RuPaul

RuPaul Andre Charles is recognized as a commercially successful drag queen and entertainer whose influence spans music, television, film, and literature. Charles began his career in the mid-1980s performing in New York City, gaining recognition through public-access television and the hit single "Supermodel (You Better Work)." The dance-pop track topped club charts, establishing Charles as a prominent figure in drag performance and bringing the art form into popular music. He published the autobiography "Lettin' It All Hang Out" and became the first drag queen to serve as a spokesmodel for a major cosmetics company.

Charles expanded into acting with a film debut in Spike Lee's "Crooklyn" and later hosted "The RuPaul Show" on VH1. Additional film credits include "The Brady Bunch Movie" and "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar." Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Charles continued to record music and appear on screen, building a multifaceted career. As an author, he wrote "Lettin' It All Hang Out: An Autobiography," the life guide "GuRu," and the self-help book "Workin' It!: RuPaul's Guide to Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Style."

Charles is known for hosting and co-producing "RuPaul's Drag Race," a reality television show that crowns America's next drag superstar. The series has generated several spin-offs, including "All Stars," "RuPaul's Drag-U," and "RuPaul's Secret Celebrity Drag Race." As executive producer and host, Charles has received 14 Primetime Emmy Awards, holding the record for most wins as outstanding host of a reality or competition program and for any Black artist. The show has achieved top ratings in key cable demographics and won Outstanding Reality Competition Program at the GLAAD Media Awards.

Charles received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first drag queen to earn the honor. He also received a Tony Award as a producer of Best Musical A Strange Loop. Charles appeared on Netflix's Grace and Frankie and starred in, wrote, and executive produced the comedy series "AJ and the Queen." He has contributed voice work to animated projects such as "Chicago Party Aunt," "Zombies 3," and "Trolls Band Together." In 2026, he starred in "Stop! That! Train!"

Charles is credited with elevating drag from niche performance art to a celebrated mainstream genre. He hosts the podcast "RuPaul: What's the Tee?," engaging audiences on topics of self-expression, identity, and empowerment. Charles has used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, challenge stereotypes, and promote diversity and acceptance in media, opening doors for drag artists, queer performers, and gender-nonconforming individuals worldwide. With a career spanning four decades, Charles remains a significant voice in entertainment, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and pop culture.