RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente unfortunately died on April 27, 2024, after she was hospitalized due to an infection.
Caliente’s family posted a few hours after her death and provided some details about the shocking tragedy.
Former RuPaul's Drag Race Star Jiggly Caliente Dies at 44
News of Jiggly Caliente’s unexpected passing surprised fans on Sunday, as just a few days ago, her loved ones had taken charge of her social media to announce that she had been experiencing “a serious health setback” for months.
Jiggly Caliente, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, died at the age of 44. On her Instagram, her family wrote:
"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."
Her relatives did not specify the cause of the beloved drag performer’s death. However, days prior to this, they updated fans about her “severe infection” that led to the loss of most of her right leg.
During this time, they informed her followers and the drag community that Caliente would no longer appear in the new season of Drag Race Philippines, as well as “participate in any public engagements.”
"We kindly ask for privacy for Bianca and her family as they navigate this difficult journey together. Bianca's family and drag house are deeply grateful for the continued outpouring of support, strength, and prayers," they continued in the post.
The Drag Community’s Reaction to Jiggly Caliente’s Surprising Death
Jiggly Caliente’s death drew widespread grief across the LGBTQIA+ community, as thousands sent messages of sorrow to the drag performer.
Drag Race star Morphine Love Dion left a heartfelt comment on Castro-Arabejo’s Instagram: “I cannot stop crying I love you so much I wish I can hug you one more time this can’t be real…”
“This is so devastating. Rest in Peace,” the Canadian drag queen Jackie Cox said.
Fellow Filipino-American Bretman Rock also wrote: “I love youuu ate Jiggly.”
In the post, her family described Castro-Arabejo as “a luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy” and as someone “celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.”
They also mentioned the legacy she left behind: her “artistry, activism, and genuine connection” that touched many of her fans all over the world.
Castro-Arabejo was born in the Philippines in 1980 but grew up mostly in New York City. She first appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4 in 2012, choosing the name Jiggly, which is inspired by Pokémon’s Jigglypuff, and Caliente, which means “hot” in Spanish.
Despite only placing eighth, she became a fan favorite that season thanks to her humor. RuPaul’s Drag Race welcomed her again in All Stars Season 6, where she placed 12th. She also served as a main judge for Drag Race Philippines’s first three seasons.
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