Jiggly Caliente) November 29, 1980 — April 27, 2025,” the family concluded.
Jiggly Caliente first appeared on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2012 for the show’s fourth season. She was also a special guest in Seasons 6 and 10 before being cast on the show “Pose.” She had a recurring role on the Ryan Murphy series for 12 episodes and later returned to compete on Season 6 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” She had been a judge on “Drag Race Philippines” since 2022, with her third and final season ending in October 2024.
The “Drag Race” community mourned Jiggly Caliente’s death in the comment section beneath her family’s statement.
“Drag Race” judge Michelle Visage, who serves as a judge on the “All Stars” spinoff series as well, wrote, “My heart, my soul, my jiggles….i will always love you.”
Jujubee, who has competed on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 2 and the first and fifth seasons of “All Stars,” said, “I love you, my sister. I will forever remember our giggles together. I’m so grateful we met this lifetime.”
“The Traitors” Season 3 star Bob the Drag Queen commented two hearts under the post.
The official X account for “RuPaul’s Drag Race” shared, “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.”
Jiggly Caliente’s final Instagram post was a photoshoot with fellow “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star June Jambalaya. They uploaded the pictures in a joint post March 2.
June Jambalaya penned a sweet tribute to her “drag mother” on Instagram April 27, following Jiggly Caliente’s death.
“Jiggly wasn’t just my drag mother she was my safe place, my human diary, my compass when I was lost,” she wrote, in part. “There were so many moments I came to her broken, defeated by the business I love so much,a business that I felt didn’t always love me back. And every time, she reminded me of my worth: how beautiful, how talented I was, how my gift could never be measured by a placement on a show.”
She described Jiggly Caliente as her chosen family.
“Your final moments, Ma, are something that will haunt and heal me at the same time. Because in those moments, your family your blood family welcomed me as one of their own. We grieved you together, as a real family,” June Jambalaya added.
At the end of her message, she said, “I’ll see you on the other Side.”
