‘RuPaul’s Drag Race Star” Jiggly Caliente Has Died, She Was 44
The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jiggly Caliente, a beloved star of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and judge on “Drag Race: Philippines.” Caliente, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, passed away at the age of 44 after battling complications from a severe infection that led to the amputation of most of her right leg.
The heartbreaking news was confirmed by Caliente’s family on her Instagram page, where they shared a touching tribute to the late drag queen. Describing her as a “luminous presence” in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, the family highlighted Caliente’s infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity that endeared her to fans worldwide.
Caliente rose to fame as a contestant on Season 4 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where she captured the hearts of viewers with her talent, humor, and killer dance moves. She later returned to compete on All Stars 6, solidifying her status as a fan favorite in the drag community. In 2022, she was announced as a judge on “Drag Race Philippines,” where she served on the panel for three seasons.
Born in San Pedro, Philippines, Caliente moved to America and adopted her drag name from the Pokémon character Jigglypuff. In 2016, she bravely came out as transgender, further cementing her place as a trailblazer in the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to her reality TV success, Caliente made appearances on popular shows like FX’s “Pose,” “Search Party,” and “Saturday Night Live.”
Beyond her on-screen work, Caliente was also a talented musician, releasing her debut album “T.H.O.T. Process” in 2018. The hip-hop album featured collaborations with fellow drag queens RuPaul, Sharon Needles, Peppermint, Alaska, Ginger Minj, Phi Phi O’Hara, and Manila Luzon.
The passing of Jiggly Caliente has left a void in the entertainment industry, but her legacy of love, courage, and light will continue to inspire fans for years to come. She will be deeply missed, always loved, and eternally remembered for her contributions to drag culture and the LGBTQ+ community.
