Nina West: Difference between revisions
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'''Nina West''' is the stage name of '''Andrew Levitt''',<ref name=Raise /> an American [[drag queen]], activist,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.out.com/drag/2019/4/30/how-nina-west-channeled-her-republican-childhood-queer-activism|title=How Nina West Channeled Her Republican Childhood into Queer Activism|date=April 30, 2019|website=www.out.com|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2019}}</ref> actor, and singer-songwriter based in [[Columbus, Ohio]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20170824/everyday-heroes-drag-queen-gives-to-lgbt-charities-so-others-dont-have-to-feel-alone |title=Everyday heroes: Drag queen gives to LGBT charities so others don't have to feel alone |last=Seman |first=Gary, Jr.|work=[[The Columbus Dispatch]] |location=Columbus, Ohio |language=en |access-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827203704/http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170824/everyday-heroes-drag-queen-gives-to-lgbt-charities-so-others-dont-have-to-feel-alone |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> |
'''Nina West''' is the stage name of '''Andrew Levitt''',<ref name=Raise /> an American [[drag queen]], activist,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.out.com/drag/2019/4/30/how-nina-west-channeled-her-republican-childhood-queer-activism|title=How Nina West Channeled Her Republican Childhood into Queer Activism|date=April 30, 2019|website=www.out.com|language=en|access-date=December 28, 2019}}</ref> actor, and singer-songwriter based in [[Columbus, Ohio]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.dispatch.com/news/20170824/everyday-heroes-drag-queen-gives-to-lgbt-charities-so-others-dont-have-to-feel-alone |title=Everyday heroes: Drag queen gives to LGBT charities so others don't have to feel alone |last=Seman |first=Gary, Jr.|work=[[The Columbus Dispatch]] |location=Columbus, Ohio |language=en |access-date=December 15, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827203704/http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170824/everyday-heroes-drag-queen-gives-to-lgbt-charities-so-others-dont-have-to-feel-alone |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> West rose to national prominence by appearing on the [[RuPaul's Drag Race (season 11)|eleventh season]] of ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race]]'', where he placed sixth and won Miss Congeniality. He was named the Top Local Artist of 2019 by ''Columbus Underground''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.columbusunderground.com/the-top-10-local-artists-bo2019|title=The Top 10 Local Artists of 2019|accessdate=December 31, 2019}}</ref> |
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==Education== |
==Education== |
Revision as of 21:44, 18 June 2020
Nina West | |
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Born | Andrew Levitt August 4, 1978 Greentown, Ohio, U.S. |
Education | Denison University (BA) |
Occupation(s) | Drag queen, actor, singer |
Years active | 2001–present |
Known for | RuPaul's Drag Race (season 11) |
Website | ninawest |
Nina West is the stage name of Andrew Levitt,[1] an American drag queen, activist,[2] actor, and singer-songwriter based in Columbus, Ohio.[3] West rose to national prominence by appearing on the eleventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race, where he placed sixth and won Miss Congeniality. He was named the Top Local Artist of 2019 by Columbus Underground.[4]
Education
Levitt was raised in Greentown, Ohio. He graduated from Denison University[1] with a degree in theatre.[5] He planned to pursue acting until the September 11 attacks.[6]
Career
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/02/Columbus%2C_Ohio%2C_October_2018_-_04.jpg/220px-Columbus%2C_Ohio%2C_October_2018_-_04.jpg)
West began dabbling in drag in 2001.[1] His drag mother is Virginia West.[7] She hosts the annual "Heels of Horror" show at Axis Nightclub,[8] and has also hosted the competition "So You Think You Can Drag?"[9] In 2008, he won the Entertainer of the Year award;[10] his ensemble later inspired the singer Sia's outfit at the 2016 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.[11] West was included in Columbus Business First's "40 Under 40" list in 2018.[12][13] Levitt worked as a social media strategist for Axis Nightclub as of 2018 and has done social media and marketing for Union Cafe since 2013.[1][14]
West competed in the eleventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race.[15] She had previously auditioned for the show nine times, but failed to make the final cast selection. He won the third episode for his performance in the 'Diva Worship' challenge, and impersonated Sarah Sanders on the fourth episode, "Trump: The Rusical".[16] In the "Snatch Game" challenge, he became the first queen in the show's history to impersonate someone from the actual original Match Game, with his impersonation of Jo Anne Worley.[17] She then won the "Dragracadabra" challenge in episode ten.[18][19] She was eliminated in the following episode, losing a lip sync to Silky Nutmeg Ganache.[20][21] He was subsequently crowned Miss. Congeniality in the series finale.
