RuPaul

RuPaul’s Drag Race Wins Emmy Award for Outstanding Reality Competition Program

After a brief hiatus from the top spot, RuPaul’s Drag Race has once again claimed the title of Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards. The show, hosted by the iconic RuPaul, had previously dominated the category, securing the award consecutively from 2018 to 2021. However, it was unexpectedly dethroned in 2022 by Lizzo’s Watch Out For The Big Grrrls.

Returning to the winner’s circle, RuPaul delivered a powerful message during the acceptance speech, expressing support for drag queens and the widely debated drag queen story hour events, which have faced increasing protests and threats. RuPaul urged audiences to embrace these events, stating, “If a drag queen wants to read you a story at a library, listen to her, because knowledge is power, and if someone tries to restrict your access to power, they are trying to scare you.”

The Emmy win underscores RuPaul’s Drag Race‘s enduring influence and cultural significance in the reality competition space, as well as RuPaul’s ongoing advocacy for inclusivity and education.

Who Is RuPaul?

RuPaul, a multifaceted entertainer, emerged as a significant figure in the early 1990s, landing a record contract and releasing his debut album, Supermodel of the World. His captivating personality and influential television shows, notably RuPaul’s Drag Race, have established him as a prominent figure within the gay, drag, and transgender communities.

Early Life

Born RuPaul Andre Charles on November 17, 1960, in San Diego, California, RuPaul experienced a turbulent childhood following his parents’ divorce when he was seven. He relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, with his sister and her husband during his teenage years. As the only male among his parents’ four children, he began exploring cross-dressing, often emulating icons like Diana Ross and Jane Fonda.

In Atlanta, RuPaul attended the Northside School of Performing Arts. Although he did not graduate, this experience was instrumental in fostering his passion for performance. In 1982, he took a decisive step toward his career by submitting a photo to The American Music Show, a local TV program. His appearance on the show became regular, often alongside his newly formed band, RuPaul and the U-Hauls.

Wigstock and Hit Song “Supermodel (You Better Work)”

After the dissolution of RuPaul and the U-Hauls, he formed a new group called Wee Wee Pole, which performed across Atlanta. This period also marked RuPaul’s initial foray into acting with uncredited roles in low-budget films. Although these early acting experiences did not propel him to stardom, RuPaul’s creativity shone through as he sold self-portraits as postcards and crafted booklets filled with witty anecdotes.

In the mid-1980s, RuPaul moved to New York City, becoming involved in the burgeoning Wigstock festival, which celebrated drag performances primarily in the East Village. His vibrant performances quickly garnered attention, and by the decade’s end, he was recognized as the “Queen of New York.” In 1991, RuPaul signed with Tommy Boy Records, releasing his debut album, Supermodel of the World, two years later. The album featured the hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work),” which climbed to the Top 50 on the pop charts and reached No. 2 on the dance club charts. He remained a fixture in the club scene, with subsequent hits such as “Snapshot” and “WorkOut.” A notable 1993 collaboration with Elton John on a remake of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” also gained traction, becoming a Top 10 hit in the U.K.

Television, Film, and Autobiography

RuPaul made his feature film debut in 1994 in Spike Lee’s Crooklyn, signaling a new chapter in his career. He secured roles in various television shows, including Sister, Sister and In the House, as well as films such as The Brady Bunch Movie, Blue in the Face, and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, all in 1995. That same year, RuPaul published his autobiography, Lettin’ It All Hang Out, and signed a modeling contract with MAC Cosmetics. His own talk show, The RuPaul Show, aired until 1998.

While continuing to act on television, RuPaul also recorded music, releasing albums such as Ho Ho Ho (1997), Red Hot (2004), and Reworked (2006), which were well-received by fans.

Reality Show: Drag Race

Despite his success in music and film, RuPaul’s cultural impact soared with the 2009 premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality TV competition that has spawned several spin-offs, including All Stars and Untucked. RuPaul received his first Emmy Award for Drag Race in 2016, and the premiere of Season 9 in March 2017, featuring Lady Gaga, attracted nearly one million viewers, making it the show’s most-watched episode to date. In January 2024, Drag Race secured its fifth Emmy for Outstanding Reality Competition Program, surpassing other major contenders like Survivor and The Amazing Race.

Podcast and Gay for Play

Never one to rest, RuPaul launched the RuPaul: What’s the Tee? podcast in 2014, co-hosted with frequent collaborator Michelle Visage, and served as a judge on the body painting competition Skin Wars. He also hosted the trivia game show Gay for Play for two seasons starting in April 2016, all while continuing to release music, including the 2015 album Slay Belles and the two-volume Remember Me: Essential (2017).

In late 2018, RuPaul released another holiday album, Christmas Party, and published his third book, GuRu. However, attempts to re-enter daytime talk with RuPaul in 2019 and the 2020 Netflix comedy-drama series AJ and the Queen were short-lived. Undeterred, he released his 13th studio album, You’re a Winner Baby, in January 2020 and hosted Saturday Night Live for the first time the following month.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

In March 2018, RuPaul received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first drag queen to achieve this honor. During the ceremony, he expressed his gratitude in an emotional speech, noting it as “absolutely the most important moment in my professional career,” with Diana Ross, one of his early inspirations, presenting the award.

Husband

RuPaul married his longtime partner, Australian painter Georges LeBar, in January 2017.