Jiggly Caliente

Jiggly Caliente, a drag performer best known for her time on "RuPaul's Drag Race" and the FX series "Pose," died April 27, 2025, after a leg amputation following a severe infection at the age of 44.

Born in the Philippines, Bianca Castro-Arabejo, better known by her stage name Jiggly Caliente, began her drag career in 2005, competing in (and quickly winning) a series of drag competitions. This brought her to the attention of "RuPaul's Drag Race," landing her a spot in the show's fourth season. She later returned for "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars," and for three seasons she was one of the main judges on "Drag Race Philippines." Caliente parlayed the experience into an acting career, playing Veronica Ferocity on the TV series "Pose," as well as launching a music career in 2018 when her debut album, "T.H.O.T. Process," was released.

"We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family," the RuPaul's Drag Race account wrote on the social media platform X. "Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay-always. We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time."

By Eric San Juan

(Image: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)