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RuPaul
RuPaul holding a microphone and pointing
RuPaul in 2007
Born
RuPaul Andre Charles

(1960-11-17) November 17, 1960 (age 64)
San Diego, California, U.S.
Occupations
TelevisionRuPaul's Drag Race
Spouse
Georges LeBar
​
(m. 2017)​
Musical career
OriginAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Labels
Websiterupaul.com

RuPaul Andre Charles (born November 17, 1960) is an American drag queen, actor, model, singer, songwriter, television personality, and author. Since 2009, he has produced and hosted the reality competition series RuPaul's Drag Race, for which he has received three Primetime Emmy Awards, in 2016, 2017, and 2018. RuPaul is considered to be the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States. In 2017, he was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.[1]

RuPaul was born and raised in San Diego and later moved to Atlanta to study performing arts. He settled in New York City where he became a popular fixture on the nightclub scene. RuPaul achieved international fame as a drag queen with the release of his debut single, "Supermodel (You Better Work)", which was included on his debut studio album Supermodel of the World (1993). In 1994, he became a spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics, raising money for the Mac AIDS Fund and becoming the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign. That year, he received his own talk show on VH1, The RuPaul Show, which he hosted for over 100 episodes, while co-hosting the morning radio show on WKTU with Michelle Visage. He has had continued success as a recording artist, releasing 14 studio albums to date (as of 2017), including Foxy Lady (1996), Champion (2009), Glamazon (2011), Born Naked (2014), and American (2017).

As an actor, RuPaul has made appearances in films including Crooklyn (1994), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), Hurricane Bianca (2016), the Comedy Central series Broad City (2017), and the Netflix original series Girlboss (2017). He has also published two books: Lettin' It All Hang Out (1995) and Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style (2010). Additionally, RuPaul's Drag Race has produced ten seasons to date (as of 2018) and has inspired several spin-off series, including RuPaul's Drag U and RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars. He is also featured as a host on series such as Skin Wars, Good Work, and Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul.

RuPaul is noted for his indifference toward the gender-specific pronouns used to address him, as stated in his autobiography: "You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me Regis and Kathie Lee; I don't care! Just as long as you call me."[2] RuPaul has also played men in a number of roles, and makes public appearances both in and out of drag.[2]

Early life and career

RuPaul was born in San Diego, California, on November 17, 1960.[3] He was named by his mother, Ernestine "Toni" Charles, a Louisiana native; the "Ru" came from roux, which is the term for the base of gumbo and other creole stews and soups.[4] When his parents divorced in 1967, he and his three sisters lived with their mother.[5]

At the age of 15, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, with his sister Renetta to study performing arts. In the ensuing years, RuPaul struggled as a musician and filmmaker during the 1980s. He participated in underground cinema, helping create the low-budget film Star Booty, and an album by the same name. In Atlanta, RuPaul often performed at the Celebrity Club (managed by Larry Tee) as a bar dancer or with his band, Wee Wee Pole.[6][7][8] RuPaul also performed as a backup singer to Glen Meadmore along with drag queen Vaginal Davis.[9] RuPaul's first prominent United States national exposure came in 1989 with an extra role dancing in the video for "Love Shack" by The B-52's.

In the early 1990s, RuPaul worked the Georgia club scene and was known by his full birth name. Initially participating in gender bender-style performances, RuPaul performed solo and in collaboration with other bands at several New York City nightclubs, most notably the Pyramid Club. He played opposite New York City drag performer Mona Foote (Nashom Benjamin) in the one-act science-fiction parody "My Pet Homo" written and directed by Jon Michael Johnson for Cooper Square Productions. He appeared for many years at the annual Wigstock drag festival and appeared in the documentary Wigstock: The Movie. In the 1990s, RuPaul was known in the UK for his appearances on the Channel 4 series Manhattan Cable, a weekly series produced by World of Wonder and presented by American Laurie Pike about New York's wild and wacky public-access television system.

Career

1993–1997: Supermodel of the World, Foxy Lady, and Ho Ho Ho

In 1993 RuPaul recorded the dance/house album Supermodel of the World. It was released through the rap label Tommy Boy, spawning the dance track hit "Supermodel (You Better Work)". The music video was an unexpected success on MTV channels, as grunge and gangsta rap were popular at the time. The song peaked at number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100. It further charted on the UK Singles Chart, peaking on the top 40 at number 39. The song found the most success on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, where it peaked at number 2. Radio airplay, heavy rotation of the music video on MTV and television appearances on popular programs like The Arsenio Hall Show popularized the song.

