RuPaul, born on November 17, 1960, in San Diego, California, is a multifaceted American drag queen, television host, singer, producer, writer, and actor. He rose to prominence in the LGBTQ nightclub scene of New York City after studying performing arts in Atlanta, Georgia. RuPaul achieved international fame with his debut single, 'Supermodel (You Better Work)' in 1993, which solidified his status as a cultural icon.
As the creator, host, and judge of the groundbreaking reality competition series 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' which premiered in 2009, RuPaul has transformed the landscape of drag entertainment. The show has produced eighteen seasons in the U.S. and inspired numerous international adaptations, including 'RuPaul's Drag Race UK' and 'Canada's Drag Race.' His influence extends beyond the screen, as he has garnered numerous accolades, including 14 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Tony Award, earning him the title of the 'Queen of Drag.'
In addition to his television success, RuPaul has made significant contributions to the music industry, releasing fifteen studio albums and becoming the first drag queen to secure a major cosmetics campaign with MAC Cosmetics in 1994. His work has not only raised awareness for the Mac AIDS Fund but has also paved the way for future generations of drag performers.
RuPaul's impact on popular culture is undeniable, as he was named one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2017. He has also appeared in various films and television series, including 'Crooklyn,' 'The Brady Bunch Movie,' and 'AJ and the Queen.' With four published books to his name, including 'GuRu' and 'The House of Hidden Meanings,' RuPaul continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.