RuPaul

Often referred to as the most famous and successful drag queen of all time, RuPaul is a global superstar. With a career spanning over 35 years, RuPaul has recorded over 14 albums, acted in countless movies and was signed up by cosmetics giant MAC as the face and spokesperson of Viva Glam, raising more than $400 million to date for HIV/AIDS epidemic awareness.

As the host of the hugely successful RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul has won several Emmys for his outstanding work on the show, which has itself helped to launch the career of over 120 drag queens.

As a lifetime supporter and shining beacon of LGBTQ+ rights, RuPaul has helped pave the way for acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community throughout his career, and has been listed as one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

Born in San Diego, California, RuPaul moved to Atlanta to study performing arts before heading for New York City to work the nightclub scene as a drag queen. His international break came with the release of his debut single, ‘Supermodel (You Better Work)’ in 1993. The lively dance track becoming a surprise hit, reaching No 45 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The following year he became the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign when he was asked to become a spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics and their AIDs Fund. Ground-breaking VH1 talk show The RuPaul Show hit screens in 1996, with RuPaul hosting over 100 episodes and welcoming guests including Diana Ross and Cher.

RuPaul continued to rise to superstardom as the host, coach and judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, while the show quickly became a global phenomenon. With eleven series so far and a British adaptation airing in 2019, RuPaul continues to build on his monumental success in the entertainment industry, adding to an already astonishing legacy.