RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under star Kristopher Elliot, known as Maxi Shield, has died aged 51, five months after being diagnosed with cancer.
Maxi, who appeared on season one of Drag Race Down Under, was diagnosed with throat cancer in September after stepping down from an appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
She underwent chemotherapy to shrink the tumour, with her final treatment taking place in January.
Announcing her death on Instagram, Wigs By Vanity said in a statement: "It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our dearest sister, Maxine, has passed away.
"We are all mourning the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and our beloved sister. Thank you for the laughs, the cackles, and the magic you brought into our lives.
"I will cherish every second of our 30 year friendship and I'm so grateful that I was a part of your chosen family. You will be forever loved and deeply missed. I love you old girl."
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Following the sad announcement, several stars have paid tribute to Maxi, with RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage writing on Instagram: "I loved this queen. A glorious human on the inside and out. Your love, heart, talent and energy will be missed…. @maxishield rest in power, my angel, you were truly one of a kind."
Paying tribute to Maxi in her Instagram Stories, Courtney Act wrote: "Oh Maxine, you were such a light. A smile, a warmth, a joy. I'm so sad you're gone, but there's comfort in knowing you're at peace now. There's an extra star in the dark Sydney sky tonight, and this Mardi Gras we will remember you."
"Maxi. My heart breaks with the rest of the world with this awful news. You were an inspiration, a warm heart, a cheeky girl and an absolute drag legend," penned Maxi's Drag Race Down Under season one co-star Art Simone.
"RIP @maxishield My sweet Down Under sister!! I’ll never forget sitting in the dressing room with you and @_cocojumbo in Sydney sharing Australian snacks!!" wrote Angeria Paris VanMicheals.
Canada's Drag Race star Scarlett BoBo said: "My heart is absolutely broken into a million pieces. My dear sweet, beautiful @maxishield Thank you for the love and kindness you’ve brought to the world and to our lives. You are truly an icon, legend and inspiration."
Reporter, Digital Spy
Harriet is a freelance news writer specialising in TV and movies at Digital Spy.
A horror enthusiast, she joined Digital Spy after working on her own horror website, reviewing films and focusing largely on feminism in the genre.
In her spare time, Harriet paints and produces mixed-media art. She graduated from the University of Kingston with a BA in fine art, where she specialised in painting. She also has an MA in journalism from Birkbeck University.
