Gay Actors Who Are Also Drag Queens

The intersection of drag performance and traditional acting has produced some of the most versatile talents in modern entertainment. These individuals have successfully navigated the competitive worlds of film and television while maintaining prominent drag personas. By blending theatricality with nuanced character work they have broken barriers and expanded representation for the LGBTQ+ community. This list highlights performers who have established themselves as both professional actors and drag queens.

RuPaul

RuPaul Charles became a household name by blending drag culture with mainstream media success. He appeared in films like ‘The Brady Bunch Movie’ and ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ during the nineties. His work on the reality competition series ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ earned him several Emmy Awards and global recognition. He also took on a leading dramatic role in the Netflix original series ‘AJ and the Queen’. RuPaul remains an influential figure who paved the way for queer performers in the entertainment industry.

Trixie Mattel

Brian Firkus is a multitalented artist known as Trixie Mattel who has expanded his career far beyond the drag stage. He starred in the documentary ‘Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts’ which showcased the complexities of his life and career. Trixie has appeared in scripted projects like ‘American Horror Story: Roanoke’ playing himself in a meta performance. He also co-hosted the long running web series ‘UNHhhh’ alongside fellow queen Katya. His success as a business owner and musician has made him one of the most visible drag actors today.

Bob the Drag Queen

Caldwell Tidicue uses the stage name Bob the Drag Queen and is known for his sharp wit and comedic timing. After winning ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ he secured roles in television shows like ‘High Maintenance’ and ‘Tales of the City’. He also lent his voice to animated projects and appeared in the film ‘Cherry Pop’. Bob has toured extensively in theatrical productions and co-hosted the series ‘We’re Here’ on HBO. His ability to balance stand up comedy with scripted acting has established him as a versatile entertainer.

Bianca Del Rio

Roy Haylock is a veteran actor and comedian who performs under the name Bianca Del Rio. He is famous for winning the sixth season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and embarking on massive global comedy tours. Bianca starred in the feature films ‘Hurricane Bianca’ and its sequel ‘Hurricane Bianca From Russia with Hate’. He also performed in the West End production of ‘Everybody’s Talking About Jamie’ as the character Hugo. His career is defined by a quick wit and a professional background in costume design and theater.

Willam Belli

Willam Belli is a prolific actor who worked in Hollywood for years before appearing on reality television. He had a recurring role as Cherry Peck on the FX series ‘Nip/Tuck’ and appeared in films like ‘American Wedding’. Willam also starred in the Oscar nominated movie ‘A Star Is Born’ alongside Shangela. He has been a regular in various web series and independent films throughout his career. His extensive resume demonstrates a consistent ability to land roles both in and out of drag.

Alyssa Edwards

Justin Johnson is the man behind the legendary Alyssa Edwards and is known for his dancing skills and charismatic personality. He was the subject of the Netflix docuseries ‘Dancing Queen’ which focused on his life as a studio owner and performer. Alyssa has made guest appearances on various television programs including the sitcom ‘2 Broke Girls’. He frequently tours internationally and has appeared in commercial campaigns for major brands. His high energy presence has made him a favorite for both scripted and unscripted television.

Katya Zamolodchikova

Brian McCook performs as Katya Zamolodchikova and has built a massive following through his quirky humor and acting ability. He appeared in the scripted series ‘Playing House’ and the film ‘The Hurricane Heist’. Katya is well known for co-hosting the popular series ‘The Trixie & Katya Show’ on Viceland. He has also performed in various theatrical tours that blend comedy with conceptual performance art. His unique character work makes him a standout talent in the global drag community.

Alaska Thunderfuck

Justin Honard is an actor and musician known by the stage name Alaska Thunderfuck. He appeared in the horror film ‘The Last Sharknado: It’s About Time’ as the character Lazzina. Alaska has also been involved in various stage productions and toured with the musical ‘The Rocky Horror Show’. He starred in the scripted digital series ‘EastSiders’ which featured a variety of LGBTQ+ talent. His performance style often incorporates elements of science fiction and camp.

