Lucian Piane, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' composer and guest judge, dies at 46
Lucian Piane, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' composer and guest judge, dies at 46
Sameen Chaudhry, USA TODAYTue, October 13, 2026 at 3:56 PM UTC
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Lucian Piane, a Grammy-nominated music producer and composer whose work included "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at 46.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported that Piane died after being struck by a car, according to TMZ, which was first to report his death.
Glendale Fire Department Communications Manager Cheryl Getuiza told USA TODAY that crews responded to a reported collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at San Fernando Road and Harvard Street around 4:15 a.m. Oct. 12.
"Firefighters and paramedics provided emergency medical care to an adult patient at the scene," Getuiza said. The patient was pronounced dead on the scene despite responder's efforts to save their life.
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The department said it could not confirm the person's identity, citing patient privacy laws and an investigation by Glendale police.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
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Piane's career spanned television, film and recording, including collaborations with RuPaul and Sia. His contributions to "Drag Race" included original music, work with contestants and appearances as a guest judge.
In the weeks leading up to his death, some of Piane's followers expressed concern about his well-being in response to videos he posted on Instagram.
Who was Lucian Piane?
Piane composed the themes for "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "RuPaul's Drag U," according to his official biography. He also wrote and produced RuPaul's albums "Champion," "Glamazon" and "Born Naked." Piane released satirical remixes under the name RevoLucian.
On "Drag Race," he helped contestants navigate musical challenges and performance nerves, according to a 2014 interview with Out.
Piane's work extended beyond the reality competition. His biography lists collaborations with composer Marc Shaiman on "Hairspray," "Team America" and "Rumor Has It," as well as the Broadway production "Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me."
He also worked on music for "Sorority Row," the HBO documentary "An Omar Broadway Film" and the children's series "Sid the Science Kid." His website credits him and Sia as the writers of her song "Free Me."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lucian Piane, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' composer and guest judge, dies at 46
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
