Drag Race Down Under reality star Maxi Shield has died aged 51 - just months after revealing cancer diagnosis
A Drag Race reality star has died at the age of 51, just a year after revealing her cancer diagnosis.
Maxi Shield, the drag alter-ego of Kristopher Elliot is best known for being in the Australian version of RuPaul’s Drag Race. She took part in the inaugural season back in 2021, and ended up finishing in sixth place.
Her death comes just months after she announced to her fans that she had cancer. It was back in September that Maxi revealed her diagnosis, and her death was announced on social media last night (Sunday February 22).
A post on the company of the Australian company Wigs By Vanity read: “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.”
Season one winner Kita Mean was among those who commented on the post to pay tribute. She remembered Maxi as “the kindest queen that has ever been” and celebrated her “love for drag”, “wicked sense of humour” and “giving spirit”.
“There will forever be a void in my heavy heart where your fabulousness hit me like a tonne of bricks,” Kita wrote. “Your strength over the last few months has been incomprehensible and I will go forward with such pride in my heart knowing I was friends with the best sister in the business. I love you so much… may your spirit rest in peace.”
Many fans have written messages of condolence on the star’s last Instagram posts. “I am absolutely gutted at her passing. To hear this has made me very sad because I know she brought love and light to many peoples lives. I know we will never have another of her for a long time to come,” one said. A second penned: “Love you, Maxi. Rest in peace, gorgeous.”
A third wrote: “RIP Maxi! You were the first ever drag queen I ever met and you altered my brain chemistry in ways I couldn’t really describe. It was a pleasure and honour to have met and worked alongside of you.”
Maxi was very well-known across the Australian drag scene, and was among the performers at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. She also regularly attended the city’s Mardi Gras celebrations each year, and played a lead role in the 2023 comedy The Winner Takes It All.