BenDeLaCreme

Benjamin Putnam is a director and actor who performs as BenDeLaCreme with a focus on vintage aesthetics. He produced and starred in ‘The Jinkx and Dela Holiday Special’ which became a popular seasonal film. DeLa is known for his solo theatrical shows like ‘Cosmos’ and ‘Ready or Not’ which blend drag with narrative storytelling. He has also made appearances on various television specials and digital comedy series. His work often explores themes of optimism and community through a highly stylized lens.

Manila Luzon

Karl Westerberg is a graphic designer and actor known professionally as Manila Luzon. He has appeared in television shows such as ‘General Hospital’ and ‘Drag U’. Manila starred in the film ‘Cherry Pop’ and has been featured in multiple music videos and fashion campaigns. He also served as a judge and host on the international series ‘Drag Den’. His career spans various media including hosting digital content and appearing in scripted parodies.

Latrice Royale

Timothy Wilcots is a beloved figure in the drag world known as Latrice Royale. He has appeared in films such as ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ and the television series ‘AJ and the Queen’. Latrice has performed in numerous theatrical tours including the high energy show ‘Drag Becomes Her’. He is also known for his vocal talents and has released several musical projects over the years. His commanding presence and professional demeanor have earned him a steady stream of acting work.

Chad Michaels

Chad Michaels is a professional impersonator and actor who is famous for his portrayal of Cher. He appeared as a Cher impersonator in the television series ‘Jane the Virgin’ and ‘Kath & Kim’. Chad won the first season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars’ which cemented his status as a top tier performer. He has also appeared in various music videos and independent film projects throughout his long career. His dedication to the craft of impersonation has led to numerous guest roles on major networks.

Raja Gemini

Sutan Amrull is a makeup artist and actor who performs under the name Raja. Before winning ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ he was the head makeup artist on ‘America’s Next Top Model’ for many years. He appeared in the film ‘The Trixie & Katya Show’ and has been a frequent guest on digital fashion series. Raja is known for his editorial style and has been featured in various artistic film projects. His transition from behind the scenes to in front of the camera has been a significant part of his career.

Monét X Change

Kevin Bertin is a classically trained opera singer and actor known as Monét X Change. He appeared in the television series ‘The Good Fight’ and starred in his own talk show titled ‘The Monét X Change Rate’. Monét also had a role in the film ‘Huluween Dragstravaganza’ which combined horror and comedy. He has performed in major theatrical venues and co-hosts the popular podcast ‘Sibling Rivalry’. His background in performance arts provides a strong foundation for his work in scripted media.

Shea Couleé

Jaren Merrell is an actor and recording artist who performs as Shea Couleé. He was cast in the Marvel Cinematic Universe series ‘Ironheart’ marking a major milestone for drag performers. Shea has also appeared in the film ‘The Bitch Who Stole Christmas’ and various high profile music videos. He is known for his fashion forward approach and has worked on several editorial and digital projects. His inclusion in a superhero franchise highlights his growing status as a mainstream actor.

Sasha Velour

Alexander Hedges Steinberg is a multimedia artist and actor known as Sasha Velour. He created and starred in the docuseries ‘NightGowns’ which showcased the art of drag performance. Sasha has appeared on television shows like ‘The Bold Type’ and various international fashion programs. He is recognized for his intellectual approach to drag and his elaborate stage productions. His work often combines live performance with digital media and traditional acting.

Violet Chachki

Jason Dardo is a burlesque performer and actor known as Violet Chachki. He has appeared in several fashion films and served as a muse for high end designers like Jean Paul Gaultier. Violet was featured in the documentary ‘The Trixie & Katya Show’ and has performed in circus inspired stage shows. He is known for his aesthetic precision and has been a guest on multiple television programs. His career focus remains on the intersection of fashion and performance art.

