Bianca Castro-Arabejo, best known to fans as Jiggly Caliente, has passed away at the age of 44, her family confirmed.
The beloved drag performer, who rose to fame on Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, faced serious health challenges last week, including the amputation of part of her leg on Thursday following a severe infection.
Caliente, a familiar face in the drag world, served as a judge on Drag Race Philippines and also had acting credits in the acclaimed U.S. series Pose.
“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,” her family wrote in a heartfelt Instagram post. They added that she passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday morning, surrounded by her closest family and friends.
In their tribute, her family remembered her “infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity,” noting that her legacy of “love, courage, and light” would live on. “She touched countless lives with her artistry, activism, and genuine connection to fans around the globe,” the statement said.
Tributes Pour In From the Drag Community
The news of Caliente’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from fellow drag artists.
Laganja Estranja, a contestant from Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, called her a “kind, caring soul.”
Baga Chipz, a fan favorite from Drag Race UK, described Caliente as “one of the kindest, sweetest souls” they had ever met.
Cheryl Hole, another Drag Race UK alum, shared: “We will love you forever and always, Jiggly.”
Tia Kofi, winner of Drag Race UK vs The World, spoke of how Caliente offered support and advice at crucial moments, saying she “was always there for a good gossip too.”
Judge Michelle Visage also honored her, remembering endless laughter and special conversations: “Your energy was contagious… this world has lost an angel.”
A Legacy Beyond the Stage
Born in the Philippines in 1980, Bianca Castro-Arabejo relocated with her family to New York City’s Queens borough as a child.
Caliente won over audiences with her humor and authenticity during her 2012 Drag Race run. One of her memorable moments came during a heated exchange with fellow contestant Lashauwn Beyond, which birthed the now-iconic phrase: “This is not RuPaul’s Best Friend Race.”
Her career extended beyond the drag stage — she took on roles in TV series like Broad City and Search Party, and portrayed Veronica in the groundbreaking drama Pose, which depicted New York’s LGBTQ+ ballroom scene in the late 20th century.
Publicly coming out as transgender in 2016, Caliente remained a significant presence in the Drag Race universe, competing again in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 6 in 2021 and joining the judging panel for Drag Race Philippines.
Prior to her passing, her family had revealed that she had faced a “serious health setback,” leading to the loss of most of her right leg.
Though Jiggly Caliente’s physical presence is no longer with us, her spirit, advocacy, and joyous artistry continue to inspire countless fans worldwide.
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