Maxi Shield: Beloved Sydney drag queen dies following cancer battle as mourning fans give tributes

The Australian drag scene is in mourning on Monday evening after it was announced that Sydney’s star performer Maxi Shield had passed away following a battle with illness.

Maxi, also known as Kristopher Elliot, was famous for his performance at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and for competing on the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under in 2021.

In August 2025, Maxi reported that she was hospitalized with a “very scary” medical emergency while performing in the Kath and Kim drag parody Fountain Lakes in Lockdown at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

He later announced the following month that he had been diagnosed with cancer, before drifting away to complete radiation treatment.

Just weeks ago on February 5, Maxi announced she would be performing on Sydney’s Oxford Street after completing her “scary” radiation bout, telling her followers that the time away from performing had affected her mentally.

“Drag has always been my life, and being away from something I truly love for so long was challenging,” Maxi said.

“I just have an appointment [to perform] It really helped mentally moving forward.”

The news of Maxi’s tragic death was announced by her close friend and drag queen wig maker Vanity in a heartbreaking post on Instagram on Monday evening.

“We are all mourning the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and beloved sister. Thank you for the laughs, laughter, and magic you brought to our lives,” Vanity said.

“I will cherish every second of our 30-year friendship and am so grateful to be a part of the family you chose.

“You will be forever loved and deeply missed.”

Maxi’s fans joined in the comments expressing their sadness for the beloved drag queen, saying “he will be missed by so many” in the Sydney community.

“I am beyond devastated and will cherish all the joy and laughter we shared,” one commenter said.

“I can’t quite believe he’s gone 😔💜,” said another.

“I hope you find the peace, love and eternal happiness you deserve,” another said.

Cause of death not confirmed.