Ginger Minj

Joshua Eads is a seasoned actor who performs as Ginger Minj and specializes in musical comedy. He starred in the Netflix film ‘Dumplin’ alongside Jennifer Aniston and played a significant role. Ginger also appeared in the Disney+ movie ‘Hocus Pocus 2’ as a drag version of Winifred Sanderson. He has performed in various stage productions including ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ and ‘Annie’. His ability to sing and act has made him a versatile choice for musical theater and film.

Nina West

Andrew Levitt is an actor and activist who performs as Nina West. He starred as Edna Turnblad in the national tour of the musical ‘Hairspray’ and received critical acclaim. Nina has also appeared in the film ‘The Weird Al Yankovic Story’ and various children’s programming projects. He is known for his charitable work and has released several family friendly albums and books. His transition into mainstream musical theater has been a highlight of his professional career.

Jackie Beat

Kent Fuher is a writer and actor known as Jackie Beat who has been a fixture in the drag scene for decades. He has appeared in films such as ‘Flawless’ and ‘Wigstock The Movie’. Jackie is also a prolific screenwriter who has written for television awards shows and comedy specials. He has performed in numerous theater productions and is known for his satirical song parodies. His career spans film and television and live performance across the globe.

Lady Bunny

Jonnie Lee is the founder of Wigstock and is known professionally as Lady Bunny. She appeared in the film ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’ and the comedy ‘Another Gay Movie’. Lady Bunny has been a guest on several television shows including ‘Sex and the City’ and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. She is famous for her DJ sets and her brand of insult comedy which she performs in theaters worldwide. Her long history in the industry makes her one of the most recognizable drag icons.

Divine

Harris Glenn Milstead was a groundbreaking actor known as Divine who became a cult film icon. He is best remembered for his collaborations with director John Waters in films like ‘Pink Flamingos’ and ‘Hairspray’. Divine played both male and female roles throughout his career and was a talented character actor. He also had a successful music career and performed in theatrical productions like ‘Women Behind Bars’. His influence on drag and independent cinema remains significant today.

Charles Busch

Charles Busch is a playwright and actor who is famous for his work in the drag genre. He wrote and starred in the film ‘Die, Mommie, Die!’ which earned him a Sundance Film Festival award. Busch is also known for his play ‘The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife’ and the film ‘Psycho Beach Party’. He has received a Tony Award nomination for his contributions to the American theater. His work often parodies classic Hollywood cinema while maintaining a deep respect for the art form.

Varla Jean Merman

Jeffery Roberson is an actor and singer known by the stage name Varla Jean Merman. He starred in the film ‘Girls Will Be Girls’ and has appeared in the television series ‘Ugly Betty’. Varla Jean has performed in various theatrical productions including ‘Chicago’ and ‘The Lucky Guy’. He is known for his operatic voice and comedic timing in his one man shows. His work often involves parodies of classic cinema and musical theater.

Kelly Mantle

Kelly Mantle is an actor and musician who has appeared in over fifty television shows and films. He made history by being eligible for both acting categories at major awards for the film ‘Confessions of a Womanizer’. Kelly has had roles in series such as ‘NYPD Blue’ and ‘CSI Crime Scene Investigation’. He is a member of the band The Tranz-Formers and continues to work steadily in the industry. His extensive acting background sets him apart in the drag world.

Tammie Brown

Keith Glen Schubert is a character actor and musician known as Tammie Brown. He has appeared in television shows such as ‘How I Met Your Mother’ and ‘The Surreal Life’. Tammie is known for his eccentric personality and has starred in several independent film projects. He also performs in theatrical shows and has released multiple albums of original music. His unique approach to performance makes him a cult favorite among fans of drag and alternative comedy.

Mimi Imfurst

Branden Chapman is an actor and producer who performs as Mimi Imfurst. He has appeared in films like ‘Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist’ and the documentary ‘Drag Queens of London’. Mimi has a background in theater and has produced several large scale drag events and tours. He also appeared in the television series ‘Blue Bloods’ in a guest role. His career involves a mix of acting and directing for both stage and screen.

