Jiggly Caliente, star of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and Pose, dies at 44 after leg amputation

At the age of 44, Bianca Castro-Arabejo, popularly known to fans as Jiggly Caliente, has died, according to her family. The drag performer, who gained international popularity through her appearances on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, passed away due to complications from a severe infection that had required her leg to be amputated.

The family released the news and provided a heartfelt statement on Instagram, remembering her infectious energy, fierce sense of humor, and authenticity. Caliente was not only a known performer on Drag Race, but she also served as a judge of RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines and acted on the hit TV series Pose.

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Jiggly Caliente passed away at the age of 44

The family remembered Caliente's "infectious energy, fierce wit, and unapologetic authenticity," and noted her legacy of "love, courage, and light." They wrote, "She impacted so many lives through her work, her activism, and the relationships she built with fans across the globe." They continued, "Although you no longer reside in a physical body, the joy you provided and the space you created for so many will remain through time."

Many drag queens have posted tributes online. Laganja Estranja, Drag Race alumna, described Caliente as a "kind, caring soul." UK queen Baga Chipz named Caliente "one of the kindest, sweetest souls I have ever met." Cheryl The Queen, also from Drag Race UK, wrote, "We will love you forever and always Jiggly."

Upon hearing the news, Tia Kofi, winner of Drag Race UK versus the World, gave an emotional tribute stating that Caliente was "someone I would come to for advice, I looked up to, who gave me a lot of support when it was most important and, I cannot lie, was always there for a good gossip!"

Who was Jiggly Caliente?

Born in the Philippines in 1980, Caliente immigrated to Queens, New York neighborhood of New York City as a child with her family.

She became a fan favorite on RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012 thanks to her comedic sense, and her exchanges with other contestants. One famous moment was when fellow queen Lashauwn Beyond stated the iconic quote, "This is not RuPaul's Best Friend Race" during a heated exchange with Caliente.

After Drag Race, Caliente professionally acted in several sitcom episodes, including Broad City and Search Party. She also played Veronica in the TV drama Pose, which centered around New York's LGBT ball culture in the 1980s and 90s.

In 2016, Caliente officially came out as transgender and subsequently returned to the Drag Race world, competing on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 6 in 2021 and being on Drag Race Philippines judging for three seasons.

Prior to her death, the drag performer's family has said on Thursday that she had suffered a "serious health setback" which lead to the lost of "most of her right leg".