After his elimination a number of celebrities and public figures took to social media to voice their support for Nina West including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez[22] and Scott Hoying. West reported that Rihanna sent him a private message following her elimination.[23]
A street in Columbus was named after Levitt, called "The Nina West Way".[24][25] He was interviewed with Adore Delano and Monet X Change for an episode of The View in June 2019.[26]
He starred in Coaster, an animated short film directed and produced by Amos Sussigan and Dan Lund.[27]
He attended the 71st Primetime Emmy Awards, where he became the first person to walk the purple carpet in full drag[28]
West was announced as part of the cast for the first ever season of RuPaul's Celebrity Drag Race, a Drag Race spin-off where Drag Race alumni transform celebrities into Drag Queens, premiering in 2020.[29]
Since Drag Race, West has starred in several commercials, with some of the brands including Pantene[30], Pepsi,[31], and OraQuick[32], as well as being involved in campaigns for films such as Trolls World Tour[33] and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil.[34]
Music
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Dragcon2-SAT-19_%2847937187473%29.jpg/220px-Dragcon2-SAT-19_%2847937187473%29.jpg)
After his elimination, West announced she will release a children's music album, Drag Is Magic, and a comedy EP, John Goodman, by May 17, 2019.[35] She released a music video for her first single "Hucks" on May 10, 2019.[36]
Personal life and philanthropy
Levitt lives in Columbus, Ohio.[1] He is gay and an advocate and fundraiser for the LGBTQIA community. His focuses have included HIV/AIDS testing and safe sex, marriage equality, and trans rights. The Nina West Fund, established at The Columbus Foundation c. 2015,[37] is thought to be the only "drag-queen-supported fund of its kind" in the U.S.[1] The fund has raised more than $2 million,[37][38] supporting charities such as the ACLU of Ohio (fundamental rights), Dress for Success Columbus (career development for women), Equitas Health (focused on HIV/AIDS treatment),[39] and Kaleidoscope Youth Center (the largest LGBTQIA youth center in Ohio).[40]
In 2017, he received the Create Columbus Commission Visionary Award from the Columbus City Council and an equality award from the Human Rights Campaign Columbus chapter.[6]
Discography
Extended plays
Title | Details | Peak chart positions | |
---|---|---|---|
US Kids[41] | US Comedy[42] | ||
Drag Is Magic |
|
9 | — |
John Goodman |
|
— | 2 |
The West Christmas Ever |
|
— | 5 |
Singles
Year | Title | Album |
---|---|---|
"Hucks" | 2019 | John Goodman |
"Treat Yourself” | Non-album singles | |
"Lisa Frankenstein" (featuring Bobby Moynihan) |
Filmography
Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Coaster | Nina | Short film |
2019 | Ru's Angels[43] | Himself | Short film |
Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | RuPaul's Drag Race | Himself | Contestant (6th place) | [15] |
2019 | RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked | |||
2019 | The View | Guest | [26] | |
2020 | RuPaul's Celebrity Drag Race | Mentor | [29] |
Music videos
Year | Title | Artist | Role | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | "Scores" | Kahanna Montrese | Coach | [44] |
2019 | "Hucks" | Himself | Sarah Sanders, Donald Trump | |
2019 | "Drag Is Magic | [45] | ||
2019 | "Treat Yourself" | [46] | ||
2019 | "Lisa Frankenstein" | [47] |
Web series
Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Watcha Packin' | Herself | [48] |
2019 | Queen to Queen | Herself | [49] |
References
- ^ a b c d e f Wagner, Mike (January 28, 2018). "Gay-rights advocate Nina West has long used drag-queen act to raise money for charities". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
- ^ "How Nina West Channeled Her Republican Childhood into Queer Activism". www.out.com. April 30, 2019. Retrieved December 28, 2019.
- ^ Seman, Gary, Jr. "Everyday heroes: Drag queen gives to LGBT charities so others don't have to feel alone". The Columbus Dispatch. Columbus, Ohio. Archived from the original on August 27, 2017. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "The Top 10 Local Artists of 2019". Retrieved December 31, 2019.
- ^ "Generosity Embraces Belonging: The Nina West Fund". Columbus Foundation. 2018.
- ^ a b Clark, Joe (June 15, 2017). "The positive impact of becoming Nina West". WCMH. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
- ^ "How Nina West Channeled Her Republican Childhood into Queer Activism". out.com. April 30, 2019. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
- ^ Soroka, Breanna. "Review: Heels of Horror combines pop culture, Halloween". The Lantern. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
- ^ "Photos: Weekends events for Columbus and central Ohio, September 21–23". The Columbus Dispatch. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
- ^ Thurston, Susan (July 17, 2009). "Will This Lady Be a Champ?". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved May 4, 2019 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Avery April 22, 2016, Dan. "How A Drag Queen Inspired Sia's Unbelievable Coachella Costume Reveal | NewNowNext". Newnownext.com. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "CBF Morning Run: Reliving a splendid night at the casino, getting to know 40 Under 40, saying LoveSac and regretting it, mixing beer and ice cream, not climbing Everest and chewing on a midnight stout (Video)". Bizjournals.com. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
- ^ "What to expect at HighBall this weekend, and Nina West on why you should go (photos)". Bizjournals.com. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
- ^ Mantey, Jackie (July 31, 2013). "People to Watch: Activist/Ambassador/Entertainer: Andrew Levitt". Columbus Alive. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
- ^ a b "Miss Vanjie rejoins RuPaul's Drag Race: See the full season 11 cast". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 25, 2019. Retrieved January 25, 2019.