What other people think of me is not my business. What I do is what I do. How people see me doesn't change what I decide to do. I don't choose projects so people don't see me as one thing or another. I choose projects that excite me. I think the problem is that people refuse to understand what drag is outside of their own belief system.

— RuPaul[10]

His next two singles/videos, "Back to My Roots" and "A Shade Shady (Now Prance)" both went number 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and furthered his campy persona. Between them, "House of Love" was released without a video. It failed to place on any U.S. charts, despite rising to number 68 on the UK Singles Chart.

RuPaul was signed to a modeling contract for MAC Cosmetics. Various billboards featured him in full drag, often with the text "I am the MAC girl". He also released his autobiography, Lettin' It All Hang Out. He promoted that book in part with a 1995 guest appearance on ABC's All My Children, in a storyline that put it on the set of Erica Kane's talk show "The Cutting Edge".

The next year he landed a talk show of his own on VH1, called The RuPaul Show, interviewing celebrity guests and musical acts. Diana Ross, Nirvana, Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Mary J. Blige, Bea Arthur, Dionne Warwick, Cyndi Lauper, Olivia Newton-John, Beenie Man, Pete Burns, Bow Wow Wow, and the Backstreet Boys were notable guests. His co-host was Michelle Visage, with whom he also co-hosted on WKTU radio. On one episode, RuPaul featured guests Chi Chi LaRue and Tom Chase speaking about the gay porn industry.

RuPaul in March 2009.

Later in the year he released his second album, Foxy Lady, this time on the L.A.-based Rhino Records label. Despite his growing celebrity, he failed to chart within the Billboard 200. However, the first single "Snapshot" found success in the dance market and went to number four on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. It also enjoyed limited mainstream success, charting at number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 (which was his second and only other Hot 100 entry to date (1996?)). The second single "A Little Bit of Love" only charted at number 28 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. The album featured covers of a 1981 Diana Ross song "Work That Body", co-written by Paul Jabara and "If You Were a Woman and I Was a Man", originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler. Because of his strong fan base within the gay community, RuPaul has performed at gay pride events and numerous gay clubs. During this time RuPaul helped launch the return of WKTU radio in New York City and would serve as host of the morning show until 1998.

In 1997 he released his third album, a Christmas album entitled Ho Ho Ho. He has had guest appearances in many films, including both Brady Bunch movies, in which he played Jan's female guidance counselor. In 1997 RuPaul teamed with Martha Wash to remake the classic disco anthem, "It's Raining Men". The song was included on the 1998 compilation CD RuPaul's Go Go Box Classics, which was a collection of some of his favorite dance songs by other artists; this would be his third and final release through Rhino Records and a major record label. It was during this time that he appeared in Webex TV commercials and magazine ads. In 2002 he recorded with Brigitte Nielsen, credited as Gitta, the Eurodance track "You're No Lady".

2004–2007: Red Hot, ReWorked, and Starrbooty

In 2004, RuPaul released his fourth album, Red Hot on his own RuCo Inc. Music label. It received some dance radio and club play, but very little press coverage. On his blog, RuPaul discussed how he felt betrayed by the entertainment industry, particularly the gay press. In one incident, it was noted that the magazine Entertainment Weekly refused to review the album, instead asking him to make a comedic contribution to a fashion article. He likened the experience to "a black person being invited to a party, but only if they'll serve." Despite his apparent dissatisfaction with the release, Red Hot showed RuPaul returning to the top of the dance charts in the US with the lead off single "Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous" hitting number two on the dance chart. The second, "WorkOut", peaked at number five. The third and final single from the album "People Are People" a duet with Tom Trujillo peaked at number 10. The album itself only charted on the Top Electronic Albums chart, where it hit number nine.[11] When asked about this in an interview, RuPaul said, "Well, betrayed might be the wrong word. 'Betrayed' alludes to an idea that there was some kind of a promise made to me, and there never was. More so, I was disappointed. I don't feel like it was a betrayal. Nobody promises anything in show business and you understand that from day one. But, I don't know what happened. It seemed I couldn't get press on my album unless I was willing to play into the role that the mainstream press has assigned to gay people, which is as servants of straight ideals."[10]

Wikinews has related news:

On June 13, 2006, RuPaul released ReWorked, his first remix album and fifth album overall. It features reworked versions of songs from his back catalog, as well as new recordings. The only single released from the album is a re-recording of "Supermodel (You Better Work)", reaching number 21 on the U.S. dance chart. June 20, 2007, saw the release of Starrbooty (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) in the United States. The single "Call Me Starrbooty" was digitally released in 2007. The album contains new tracks from the singer as well as interludes with dialogue from the movie. The film was released on DVD in October 2007.

