RuPaul

RuPaul (born RuPaul Andre Charles November 17, 1960) is an African-American drag performer, singer, actor and writer who gained world-wide notoriety in the 1990s; appearing in a wide variety of television programs, films, and musica

RuPaul (born RuPaul Andre Charles November 17, 1960) is an African-American drag performer, singer, actor and writer who gained world-wide notoriety in the 1990s; appearing in a wide variety of television programs, films, and musical albums. Although primarily known for his extravagant drag queen persona, RuPaul has performed as a man in a number of roles, usually billed as RuPaul Charles.

Born in San Diego, California, RuPaul's tumultuous youth was marked by the bitter divorce of his parents. RuPaul struggled as a drag performer, musician, and filmmaker in Atlanta in the 1980s. In Atlanta, he participated in underground cinema, helping create a low-budget picture known as "Starbooty" (and an album by the same name). RuPaul came into the public eye in 1989, appearing in the music video for The B-52's immensely popular single "Love Shack". In the early 1990s, RuPaul became a fixture in the New York club scene, and was voted "Queen of Manhattan" by area club owners, promoters and DJs. RuPaul was often seen pushing around a shopping cart outside of dance clubs to distribute flyers for upcoming events. It was during this time that RuPaul began performing under the name RuPaul Charles and later simply RuPaul. Initially participating in "genderfuck"-style performances, RuPaul performed solo and in collaboration with other bands at several New York nightclubs, most notably the Pyramid Club. RuPaul also appeared for many years at the annual Wigstock drag festival, and appears in the documentary "Wigstock: The Movie", later returning to the Wigstock stage in 2004. In 1994, RuPaul recorded a renewed version of Elton John's 1970s hit single "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" for John's Duets album, and filmed a video for the track with John.