‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Standout Maxi Shield Dead at 51

Maxi Shield
‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Star Dead at 51

Published
February 23, 2026
8:03 AM PST

Maxi Shield, the Australian drag performer best known for being a standout contestant on “RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under,” has died.

The news of her death was announced by fellow drag queen and friend, Vanity, who said in part via Instagram … “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.”

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It’s not clear when Maxi — born Kristopher Elliot — died, and a cause was also not disclosed by Vanity, but Maxi announced last fall she’d been diagnosed with throat cancer.

Maxi was a fan-favorite on the first season of ‘Drag Race Down Under’ in 2021 … she came in sixth place.

She was 51.

RIP

You can view the original article HERE.