2008–2010: RuPaul's Drag Race and Champion

In mid-2008, RuPaul began producing RuPaul's Drag Race, a reality television game show which aired on Logo in February 2009. The premise of the program has several drag queens compete to be selected by RuPaul and a panel of judges as "America's next drag superstar". The first season's winner was BeBe Zahara Benet, and first runner-up Nina Flowers was chosen by fans as "Miss Congeniality" through voting via the show's official website. In publicity preparation for the new show, RuPaul made appearances as a guest on several other shows in 2008 including as a guest judge on episode 6 of season 5 of Project Runway[12] and as a guest "chef" on Paula's Party.[13]

In March 2009, RuPaul released the album Champion. The album peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums as well as number 26 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. It features the dance singles "Cover Girl" and "Jealous of My Boogie", both anthems from the reality show RuPaul's Drag Race. Logo's second annual NewNowNext Awards in 2009 were hosted by RuPaul. There he performed "Jealous of My Boogie (Gomi & RasJek Edit)". In March 2010, RuPaul released his second remix album, Drag Race. The album features remixes of songs from the 2009 album Champion.

2011–2013: Glamazon, make-up and perfume line

In April 2011, coinciding with the finale of season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul released his sixth studio album Glamazon, produced by Revolucian, who previously worked with RuPaul on his album Champion. The album charted on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart and the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart at number 11 and 8 respectively. In July 2011, RuPaul released another remix EP entitled SuperGlam DQ, which features remixes of tracks from Glamazon, remixes of the "Drag U Theme Song", and a new song, "Sexy Drag Queen". Starting in June 2011, the second season of RuPaul's Drag U aired. In late 2011, promotions for season 4 of Drag Race began. RuPaul made appearances on The Rosie Show and The Chew, and also attended a Drag Race NY Premiere party at Patricia Field's store in New York. Season 4 of RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on Logo on January 30, 2012, with RuPaul returning as the main host and judge. After season 4 ended, TV.com declared that it was the best reality TV show on television.

In the fall of 2012, the spin-off RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars premiered after a large fan demand. The show featured past contestants of the previous four seasons to compete. Season 5 of RuPaul's Drag Race premiered on January 28, 2013, with a 90-minute special and RuPaul returning as the main host and judge. On April 30, 2013, RuPaul released a single "Lick It Lollipop" featuring Lady Bunny, who RuPaul previously collaborated with on Champion. On October 25, 2013 RuPaul reported via Twitter that the new album would be released in January 2014.

In fall of 2013, RuPaul joined forces with cosmetic manufacturers Colorevolution to launch his debut make-up line featuring ultra-rich pigment cosmetics and a beauty collection. Released alongside the line was a unisex perfume entitled "Glamazon". Talking to World of Wonder, RuPaul said: "Glamazon is for women and men of all ages and preferences who share one thing in common: They are not afraid to be fierce. For me, glamour should be accessible to all, and I am committed to helping the world look and smell more beautiful." The line was exclusively sold on the Colorevolution website in various gift sets.[14][15]

2014: Born Naked, What's The Tee?, and Skin Wars

RuPaul and Revolucian both confirmed through their Twitter and Instagram accounts that they had been working on an upcoming seventh studio album. Born Naked was released on February 24, 2014 to coincide with the premiere of the 6th season of RuPaul's Drag Race. Prior to the premiere, an album of RuPaul cover songs performed by the Season 6 cast was released on January 28, 2014. The covers album is titled RuPaul Presents The CoverGurlz and contains RuPaul songs from 2009–2013. To further promote the Drag Race season premiere, RuPaul, representing Logo TV (and parent company Viacom) was chosen to ring the NASDAQ closing bell on February 24, 2014. The week of its release, Born Naked reached number one on the iTunes dance album chart. The following week it placed at number 4 on the US Billboard dance chart and number 85 on the Billboard 200 chart. In a profile by The New York Times it was revealed that RuPaul is currently working on a porcelain statuette of his likeness.[16] On April 9, 2014 RuPaul and Michelle Visage released the first episode of their podcast, RuPaul: What's the Tee? with Michelle Visage. In August, he joined the reality competition show Skin Wars acting as a judge.

