Bianca Castro-Arabejo, known to the world as the fiery drag queen Jiggly Caliente, died on April 27, 2025, at the age of 44. Her family confirmed the news in a gut-wrenching statement posted on her Instagram, saying she passed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The Filipino-American performer, a standout on RuPaul’s Drag Race and a beloved judge on its Philippine spin-off, had faced a brutal health crisis in the days before her death.
Castro’s journey to stardom kicked off in 2012 when she strutted onto the fourth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality show that catapults drag artists into the spotlight. Her larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and unapologetic charm made her a fan favorite, even if she finished eighth, sent packing after a lip-sync battle against Willam. She returned in 2021 for the sixth season of All Stars, bowing out early but leaving her mark. Born in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, on November 29, 1980, Castro moved to Queens, New York, at age 10. Her drag name, inspired by the Pokémon character Jigglypuff, paired with “Caliente” for that extra heat, captured her bold, playful spirit.
Beyond the Drag Race stage, Castro carved out a career that broke barriers. She co-hosted Translation in 2020, the first talk show on a major network led by an all-trans cast, and took on the recurring role of Veronica Ferocity in FX’s Pose, a drama about New York’s ballroom scene. In 2018, she dropped her debut hip-hop album, T.H.O.T. Process, featuring heavyweights like RuPaul and Sharon Needles. The album was a first for a Drag Race alum, blending gritty beats with her raw, authentic voice. She also became a fixture on Drag Race Philippines, joining the judging panel in 2022 and serving through its first three seasons, mentoring queens with her sharp critiques and warm encouragement.
Castro’s final days were marked by a devastating health ordeal. On April 24, her family announced she’d been hospitalized with a severe infection that led to the amputation of most of her right leg. The statement, stark and somber, said her recovery would be long and that she’d step back from judging the upcoming fourth season of Drag Race Philippines and all public appearances. Just three days later, they shared the news of her death, describing her as a “luminous presence” whose “infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity” touched countless lives.
Castro came out as transgender in 2016, becoming the fifth Drag Race contestant to do so publicly, following trailblazers like Kylie Sonique Love. Her advocacy for trans visibility and LGBTQ+ rights, including a 2024 appearance at a Capitol Hill press conference, cemented her as a voice for change. She also performed as a background dancer for Christina Aguilera in 2018 and popped up in a Saturday Night Live sketch alongside Peppermint, proving her versatility in a cutthroat industry.
Her death sent shockwaves through the drag community. Fellow queens, from Michelle Visage to Bob the Drag Queen, flooded social media with tributes, though Castro’s family asked for privacy as they navigate their loss. Her legacy, they said, is one of “love, courage, and light.”
Castro was born in the Philippines and raised in New York. She was 44 at the time of her death. She leaves behind a body of work spanning reality TV, music, and acting, and a community forever changed by her presence.