Maxi Shield, the Australian drag performer who competed on the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, has died at the age of 51 after a battle with throat cancer.
Her death was announced on Monday by Sydney drag performer and wig stylist Vanity in a post on social media, where they wrote: “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.”
No further information has been shared on the cause of death.
Shield, whose real name was Kristopher Elliot, was born in Ballina, New South Wales, and became a prominent figure in Sydney’s drag and cabaret scene over more than two decades.
Shield was a long-standing performer on Sydney’s Oxford Street, widely regarded as the centre of the city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, and had been involved in Mardi Gras events for many years.
Her death comes days before the 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade, one of Australia’s largest LGBTQ+ celebrations.
Mardi Gras mourned her death in a social media post, writing: “We are devastated by the news of the passing of Maxi Shield. They were an icon and pillar of our community and we would like to take a moment to recognise all that Maxi stood for. This Mardi Gras will feel undeniably different with a space and light shining in her honour.”
Universal Sydney, one of the city’s biggest LGBTQ+ nightclubs and Shield’s regular performing spots, also posted a tribute to her, writing: “In all my years in this community, there has never been a time I can remember when Maxi wasn’t an iconic presence).”
Shield publicly revealed in September 2025 that she had been diagnosed with throat cancer after becoming unwell while performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The diagnosis forced her to step down from performing in a Kath & Kim show at the festival alongside fellow Drag Race Down Under season one alum Art Simone.
In an Instagram video at the time, she told followers that she was optimistic about treatment options for a tumour she had found in her neck.
She began chemotherapy that month and documented her treatment through weekly updates. In late October, she said she had finished her last chemotherapy session with “no major side effects” and would have a feeding tube inserted before beginning radiation.
Her final update was posted on 30 January, where she said she was nearly a month out from her last radiation cycle. After taking a break from performing during treatment, Shield returned to the stage in early February for what were her first public drag shows in months.
She gained international recognition in 2021 when she competed on the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, the Australasian spin-off of the Emmy-winning franchise. She finished sixth in the competition and was one of the most experienced performers in the cast.
Drag Race Down Under head judge Michelle Visage, who has fronted the series since 2024, paid tribute online, writing: “I loved this queen. A glorious human on the inside and out. Your love, heart, talent and energy will be missed. Maxi Shield, rest in power, my angel, you were truly one of a kind.”