2015: Realness, Good Work and Slay Belles

On March 2, 2015, RuPaul released his eighth studio album entitled Realness. The release coincided with the premiere of the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race. In April, he launched and began hosting a new show, Good Work, a plastic surgery-themed talk show for E!. In October he released his second Christmas album (and ninth studio album) Slay Belles. The album contains 10 original Christmas-themed songs and features collaborations with Michelle Visage, Siedah Garrett, Todrick Hall and Big Freedia. The album charted at number 21 on the US Billboard Dance chart.[17]

2016: Gay for Play, Butch Queen, All Stars 2

In January 2016, it was announced RuPaul would present a new game show for Logo TV called Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul which premiered on April 11, 2016 after RuPaul's Drag Race.[18] In February 2016, RuPaul announced his tenth album, Butch Queen. It was released on March 4, 2016, just prior to the premiere of the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.[19] A song from the album, "U Wear It Well" was featured in the teaser campaigns for the season and was later officially released as the first single on iTunes on February 29, 2016. The album charted at number 3 on the US Billboard Dance chart, marking his highest position on this chart to date (2016?).[17]"'Be Someone" featuring American singer Taylor Dayne was released as the album's second and final single. Additionally, Butch Queen: The Ru-Mixes was released.

On July 14, 2016 it was announced that RuPaul was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program. He would go on to win the award at the September 11 Creative Arts Emmy Awards Ceremony. 2016 also saw the release of the single "Read U Wrote U" that features rap parts by the RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars 2 finalists Roxxxy Andrews, Katya Zamolodchikova, Alaska Thunderfuck and Detox Icunt with production by Ellis Miah. [20]

2017-present: Remember Me, American, return to VH1 and Essential, Vol. 2

On January 27, 2017, RuPaul announced that a new album would be released the week after. The album, named Remember Me: Essential, Vol. 1 was put up for pre-order on February 2 and eventually released the next day. It is a collection of both, new songs and remakes of classic RuPaul hits that feature new artists.[21] Two singles have been released from the album so far: "Rock It (To The Moon)" which is a new song loosely based on the lyrics and the melody of "Hey Booty" which was released on the Starrbooty soundtrack in 2007 and an updated version of RuPaul's 1996 hit single "Snapshot" from the album Foxy Lady. The album failed to chart on the Dance Albums Chart but managed to debut at number four on the Billboard Dance Albums Sales Chart in the United States. It also charted at number eleven on the UK Dance Albums Chart, becoming RuPaul's highest charting album on that chart, after Realness managed to debut and peak at number 13.

On March 24, 2017, RuPaul released his eleventh studio album, American.[22] Later that same day, the ninth regular season of RuPaul's Drag Race debuted on basic cable channel VH1, home of RuPaul's talk show in the 1990s. This marked a move from expanded cable channel Logo TV, which aired all previous seasons of the show. The season 9 premiere featured singer Lady Gaga as its guest judge and proved a success, with ratings of nearly 1,000,000 viewers, making it the series' most viewed episode. This figure was double LogoTV's season 8 premiere ratings from the year prior, and triple VH1's usual Friday night viewership in that programming timeslot.[23] When the ratings were released, World of Wonder Productions announced they are casting contestants for a tenth season.[24]

On June 2, Essential, Vol. 2 was put up on pre-order on iTunes. It will be released on June 9 and is preceded by the single "Crying On The Dance Floor" which is a re-recording of the 2010 single "Main Event" from the Champion album. On June 22, 2017, it was announced that RuPaul will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the television industry.[25] He was awarded the honor on March 16, 2018, making him the first drag queen to be given such an award.[26]

In August 2018, it was announced that RuPaul will be releasing his third Christmas album in October 2018.[27]

Impact

RuPaul is considered to be the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States.[28] He has been credited with creating wider exposure for drag queens from LGBT culture in to mainstream society, thanks to his early-career chart success, and later, the successive climb in viewership of RuPaul's Drag Race.[29] His talk show The RuPaul Show was the first ever national talk show to have a drag queen as a host. Along with his partner Michelle Visage, he welcomed an array of high-profile guests such as Cher, Lil Kim, and Diana Ross over the show's 100-episode span. As well as having a variety of comedy skits, the show was noted for discussing topics such as black empowerment, female empowerment, misogyny, and liberal politics which were otherwise unheard of in 1990s television at the time.[30] In 1999, RuPaul was awarded the Vito Russo Award at the GLAAD Media Awards for work in promoting equality in the LGBT community.

