RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under star dies aged 51 after cancer battle
RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under star Maxi Shield has died following a valiant battle with cancer.The beloved entertainer, real name Kristopher Elliot, passed away on Saturday, February 21, five months after he began chemotherapy.Elliot's death was confirmed on Facebook in a statement from a close friend. 'We are shocked and deeply saddened by the news of our beloved Maxi Shield's passing,' they began.'In all my years in this community, there has never been a time I can remember when Maxi wasn't an iconic presence (and she'd absolutely smack you for reminding her of that).'Maxi worked across every queer venue in Sydney, touching hearts not only across the country but around the world through her appearance on Drag Race Down Under. RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under star Maxi Shield (pictured) has died following a valiant battle with cancer The beloved entertainer, real name Kristopher Elliot, passed away on Saturday, February 21, five months after he began chemotherapy They finished by saying the Sydney social scene would be a lesser place without Maxi's presence.'This Mardi Gras will feel different. It will be more solemn, as so many of us gather carrying the space left by her smile, her quick wit, and her remarkable spirit,' they wrote. 'Maxi was a big personality with a heart of gold. I'm heartbroken that the world won't get to see this legend light up a stage again, and that I won't get to share another giggle over lunch with my friend.'Her love, humour, and her impact live on through the incredible Sydney talent she directly influenced, and through the scene she helped shape with such passion. She was a force. She was brilliant. I will miss my friend dearly.'Maxi starred on the inaugural season of the hit Stan reality TV series in 2021, in which she finished in sixth place.Prior to that she had long been involved in Sydney's vibrant queer scene, and appeared as a drag queen in a 2005 episode of the Channel Seven drama All Saints.She also appeared on the ABC series You Can't Ask That and the US talk show Tongue Thai'd. In September, she posted a heartbreaking update to social media, revealing she was undergoing chemotherapy as her cancer condition continued to worsen. Elliot's death was confirmed on Facebook in a statement from a close friend Maxi starred on the inaugural season of the hit Stan reality TV series in 2021, in which she finished in sixth place Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Maxi.'So sad! Met her a few times and she was so lovely, kind and funny. What a tragic loss to the community,' one person wrote.'Oh my - this feels so surreal - rest in power you powerhouse of a soul! The Sydney queer community will not be the same without you,' a second added.'She was one of my first drag performers that I felt I knew after all the shows. Such an amazing person, performer and generous. Shocking sad news. RIP,' a third chimed in. When it launched in 2021, Down Under was the seventh version of the show and the third to feature RuPaul as host, with Michelle Visage — who has judged the US show since 2011 — and Australian comedian Rhys Nicholson rounding out the panel.It follows the hosts as they search for Australia's next drag superstar, and gets the contestants to participate in a variety of challenges to see how they perform under pressure.
