“RuPaul’s Drag Race” co-executive producer Jacqueline Wilson has died, inspiring an outpouring from the show’s cast and crew on social media. Her cause of death was not immediately known.
Series host and executive producer RuPaul Charles broke the news on Twitter Tuesday writing, “I could never express in words her invaluable contribution to the success of ‘Drag Race,’ and to all the lives of those who were fortunate enough to have worked alongside her. Love always, my friend.”
Wilson joined the then-Logo series as a supervising producer in Season 2, and was promoted to co-executive producer. She was among the producers nominated for Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the 2019 Emmys.
“This summer we had the pleasure of producing season 12 with Jacqueline,” production company World of Wonder wrote in a Facebook post. “To the very end she was devoted to telling the stories of the queens that she loved so much … When her work family gathers for the Emmy ceremony this year we’ll be celebrating Jacqueline Wilson’s ‘Drag Race.’”
In its own statement, VH1 praised Wilson’s contributions to “Drag Race” both as a professional and as a person.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of Jacqueline Wilson’s passing,” the network said. “Her professionalism and sharp eye for finding and nurturing talent was matched by the joy and kindness she brought to ‘Drag Race’ every day. A consummate professional beloved by her team, Jacqueline believed passionately in our show and proud of its cultural and social impact. We will miss her beyond words and her spirit has left an indelible mark on us.”
Prior to spending a decade with World of Wonder and “Drag Race,” Wilson’s credits included “Basketball Wives” and the short-lived competition series “I Want to Work for Diddy” and “The Rebel Billionaire: Branson’s Quest for the Best.”
https://twitter.com/RuPaul/status/1171783048641183746
https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWonderProductions/posts/3423256087699742
Wake up with the sad news : Jacqueline Wilson passes away . Words can’t describe how heartbroken and sad I’m right now . All my positive energy And prayers to the production of World of wonder , Rupaul , family and friends in this difficult time . We will always 💜 you 😪#tb pic.twitter.com/GnSP1F0Nec
— Cynthia Lee Fontaine 🍑 (@lee_fontaine) September 11, 2019
Jacqueline was such a beautiful person with such good energy! She will be missed! But her good heart will be missed even more. 💔 https://t.co/5TVVgeuxu6
— Blair St. Clair (@BlairStClair) September 11, 2019
It’s never easy losing someone. What gives me comfort, is knowing that our beautiful Angel Jacqueline Wilson has got her wings! I will miss you but I know you will still be my biggest cheerleader, encouraging me to conquer my dreams! My heart will heal. 💔😔😢
— Latrice Royale Inc. (@LatriceRoyale) September 11, 2019
#DragRace and @WorldOfWonder have lost a key member of their family. Our hearts go out to Jacqueline Wilson's family, friends, and the whole @RuPaulsDragRace fam. 💔 https://t.co/a3sQpgBVtV
— Logo 🏳️🌈 (@LogoTV) September 11, 2019
Wow just found out that one of the producers of @RuPaulsDragRace Jacqueline Wilson passed away! News like this is never easy, especially when it’s unexpected but such is life. I can’t say it to her but thank you for our talks, thanks for seeing a light in me… rest easy💜😢
— RaJahOhara (@RaJahOHara) September 11, 2019