RuPaul has also been noted as having a large part in RuPaul's Drag Race's continuous television success. By pioneering queer representation on television, many believe RuPaul to have essentially revolutionised the portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community on screen.[31] He first won an Emmy for his work on the show in 2016, and one year later the show garnered 8 nominations, including Outstanding Reality-Competition Program for the first time in its 11-season run, and a second consecutive win for RuPaul in the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program.[32] In 2017, he was included in the annual Time 100 list of the most influential people in the world.[1]

Relationship with trans community

RuPaul has a complex relationship with the trans community, in part due to differing philosophies: through drag he seeks to mock gender and identity, while in his view the trans community takes identity seriously.[33] RuPaul's Drag Race has featured a number of contestants who came out as transgender either while competing on the show or afterwards, including Sonique, Carmen Carrera, Jiggly Caliente, Monica Beverly Hillz, Kenya Michaels and Gia Gunn.[34][35] In 2017 Peppermint became the first contestant to compete throughout her season as an openly trans woman.[36]

In 2014 trans activists and former contestants such as Carmen Carrera and Monica Beverly Hillz criticized the use of words such tranny and shemale (including the main challenge announcement phrase up to season 6, "You've got she-mail") on RuPaul's Drag Race, which they described as transphobic.[37][38] In 2014 the sixth season also included a "Female or She-male" segment that required contestants to guess whether various photographs featured cisgender "biological women" or "psychological women" (drag queens), causing further criticism.[39] RuPaul and the producers issued a statement promising "to help spread love, acceptance and understanding" and Logo TV removed the "You've got she-mail" phrase from subsequent broadcasts.[40] RuPaul criticized those attempting to police his language in bad faith and noted that "tranny" referred to transvestites and drag queens, not just trans women.[41][42]

In 2018 RuPaul gave an interview to The Guardian in which he stated that a post-transition trans woman would "probably not" be accepted onto the show, noting that at the time of competition Peppermint had not yet had breast implants.[43] After facing criticism on social media and from former contestants for his remarks,[44] RuPaul compared trans drag queens who had transitioned to athletes who had taken performance-enhancing drugs.[45] He subsequently expressed regret for the hurt caused by his remarks, and that the only screening criteria for contestants were "charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent".[46]

Personal life

RuPaul has been with his Australian partner, Georges LeBar, since 1994, when they met at the Limelight nightclub in New York City. They married in January 2017.[47] LeBar is a painter[48] and runs a 50-acre (200,000 m2) ranch in Wyoming.[49]

RuPaul publicly endorsed the Democratic Party nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. Presidential election.[50] He expressed dismay at Clinton's defeat by Republican Party nominee Donald Trump, stating that "The America that we have all fought so hard for, the narrative of love and peace and liberty and equality, it feels like it is dead."[51] He has described doing drag as a "very, very political" act because it "challenges the status quo" by rejecting fixed identities: "drag says 'I'm a shapeshifter, I do whatever the hell I want at any given time'."[52]

Discography

Main article: RuPaul discography
Studio albums

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes
1988 The Gong Show Himself (out of drag)
1993 Saturday Night Live Himself (in drag) Guest Star, Episode: "Charles Barkley/Nirvana"
1994 Sister, Sister Marje
1995 In the House Kevin
1996–98 The RuPaul Show Himself (in drag) Presenter, 100 episodes
Nash Bridges Simone Dubois 2 episodes
1998 Hercules Rock Guardian Episode: "Hercules and the Girdle of Hyppolyte"
1998 Sabrina, the Teenage Witch The Witch Judge / Hair Dresser Episode: "Sabrina's Choice"
1998 Walker, Texas Ranger Bob Episode: "Royal Heist"
2001 Popular Sweet Honey Child
2001 Port Charles Madame Alicia
2001 Weakest Link Himself (in drag)
2002 Son of the Beach Heinous Anus credited as RuPaul Charles
2008 Project Runway Himself (in drag) Guest judge, Season 5, Episode 6
2009 Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World Tyler
2009–present RuPaul's Drag Race Himself (in and out of drag) Host & Judge
2010 Ugly Betty Rudolph Episode: "Chica and the Man"
2010–12 RuPaul's Drag U Himself (out of drag) Host, Judge & Producer
2012–present RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Himself (in and out of drag) Host & Judge
2013 Happy Endings Krisjahn Episode: "The Incident"
2013 Life With La Toya Himself (out of drag)
2013 Lady Gaga and the Muppets Holiday Spectacular Himself (in drag) Guest performer: "Fashion!" alongside Lady Gaga
2014 The Face Himself (out of drag) Guest judge[53]
2014 Mystery Girls Emillo Guest star, Episode: "Bag Ladies"
2014 The Comeback Himself (out of drag) Guest star, Episode: "Valerie Films A Pilot"
2014–16 Skin Wars Himself (out of drag) Judge
2015 Harvey Beaks Jackie Slitherstein Guest star, Episode: "Harvey's Favorite Book"
2015 Good Work Host
2015 Bubble Guppies Drag Snail/Costume Boxing Judge Guest star, Episode: "Costume Boxing"
2016 The Muppets Himself (out of drag) Episode: "Got Silk?"
2016 Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul Host
2016 The Real O'Neals Himself (out of drag) Episode: "The Real Thang"
2017 2 Broke Girls Himself (out of drag) Episode: "And the Riverboat Runs Through It"
2017 Animals. Dr. Labcoat (out of drag) Episode: "Humans"
2017 Girlboss Lionel Recurring role, 6 episodes
2017 Then and Now with Andy Cohen Himself (out of drag)
2017 Bojack Horseman Queen Antonia Episode: "Underground"
2017 Broad City Marcel 3 episodes
2017 Adam Ruins Everything Gil 2 episodes
2018 Drag Race Thailand Himself (out of drag)
2018 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Himself (out of drag) Season 15, Episode 120 (16 March 2018)
2019[54] Grace and Frankie[54] TBA Guest star
TBA[55] AJ and the Queen[55] Ruby Red Main role; co-creator and executive producer

