Maxi Shield has sadly passed away.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under Season 1 contender and fan-favorite drag queen died at the age of 51.
Keep reading to find out more…
The news was confirmed by Entertainment Weekly per a close source after several social media posts began circulating announcing her death.
A cause of death has not yet been made public, but Maxi announced she was diagnosed with throat cancer in September of 2025.
“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,” judge and Down Under host Michelle Visage wrote on social media.
She had only just begun performing again after receiving cancer treatment, per her final social media posts celebrating her return to the club scene.
“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 apart of your chosen family. You will be forever loved and deeply missed. I love you old girl,” Vanity announced, part of the popular wig-making company Wigs by Vanity.
Maxi placed 6th on Drag Race Down Under Season 1, and starred in 2023′s The Winner Takes It All.
Our thoughts are with Maxi Shield‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
We have sadly lost several stars from Drag Race over the years.