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| Photo Source: Instagram/Jiggly Caliente |
Jiggly Caliente, celebrated performer, actress, and LGBTQ+ advocate, has died at the age of 44, according to a statement from her family. Known offstage as Bianca Castro-Arabejo, Jiggly passed away on Sunday, surrounded by her loving family and close friends. Her death was announced on her official Instagram page, where her family described her as “a luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy,” remembered for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.
Although an official cause of death has not been confirmed, Jiggly’s family had earlier shared that she suffered a serious health setback, leading to the amputation of her right leg due to a severe infection. Her recovery was expected to be extensive, but complications ultimately led to her passing.
Jiggly Caliente first rose to prominence in 2012 as a contestant on Season 4 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” where her talent and vibrant personality made her a fan favorite. Though she was eliminated during that season, her journey with the Drag Race family continued when she returned for the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race: All Stars” in 2021. The official Drag Race account mourned her loss, writing, “Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay—always.”
Beyond reality TV, Castro-Arabejo made significant strides in acting. She auditioned under her real name, determined to be seen as more than a reality star, and secured a recurring guest role on Ryan Murphy’s acclaimed series Pose. Speaking about her experience, she once said, “There’s a stigma with reality TV personalities who want to be actors, and that’s why when I auditioned for Pose, I didn’t audition as Jiggly Caliente, I auditioned as Bianca.”
In 2016, she publicly came out as transgender during an appearance on the Grizzly Kiki podcast. She later reflected on the importance of visibility, especially for the queer community in the Philippines, saying, “I never saw anyone like me growing up. To be one of the first trans-Filipinas cast on a Ryan Murphy show, despite the fact that I barely had any lines, it was an important milestone for representation.”
Proud of her Filipino roots, Castro-Arabejo often spoke about the significance of her heritage. In a 2018 interview with Billboard, she credited her mother for keeping her grounded in her culture. “My mom told me to remember who I was,” she shared. “There’s a whole lot of beautiful Filipinos out there, but I wanted to show them that the language is also cute, and I love it!”
In 2022, Jiggly became a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines, further solidifying her impact in the international drag and LGBTQ+ community. However, due to her health challenges, she was unable to participate in the upcoming season.
Throughout her life, Jiggly Caliente remained a fierce advocate for self-expression, equality, and authenticity. Her artistry, activism, and heartfelt connection with fans worldwide made her a beloved figure whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched through her work and her spirit.
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