From bravely opening up about her journey in drag to leaving an unforgettable mark on entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente’s story captured hearts.

On April 24, 2025, Jiggly Caliente’s family shared an emotional statement announcing that she had suffered a serious health setback. According to the update, Caliente, born Bianca Castro, had been hospitalized due to a severe infection that ultimately led to the loss of most of her right leg.

At the time, her family explained that her recovery would be extensive and that she would not be appearing in the upcoming season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race Philippines” or participating in public events. They asked fans for privacy and encouraged them to send messages of hope and support as Caliente focused on healing.

Then, just three days later, on April 27, a second statement posted to her official Instagram page confirmed the heartbreaking news that Caliente had passed away. She died peacefully at 4:42 a.m., surrounded by her family and close friends.

The tribute honored her impact on entertainment and advocacy, describing her as a “luminous presence” known for her “infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.”

The family emphasized that her legacy of love, courage, and light would continue through the countless lives she had touched, promising that her memory would be cherished forever.

Following Caliente’s passing, tributes came pouring in. “RuPaul’s Drag Race” team took to Instagram to share, “We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family.”

The post continued, “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.”

“Drag Race Philippines” wrote, “We are devastated to hear of the passing of Bianca Castro, aka Jiggly Caliente. Jiggly’s humor, love, and light touched so many in the Drag Race family and beyond. Her legacy will continue to uplift the communities she advocated for.”

“Our love and deepest condolences go out to her family and friends. Please give them the privacy and space to grieve this tremendous loss,” their post concluded.

Fellow Filipina-American “Drag Race” star Manila Luzon also honored Caliente’s legacy, stating in part on Instagram, “I’m really gunna [sic] miss all our long phone calls, your endless barrage of hilarious Reels in my DMs, your cooking, and especially ALL YOUR SHADE!!! 😂

“Drag Race” judge Michelle Visage added, “My jiggles….The laughter was endless, our talks were special, your energy was contagious. You were and remain so very loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high…..I love you so much honey @jigglycalienteofficial.”

“Drag Race” season 5 and “All Stars” season winner Jinkx Monsoon’s Instagram tribute read, “Jiggly was so much person in one little body. She lived her life exactly how she wanted to — never taking a moment of it for granted.”

“She always reminded me to be grateful for every little gift our blessed lives give us. She never complained about touring — she loved this life. She accomplished so much in a relatively short time and we are all so proud of her,” Monsoon added.

“She hates it when I sing show tunes, but I got to sing her one last song: there’s no business like show business. […] I love you Jiggly,” the post concluded.

Before she became a trailblazer in drag and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Caliente grew up longing for a world where she could be herself. As a child, she turned towels and blankets into mermaid tails, imagining herself as the iconic Dyesebel.

From an early age, she sensed a disconnect between her outward life and inner truth, often thinking to herself, “This isn’t me.”

Caliente came out to her mother several times — first as bisexual, then as gay, and eventually as a drag queen. It was not until her mid-twenties that she fully expressed her identity, telling her mother, “Ma, I think babae ako talaga.” Fortunately, her mother understood and supported her.

Growing up, Caliente learned to stand her ground, developing a tough exterior shaped by personal experiences, including an incident where she defended herself against a bully — an early glimpse of the fierce spirit she would later bring to the stage.

Although she once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian or a comic book artist, studying illustration at Fashion Institute of Technology, her creativity eventually found a new outlet — the art of drag.

Her journey into drag began in the early 2000s when she attended a local amateur competition at The Web in New York. After her playful critiques from the audience caught the host’s attention, she was invited to compete.

With basic makeup, a red sweater, JNCO jeans, and choreography to Janet Jackson’s “Doesn’t Really Matter,” Caliente delivered a winning performance that would spark the start of her career.

From there, her drive only grew. Inspired by icons like Jackson, Beyoncé, and the Pussycat Dolls, Caliente took the drag scene by storm, entering pageants and competitions across New York.

By 2007 and 2008, she dominated Barracuda’s Star Search, winning an impressive 32 weeks straight — a record-setting streak that cemented her status as a rising star.

Through drag, Caliente not only found fame but also a deeper understanding of her identity. “Drag was the awakening for my transness,” she once said, recognizing that the art form helped her embrace herself fully as a woman.

Caliente’s passing leaves a profound void, but her fearless spirit, groundbreaking artistry, and unwavering authenticity will continue to inspire generations. Her legacy endures in every life she touched and every barrier she helped break.