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Lucian Piane, a composer and former guest judge for RuPaul's Drag Race, died at age 46 after being struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California. He was known for producing the show's music and earning a Grammy nomination.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
Lucian Piane, a composer, music producer and former guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race, has died at the age of 46. According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Piane died on Monday, Oct. 12, after being struck by a vehicle in Glendale, California.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed the death occurred on Monday morning. According to TMZ, Piane succumbed to his injuries at the scene despite efforts by the Glendale Fire Department to save him. Reports indicate that Piane did not have identification on him when he was hit, only a citation, but he was later identified.
Prior to his death, fans had expressed concern online after Piane posted a series of videos on Instagram. TMZ reported that Piane had been taken into police custody on Saturday for being under the influence of a controlled substance. The following day, he reportedly received a second citation for an assault on an officer or emergency personnel, with a court date set for the day he died.
Piane was a familiar face in the early seasons of the US version of RuPaul's Drag Race, appearing in at least one episode every season until series eight, as well as three All Stars episodes. He served as a guest judge alongside RuPaul Charles and Michelle Visage. He was particularly known for writing and producing the "Rusical" episodes, where he often joined the judging panel.
As a songwriter and producer, Piane contributed to many of the show's popular songs. His work included "The Baddest Bitches in Herstory" from RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Season 2, as well as numbers such as "Shade: The Rusical," "Rucapella," "Glamazonian Airways (Part 1 and Part 2)," and "Hot in Tuckahoe." He also worked on finale songs for season 8, including Bob the Drag Queen's "I Don't Like to Show Off," Naomi Smalls' "Legs," and Kim Chi's "Fat, Fem & Asian."
Piane co-wrote and produced several of RuPaul's hits, including "Cover Girl," "Sissy That Walk," "Jealous of My Boogie," "Peanut Butter," "Geronimo," "Freaky Money," "The Beginning," "Born Naked," "Champion," "Sexy Drag Queen," "I Bring the Beat," "Let the Music Play," "Feel Like Dancin" and "Main Event." He also notably worked on the theme song for RuPaul's Drag Race and collaborated with RuPaul on the albums Champion, Glamazon, and Born Naked.
Outside of RuPaul's Drag Race, Piane earned a Grammy Award nomination for his work on the soundtrack to the 2007 Hairspray film. He also worked with other artists, including Sia.
Piane's death marks the loss of a significant contributor to the music and television production of RuPaul's Drag Race. His work on the show's musical numbers and RuPaul's discography helped shape the entertainment value of the series during its early seasons.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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