RuPaul’s Drag Race Star Jiggly Caliente Dies at 44 After Leg Amputation

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The RuPaul’s Drag Race fan community is in mourning.

Jiggly Caliente, who appeared on the VH1 reality show twice and more recently judged Drag Race Philippines, has tragically passed away at the age of 44.

On April 27, the drag artist known as Bianca Castro-Arabejo tragically passed away. Regrettably, the circumstances surrounding her death have yet to be disclosed. It was reported that Bianca had recently undergone an amputation of one leg due to a severe infection, just days prior to her passing, as shared by her family.

With deep regret, we share the news that Bianca Castro-Arabejo, fondly known as Jiggly Caliente, took her final breath on April 27, 2025 at 4:42 am. This announcement was made via a post on her Instagram account on April 28. Bianca’s peaceful departure was witnessed by her loving family and dear friends who were with her during her last moments.

As a die-hard admirer, I can’t help but gush about the radiant influence Bianca, famously known for her role as Veronica Ferocity on FX’s Pose, exudes. She’s not just a beacon in the entertainment industry, but also a powerful voice in advocacy circles.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but echo the praises bestowed upon Jiggly Caliente. Her energy was contagious, her wit was fiercely sharp, and her authenticity never wavered. She reached out to countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the profound connections she forged with fans across the globe.

They went on to say, ‘Her influence endures as a symbol of love, bravery, and radiance. Even though her tangible self is absent, the happiness she imparted and the areas she opened up for numerous individuals will persist forever. She will be profoundly missed, continually cherished, and eternally honored.’

1980 saw Bianca’s birth in San Pedro, the Philippines. Later on, she embarked on her career as a drag artist following a friendly challenge.

In 2019, she shared with Socialite Life that the initial challenge morphed into something much larger. A friend had challenged her to participate in a drag talent search, which she embraced and has continued ever since.

Bianca’s drag performer name was inspired by a pink Pokémon character.

She explained, “I used to think I looked like the cute Pokémon, Jigglypuff. However, I consider myself quite sexy too, and as I do jiggle, I decided to modify my name a bit. I replaced ‘puff’ with ‘Caliente,’ which means ‘hot’ in Spanish, giving me the new identity of Jiggly Caliente.

In 2012 and more recently in 2021, Bianca participated in the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars respectively. More recently, she has taken on a role as a judge for RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines.

On April 24, Bianca’s family announced that she would not be returning to the series.

In an Instagram post, it was stated that for the past month, Bianca has faced a significant health complication. This was due to a severe infection which necessitated her hospitalization. Regrettably, this condition led to the amputation of most of her right leg.

It was explained that due to current events, Bianca won’t take part in the next installment of RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines or attend any public functions for a while. She needs time to fully recover.

Following news of her death, Bianca received a slew of tributes from fans and colleagues.

The beloved Drag Race family member, Jiggly Caliente, has sadly passed away. A heartfelt message on their Instagram read: ‘Her unique talent, honesty, and enduring impact will forever be remembered. Her legacy continues to shine brightly—always. At this challenging time, our thoughts are with her family, friends, and fans.’

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2025-04-27 20:48