Delta Work

Gabriel Villarreal is an actor and Emmy winning producer known as Delta Work. He worked as a creative producer and hair stylist for RuPaul on several seasons of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. Delta appeared in the television series ‘AJ and the Queen’ and has been a guest on various talk shows. He also hosts the popular digital series ‘Very Delta’ where he interviews guests and shares comedic observations. His transition from production to on camera talent has been marked by critical success.

Pandora Boxx

Michael Steck is an actor and comedian who performs under the name Pandora Boxx. He appeared in the television series ‘Are You There, Chelsea?’ and the horror film ‘The Men’s Room’. Pandora is known for his comedic writing and has produced several digital shorts and parodies. He has performed in theatrical productions and was a standout contestant on the second season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. His career includes a variety of guest appearances and voice work.

Mrs. Kasha Davis

Edward Popil is an actor and drag performer known as Mrs. Kasha Davis. He starred in the film ‘Workhorse’ and has appeared in several independent short films. Kasha Davis is also known for his one man show titled ‘There’s Always Time for a Cocktail’ which toured internationally. He has made appearances on television series such as ‘Tales of the City’. His performance style is heavily influenced by mid century domesticity and classic theater.

Darienne Lake

Greg Meyer is an actor and comedian who performs as Darienne Lake. He appeared in the documentary film ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ and various digital comedy series. Darienne is known for his sharp wit and has performed in multiple national drag tours. He also appeared in the television series ‘AJ and the Queen’ alongside other drag legends. His career in the Rochester drag scene and on television has made him a recognizable figure in the industry.

Thorgy Thor

Shane Galligan is a musician and actor known by the stage name Thorgy Thor. He is a classically trained violinist and cellist who often incorporates live music into his performances. Thorgy appeared in the television series ‘Mozart in the Jungle’ where he showcased his musical talents. He has also been a guest on shows like ‘Watch What Happens Live’ and various digital programs. His ability to blend high level musicianship with drag and acting makes him a unique performer.

Detox

Matthew Sanderson is an actor and recording artist known as Detox. He appeared in several music videos for major artists like Rihanna and Ke$ha before gaining fame on television. Detox has had roles in independent films such as ‘Cherry Pop’ and appeared in the series ‘Drag U’. He is known for his avant garde fashion and has been featured in multiple artistic projects. His career spans music and television and live performance in venues around the world.

Raven

David Petruschin is an actor and makeup artist known professionally as Raven. He has won an Emmy Award for his work as a makeup artist on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’. Raven appeared in the television series ‘AJ and the Queen’ and has been a regular on digital shows like ‘Fashion Photo RuView’. He has also made appearances in music videos and commercials throughout his career. His influence on the aesthetic of modern drag has made him a prominent figure in the industry.

Morgan McMichaels

Thomas White is an actor and performer known as Morgan McMichaels. He has appeared in television series such as ‘Shameless’ and ‘The Trixie & Katya Show’. Morgan is a regular in the Southern California drag scene and has toured extensively in the United States and Europe. He also had a role in the film ‘Cherry Pop’ along with several of his contemporaries. His high energy performance style and consistent television appearances have kept him in the public eye.

Milk

Daniel Donigan is a former competitive figure skater and actor known as Milk. He appeared in the television series ‘The Trixie & Katya Show’ and has worked as a model for high fashion brands. Milk was featured in the documentary ‘The Trixie & Katya Show’ and has appeared in several fashion films. He is known for his conceptual drag and has been a guest on various artistic digital programs. His career highlights the crossover between drag and the fashion and modeling industries.

Kennedy Davenport

Reuben Asberry is a dancer and actor known as Kennedy Davenport. He has appeared in the television series ‘AJ and the Queen’ and several digital comedy sketches. Kennedy is famous for his performance skills and has toured the world in various drag productions. He has also been featured in music videos and commercials that highlight his athletic ability and stage presence. His work continues to showcase the link between professional dance and the art of drag.

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