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RuPaul

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RuPaul Andre Charles is a multifaceted American performer who has transformed the landscape of modern entertainment.

RuPaul by David Shankbone
RuPaul by David Shankbone

He works as a drag queen, television host, singer, producer, writer, and actor. Often called the "Queen of Drag," he is recognized as the most commercially successful drag queen in the United States. His influence reached a global scale when Time magazine included him on its 2017 list of the world's most influential people. Throughout his career, he has earned numerous accolades. These include 14 Primetime Emmy Awards, a Tony Award, and a Guinness World Records title. In 2018, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his television contributions.

RuPaul's career is built on a foundation of diverse performing arts.

Rupaul-2009 (cropped to collar)
Rupaul-2009 (cropped to collar)

His musical journey gained international momentum in 1993 with his debut single, "Supermodel (You Better Work)." This dance track reached number 45 on the Billboard Hot 100. It found even greater success on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, where it peaked at number 2. His music often blends dance and house styles. He has released a total of fifteen studio albums to date. His songs have been popularized through heavy rotation on MTV and appearances on programs like The Arsenio Hall Show.

One of his most significant professional milestones occurred in 1994. That year, he became the first drag queen to land a major cosmetics campaign as a spokesperson for MAC Cosmetics. This role included appearing on various billboards in full drag. During this same period, he released his autobiography, titled "Lettin' It All Hang Out." He also expanded into film, appearing in movies such as "Crooklyn" and "The Brady Bunch Movie." His ability to bridge the gap between underground club culture and mainstream media helped redefine the visibility of drag performers.

In 2009, RuPaul launched a revolutionary reality competition series called "RuPaul's Drag Race."

RuPaul at Dragcon 2019 by dvsross
RuPaul at Dragcon 2019 by dvsross

On this program, drag queens compete in various challenges to be selected as "America's next drag superstar." RuPaul serves as the producer, host, and judge. The show has grown from its original airing on the Logo network into a global franchise. There are now several international variants, including "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" and "Canada's Drag Race." The franchise also includes spin-offs like "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars" and "RuPaul's Drag U."

RuPaul's personal history is rooted in San Diego, California, where he was born on November 17, 1960. His parents, Ernestine and Irving Andrew Charles, were both from Louisiana. His first name, "Ru," is derived from the French term "roux," which is the base used for gumbo and other Creole stews. His upbringing was difficult, characterized by poverty and a volatile home environment. After his parents divorced in 1967, he lived with his mother and three sisters. At age 15, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to study the performing arts, a move that set the stage for his future career.

Before achieving global fame, RuPaul worked extensively within the club and underground scenes. During the 1980s, he struggled as a musician and filmmaker, sometimes working at Atlanta's Plaza Theatre. He participated in underground cinema, contributing to the low-budget film "Star Booty." In the early 1990s, he became a fixture in the New York City LGBTQ nightclub scene, performing at venues like the Pyramid Club. He also appeared as an extra in the 1989 music video for "Love Shack" by The B-52s. These early years allowed him to hone the performance skills that would later define his professional persona.

Today, RuPaul's work connects many different fields of culture. His influence spans from the recording studio to the television set and the literary world. He has written four books, including "GuRu" and "The House of Hidden Meanings." His television presence has expanded to include series like "AJ and the Queen," which he created and starred in for Netflix. By blending fashion, music, and reality television, RuPaul has created a unique cultural system. He remains a central figure in how drag and queer identity are presented to a worldwide audience.

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File:RuPaul by David Shankbone.jpg
RuPaul by David Shankbone.jpg
File:Rupaul-2009 (cropped to collar).jpg
Rupaul-2009 (cropped to collar).jpg
File:RuPaul Trending Report 2015.jpg
RuPaul Trending Report 2015.jpg
File:RuPaul at Dragcon 2019 by dvsross.jpg
RuPaul at Dragcon 2019 by dvsross.jpg
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