Films

Year Title Role
1987 RuPaul Is: Starbooty! Starbooty
1994 Crooklyn Connie
1995 The Brady Bunch Movie Mrs. Cummings
Wigstock: The Movie Himself
Blue in the Face Dancer
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar Rachel Tensions
Red Ribbon Blues Duke
A Mother's Prayer Deacon "Dede"
1996 Fled Himself
A Very Brady Sequel Mrs. Cummings
1998 An Unexpected Life Charles
1999 EDtv RuPaul
But I'm a Cheerleader Mike
2000 The Eyes of Tammy Faye Narrator
The Truth About Jane Jimmy
For the Love of May Jimbo
2001 Who is Cletis Tout? Ginger Markum
2005 Dangerous Liaisons Himself
2006 Zombie Prom: The Movie Delilah Strict
2007 Starrbooty Starrbooty/Cupcake
2008 Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild Tyrell Tyrelle
2016 Hurricane Bianca[56] Weather Man
2018 Show Dogs Persephone (voice)

Short films

Year Title Role
1983 The Blue Boy Terror
Wild Thing
Terror II
1984 Terror 3D
1986 Mahogany II
Psycho Bitch
American Porn Star
1987 Voyeur
Police Lady
1989 Cupcake
Vampire Hustlers
Beauty
1997 Shantay Shantay
1999 Rick and Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World Daryl.com
2004 Skin Walker
2006 Zombie Prom Delilah Strict
2008 How We Got Over

Other ventures

Podcasting

The podcast RuPaul: What's The Tee? With Michelle Visage debuted on April 6, 2014. Ru-Paul co-hosts with longtime friend and fellow ‘'RuPaul’s Drag Race'’ judge Michelle Visage. The weekly show features their thoughts on topics including behind-the-scenes of RuPaul's Drag Race, life advice, beauty tips, and conversations with featured guests from the entertainment world.[57][58]

Audiobooks

In 2018, RuPaul was one of the actors who voiced the audiobook A Day in the Life of Marlon Bundo.[59]

Drag conventions

Launched through production company World of Wonder, RuPaul's DragCon is an annual drag-themed convention held in Los Angeles and New York City, which allows members of the public to meet with RuPaul, former RuPaul's Drag Race contestants and other drag queens.[60] The conventions feature performances, meet-and-greet booths, merchandise sales and panel discussions.[61]

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Result
1993 1993 MTV Video Music Awards Best Dance Video – "Supermodel (You Better Work)" Nominated
1999 GLAAD Media Awards GLAAD Vito Russo Award Won
2010 21st GLAAD Media Awards Outstanding Reality Program – RuPaul's Drag Race Won
NewNowNext Awards Best New Indulgence – RuPaul's Drag Race Won
2012 Critics' Choice Television Award Best Reality Show Host – RuPaul's Drag Race Nominated
TV.com's Best of 2012 Awards Best Reality Show Judge/Host – RuPaul's Drag Race Won
2013 Critics' Choice Television Award Best Reality Show Host – RuPaul's Drag Race Nominated
Entertainment Weekly Best Dressed Reality TV judge – RuPaul's Drag Race Won
TV.com's best of 2013 Awards Best Reality Show Judge/Host – RuPaul's Drag Race Won
2016 Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program Won
2017 Primetime Emmy Awards Won
Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program Nominated
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program Nominated
2018 Hollywood Walk Of Fame Television Won
Primetime Emmy Awards Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program Won
Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program Nominated
Outstanding Reality-Competition Program Won

Bibliography

  • Lettin' It All Hang Out: An Autobiography. Hyperion Books. 1995. ISBN 0-7868-6156-8.
  • Workin' It! RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style. It Books. 2010. ISBN 978-0061985836.