- ^ "RPDR S11E4: Nina West Shares Her Story Of Growing Up As A Republican While Growing Up As Gay". Z6mag. March 23, 2019. Archived from the original on March 25, 2019. Retrieved March 25, 2019.
- ^ "Nina West Made Snatch Game Herstory on 'Drag Race'–and Here's How". Decider. April 19, 2019. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Rogers, Matt. "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Practically Magic". Vulture.com. Retrieved May 7, 2019.
- ^ "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Power Ranking Season 11: Episode 10". Billboard. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Blanton, Kayla. "The 'Drag Race' Judges Did Nina West & Miss Vanjie Dirty This Week". Bustle. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Swift, Andy; Swift, Andy (May 10, 2019). "RuPaul's Drag Race Recap: Which Queen Won't Be Twinning Season 11?". TVLine. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Duffy, Nick. "Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez sent a fan message to Drag Race star Nina West". Pink News. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
- ^ Evans, Mel (May 12, 2019). "Rihanna sends message to Nina West following Drag Race elimination". Metro. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- ^ "Columbus names street after RuPaul's Drag Race queen Nina West". Gay Star News. June 12, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- ^ "Street in the Short North to be renamed after Nina West". WBNS-10TV Columbus, Ohio | Columbus News, Weather & Sports. June 10, 2019. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- ^ a b Gremore, Graham (June 12, 2019). "Meghan McCain interviewed three drag queens on "The View" for Pride and people weren't having it". queerty.com. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
- ^ Nolfi, Joey (October 2, 2019). "Drag Race MVP Nina West's whimsical new short could lead to an Oscar nod". Ew.com. Retrieved October 2, 2019.
- ^ Ramos, Dino-Ray (September 22, 2019). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant Nina West Makes Emmys History Walking Purple Carpet In Full Drag". Deadline. Retrieved September 22, 2019.
- ^ a b Desta, Yohana. "RuPaul Announces Drag Race Spin-Off Featuring All-Celebrity Competitors". Vanity Fair. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
- ^ Bollinger, Alex (March 24, 2020). "Drag queen Nina West stars in hilarious new Pantene shampoo ad". lgbtqnation.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ "The Morning Beat: Pepsi Digital Content Features RuPaul's Drag Queens". wearechanelq.com. June 27, 2019. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Parsley, Jason (September 27, 2019). "Nina West Debuts 'Treat Yourself,' For Gay Men's HIV Awareness Day". southfloridagaynews.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Voss, Brandon (April 4, 2020). "Watch "Drag Race" Dolls Feel Their "Trolls" Runway Fantasy". NewNowNext.com. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ Kilkenny, Katie (December 3, 2019). "Hollywood Is "Finally Catching On" to the Booming Drag Queen Economy". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
- ^ West, Nina (May 10, 2019). "WHAT? Two EP's? Pre-order now! JOHN GOODMAN http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1462770495?ls=1&app=itunes … DRAG IS MAGIC http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1462773617?ls=1&app=itunes …pic.twitter.com/LfZifn3XxJ". @NinaWest. Retrieved May 10, 2019.
{{cite web}}
: External link in
(help)|title=
- ^ Nina West (May 10, 2019), Nina West – HUCKS (Official Music Video), retrieved May 12, 2019
- ^ a b "The Philanthropy of Nina West". ColumbusUnderground.com. October 10, 2017. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
- ^ "Is this the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race season 11?". Gay Times. October 24, 2018. Archived from the original on December 15, 2018. Retrieved December 15, 2018.
- ^ "Columbus Foundation". ColumbusFoundation.org. 2018.
- ^ "ABOUT – Kaleidoscope Youth Center". Kaleidoscope Youth Center of Ohio. 2019. Archived from the original on May 3, 2019. Retrieved May 3, 2019.
- ^ "Billboard Kid Albums June 1, 2019". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
- ^ "Billboard Comedy Albums June 1, 2019". Billboard. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
- ^ Nolfi, Joey (November 8, 2019). "Kristen Stewart, Charlie's Angels fight evil with RuPaul's Drag Race queens in new short film". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 10, 2019.
- ^ Kahanna Montrese (March 8, 2019), Kahanna Montrese – "Scores" (Official Music Video), retrieved September 21, 2019
- ^ Nolfi, Joey (January 31, 2019). "A fabulous collection of the RuPaul's Drag Race queens' best music videos". Entertainment Weekly. Meredith Corporation. Archived from the original on June 9, 2019. Retrieved June 9, 2019.
- ^ Nina West (September 27, 2019), Treat Yourself, presented by OraQuick, retrieved September 27, 2019
- ^ Nina West (September 27, 2019), Lisa Frankenstein, retrieved October 11, 2019
- ^ VH1 (May 10, 2019), Whatcha Packin’: Nina West | Season 11 Episode 11 | RuPaul's Drag Race, retrieved June 13, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ VH1 (May 24, 2019), Queen to Queen: Brooke Lynn Hytes, Yvie Oddly & Nina West – RuPaul's Drag Race, retrieved July 9, 2019
{{citation}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)