- In full:
- RuPaul Andre Charles
- Born:
- November 17, 1960, San Diego, California, U.S. (age 65)
- On the Web:
- Television Academy Foundation - The Interviews - RuPaul Charles (Oct. 19, 2026)
RuPaul
-
Who is RuPaul?
RuPaul (born November 17, 1960) is an American entertainer who became the most famous drag queen in the United States in the 1990s.
Standing at about 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall, RuPaul gained recognition on the New York club scene. In 1993, RuPaul released the dance-pop album Supermodel of the World, featuring the hit single "Supermodel (You Better Work)".
RuPaul has appeared in films such as Crooklyn (1994), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995). Beginning in 2009, RuPaul hosted and coproduced RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality television show that has earned Emmy Awards 2016–23.
1 Britannica SourceCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What is RuPaul best known for?
RuPaul is an American entertainer who gained prominence as perhaps the most famous drag queen in the United States in the 1990s.
RuPaul released the dance-pop album Supermodel of the World in 1993, which included the hit single "Supermodel (You Better Work)." The song's success led to roles in films such as Crooklyn, The Brady Bunch Movie, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.
Beginning in 2009, RuPaul hosted and coproduced RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality television show that was credited with reviving RuPaul’s flagging career.
1 Britannica SourceCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What is drag, and how does RuPaul use it in his performances?
Drag is a form of entertainment where performers adopt exaggerated gender stereotypes through clothing, makeup, and mannerisms. Often performed in nightclubs and Gay Pride festivals, drag aims to challenge gender norms through performance.
RuPaul gained recognition on the New York club scene and is perhaps the most famous drag queen in the United States. RuPaul's performances often involve elaborate makeup, gowns, and wigs. His hit song, "Supermodel (You Better Work)," and the reality show, RuPaul's Drag Race, showcase drag as a means of expression and entertainment.
3 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What is 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and why is it important?
RuPaul's Drag Race is a reality television show hosted and co-produced by RuPaul that began in 2009. The show is a competition to name "America's next drag superstar".
RuPaul's Drag Race and ball culture have become more visible in mainstream pop culture. The show has been credited with reviving RuPaul's career. RuPaul won Emmy Awards (2016–23) as the show’s host, and RuPaul’s Drag Race also received the Emmy for best competition show (2018–21 and 2023).
Drag involves performance that undermines gender norms through the act of dressing as the opposite sex.
3 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
How has RuPaul influenced pop culture and the LGBTQ+ community?
RuPaul is an American entertainer who became the most famous drag queen in the U.S. in the 1990s. In 1993, RuPaul released the album Supermodel of the World, featuring the hit single "Supermodel (You Better Work)," which gained mainstream recognition with its music video.
RuPaul's influence extends to television, where he hosted The RuPaul Show and coproduced RuPaul's Drag Race, a reality competition that has received Emmy Awards. The show has popularized ball culture, showcasing drag as a performance that challenges gender norms. Additionally, RuPaul's visibility has helped make drag a more familiar image in popular culture.
3 Britannica SourcesCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles. -
What other creative projects or businesses has RuPaul been involved in besides performing?
Beyond performing, RuPaul's creative projects and businesses include:
- Television: The RuPaul Show (1997–98), a variety television program; host and coproducer of RuPaul’s Drag Race (2009–23); cocreator and star of the TV series AJ and the Queen (2020).
- Film: Acting roles in Crooklyn (1994), Blue in the Face (1995), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995), and Wigstock: The Movie (1995).
- Cosmetics: Spokesmodel for M.A.C. Cosmetics (1995), the first drag queen to represent a major cosmetics company.
- Writing: Autobiography, Lettin It All Hang Out (1995); memoir, The House of Hidden Meanings (2024).
- Music: Several albums, many of which have been featured on RuPaul's Drag Race, including Foxy Lady (1996), Ho Ho Ho (1997), Red Hot (2004), Glamazon (2011), Born Naked (2014), Realness (2015), Butch Queen (2016), and American (2017).
1 Britannica SourceCreated from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
RuPaul (born November 17, 1960, San Diego, California, U.S.) is an American entertainer who carved out an idiosyncratic place in popular culture as perhaps the most famous drag queen in the United States in the 1990s and early 21st century.
Early life
RuPaul was born in California to parents who divorced by the time he was seven. At age 15 he moved in with one of his elder sisters in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended a performing arts high school. Always having a flair for dress-up, he began performing in drag while on the underground movie and nightclub circuit in Atlanta. In 1987 he moved to New York City and began his career in go-go bars and on television on The Gong Show and MTV.
Supermodel of the World and acting
Standing about 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) and wearing elaborate makeup and gowns, RuPaul gained much recognition on the New York club scene. In 1993 he released the dance-pop album Supermodel of the World, which featured the upbeat single “Supermodel (You Better Work).” With the help of a music video in which he strutted in a blonde wig and assorted glamorous outfits, the song became a surprise mainstream hit.
Its success led to parts for RuPaul in several films, including Crooklyn (1994), Blue in the Face (1995), The Brady Bunch Movie (1995), and the drag-themed comedy To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995). In addition, in 1995 he appeared in the documentary Wigstock: The Movie, published an autobiography, Lettin It All Hang Out, and signed a contract with M.A.C. Cosmetics, becoming the first drag queen to become a spokesmodel for a major cosmetics company.
Later albums and RuPaul’s Drag Race
RuPaul returned to the recording studio for the album Foxy Lady (1996), which he soon followed with the holiday release Ho Ho Ho (1997). Although he would not release another album until Red Hot (2004), RuPaul continued to appear in film and on television. He hosted a variety television program, The RuPaul Show (1997–98), was a frequent guest on talk shows, and took on minor acting roles.
Beginning in 2009, RuPaul hosted and coproduced RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality television show that named “America’s next drag superstar.” The popular program was credited with reviving RuPaul’s flagging career, and he won Emmy Awards (2016–23) as the show’s host. RuPaul’s Drag Race also received the Emmy for best competition show (2018–21 and 2023). His eponymous talk show and a U.K. version of Drag Race both debuted in 2019.
RuPaul’s recordings from the early 21st century, which were often featured on the show, included Glamazon (2011), Born Naked (2014), Realness (2015), Butch Queen (2016), and American (2017). RuPaul also cocreated the TV series AJ and the Queen (2020), in which he played a drag queen traveling across the United States, accompanied by a 10-year-old girl; the comedy aired on Netflix. In 2024 RuPaul released the candid memoir The House of Hidden Meanings.
The trusted destination for professionals, college students, and lifelong learners.
SUBSCRIBE