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "RuPaul: The World's 100 Most Influential People". Time.
  2. ^ a b RuPaul (1995). Lettin' It All Hang Out: An Autobiography. Hyperion Books. ISBN 0-7868-6156-8. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |'page= (help)
  3. ^ Gianoulis, Tina (August 16, 2005). "RuPaul (RuPaul Andre Charles)" (PDF). GLBTQ: An Encyclopedia of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Culture. GLBTQ, Inc. Archived from the original (PDF) on January 12, 2017. Retrieved March 24, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ The Bonnie Hunt Show March 12, 2010
  5. ^ Shepherd, Julianne Escobedo (April 1, 2013). "RuPaul Runs The World". Spin. Archived from the original on February 14, 2017. Retrieved March 10, 2017. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ French, Ellen Dennis (2005). "Rupaul 1960–". Encyclopedia.com (Thomson Gale). Archived from the original on January 23, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2012. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) Additional WebCitation archive on March 10, 2017.
  7. ^ Warren, Robert Burke. "Southern Belles, Latchkey Kids and Thrift-Store Crossdressers". BitterSoutherner.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2016. Retrieved December 6, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Nelson, Sullivan. "Going to Red Zone". RuPaul, Lahoma and Larry Tee went to Red Zone to perform their disco act La Palace de Beaute. This video includes fabulous backup dancing by RuPaul and Lahoma.
  9. ^ Kot, Greg (September 1, 1995). "What a Drag". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on April 24, 2016. Retrieved March 12, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ a b RuPaul in Shankbone, David. Interview with RuPaul, Wikinews, October 6, 2007.
  11. ^ "Dance/Electronic Albums : Oct 16, 2004 | Billboard Chart Archive". Billboard.com. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  12. ^ "Project Runway Season 5 Good Queen Fun | Bravo TV Official Site". Bravotv.com. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  13. ^ "Diva Party : Paula's Party". Food Network. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  14. ^ "RuPaul's "Glamazon" Limited Edition Makeup and Fragrance Available Now!". World of Wonder. November 12, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013.
  15. ^ "Colorevolution Mineral Makeup — Ru Paul". Colorevolution.com. Archived from the original on November 21, 2013. Retrieved December 3, 2013. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Schulman, Michael (February 21, 2014). "In Drag, It Turns Out, There Are Second Acts". The New York Times. Retrieved February 22, 2014.
  17. ^ a b "RuPaul — Chart history". Billboard.
  18. ^ Elizabeth Wagmeister. "Logo Greenlights Two New Series Including RuPaul Game Show, Following Year-Over-Year Growth". Variety.
  19. ^ Dan Avery. "Rupaul Announces New Album, "Butch Queen," Dropping March 7!". NewNowNext.
  20. ^ https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/read-u-wrote-u-ellis-miah-mix-feat-cast-rupauls-drag/1163061808. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  21. ^ McIntyre, Hugh. "RuPaul Chats About Reinventing His Back Catalog For A New Audience".
  22. ^ "RuPaul Reclaims Core 'American' Values With Political New Album". 22 March 2017.
  23. ^ Petski, Denise (27 March 2017). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Draws Nearly 1M Viewers In VH1 Debut".
  24. ^ "It's Time, Children! Casting for 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 10 HAS BEGUN!". 27 March 2017.
  25. ^ France, Lisa Respers (23 June 2017). "Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2018 revealed". CNN. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  26. ^ "RuPaul Is the First Drag Queen to Get a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame".
  27. ^ "Ho Ho Ho: RuPaul is Releasing a New Christmas Album".
  28. ^ Template:Cite article
  29. ^ "RuPaul on Moving to Mainstream Television and the 'Political' Nature of Drag Culture".
  30. ^ Dazed (25 October 2016). "Why RuPaul was a cultural icon long before Drag Race".
  31. ^ Houlihan, Ryan. "How 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Led a Gay Cultural Revolution — and Changed My Life".
  32. ^ Jung, E. Alex. "Straight Emmy Voters Finally Discover RuPaul's Drag Race".
  33. ^ "How RuPaul's comments on trans women led to a Drag Race revolt — and a rare apology". Vox. Retrieved 3 September 2018. To understand why RuPaul has always been resistant to let go of what he finds to be harmless jokes, you have to understand that he built his career on the principle that no one should take themselves or gender particularly seriously. In fact, as he told Vulture, his vision of drag is that it's meant to "remind culture to not take itself seriously." When he gets asked about the trans community's relation to drag, he said, he just gets bored because "we mock identity. They take identity very seriously."
  34. ^ Rudolph, Christopher (31 March 2017). "Former "Drag Race" Contestant Gia Gunn Comes Out As Trans". LOGO News. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  35. ^ Salandra, Adam (29 April 2017). "11 Times "RuPaul's Drag Race" Celebrated The Trans Community". LOGO News. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  36. ^ Morgan, Joe (6 March 2018). "Was trans queen Peppermint told to dress 'as a man' on Drag Race?". Gay Star News. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  37. ^ Campbell, Nigel (27 May 2014). "Carmen Carrera Clashes w/ RuPaul In 'Tranny' Controversy". Instinct. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  38. ^ Nichols, JamesMichael (23 May 2014). "RuPaul Responds To Controversy Over The Word 'Tranny'". Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  39. ^ D'Angelo, Rafi (19 March 2014). "RuPaul's Drag Race Crosses the Line with "Female or Shemale"". Slate. Retrieved 3 September 2018. {{cite news}}: no-break space character in |title= at position 19 (help)
  40. ^ Nichols, JamesMichael (1 April 2014). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Producers Respond To Claims Of Transphobia". Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  41. ^ Peeples, Jason (23 March 2014). "RuPaul Further Responds to Transphobic Accusations: "I've Been a 'Tranny' For 32 Years"". The Advocate. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  42. ^ D'Addario, Daniel (27 May 2014). "RuPaul's aggressive tirade in defense of the term "tranny"". Salon. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  43. ^ Aitkenhead, Decca (3 March 2018). "RuPaul: 'Drag is a big f-you to male-dominated culture'". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  44. ^ Reynolds, Daniel (10 March 2018). "The Meaning of RuPaul's Apology: What Changed From 2014 to 2018?". Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  45. ^ Duffy, Nick (5 March 2018). "RuPaul compares transgender drag queens to Olympics drug cheats, doubles down on Drag Race 'ban'". PinkNews. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  46. ^ Towle, Andy (6 March 2018). "RuPaul Tweets 'Regret' for 'Hurt I Have Caused' to Trans Community for 'Drag Race' Eligibility Remarks - Towleroad Gay News". Towleroad Gay News. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  47. ^ Template:Cite article
  48. ^ "GEORGES LeBAR". www.georgeslebar.com.
  49. ^ HuffPost OWN (12 November 2013). "RuPaul's Partner Of 19 Years Is A Rancher From Wyoming". The Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 September 2016. RuPaul says he's been with this partner, Georges, for 19 years. Georges is a rancher with a 50-acre ranch in Wyoming and South Dakota.
  50. ^ Template:Cite article
  51. ^ Template:Cite article
  52. ^ Template:Cite article
  53. ^ "RuPaul to Appear on Next Wednesday's Episode of 'The Face'". DragOfficial.com. April 2, 2014. Retrieved April 6, 2014.
  54. ^ a b Pedersen, Erik (14 February 2018). "'Grace And Frankie' Renewed For Season 5 On Netflix; RuPaul To Guest Star".
  55. ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (11 May 2018). "RuPaul Comedy Series 'AJ And The Queen' Set On Netflix From Michael Patrick King". Deadline.
  56. ^ LeRoy, Jason (September 12, 2015). "Peaches & Bianca: The Ultimate Old Lady Drag Smackdown". Left Magazine. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
  57. ^ Peeples, Jase. "Listen: RuPaul Debuts Official Podcast 'What's the Tee?'". Advocate.com.
  58. ^ RuPaul: What's The Tee? With Michelle Visage website.
  59. ^ Perkins, Dennis (March 19, 2018). "John Oliver hijacks homophobe Mike Pence's bunny book with a better one in A Day In The Life Of Marlon Bundo". AV Club. Retrieved March 19, 2018.
  60. ^ Lecaro, Lina (3 May 2018). "RuPaul's DragCon Returns to Wow L.A." L.A. Weekly. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  61. ^ Hobro, Marie E. (22 May 2018). "RuPaul's DragCon LA returns for its fourth year". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
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