RuPaul Andre Charles (born November 17, 1960) is a legendary American drag queen, television host, singer, producer, and actor. Best known for creating and hosting RuPaul’s Drag Race, he has won 14 Primetime Emmy Awards and is considered the most commercially successful drag queen in the U.S. RuPaul gained fame with the hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work)” and became a trailblazer for the LGBT community. He has appeared in films and TV shows, published four books, and released 15 studio albums.
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RuPaul Net Worth
RuPaul has a net worth of $60 million. In October 2019, he purchased a lavish 10,300-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills for $13.7 million. His previous home, bought in 2011 for $2.5 million, was listed in 2018 for $5 million but didn’t sell.
For over 25 years, he has owned an apartment in New York City, which he bought for $350,000. In 2007, he also acquired a $600,000 condo in West Hollywood, California.
Early Life
RuPaul was born in San Diego on November 17, 1960, to Ernestine “Toni” and Irving Andrew Charles, both from Louisiana. His mother named him “Ru” after “roux,” a French term for a stew base. After his parents’ divorce in 1967, RuPaul and his sisters were raised by their mother.
At 15, he moved to Atlanta and pursued performing arts. In the 1980s, he struggled as a musician and filmmaker, appearing on The American Music Show and performing in the underground scene.
Career
In 1993, RuPaul released the album “Supermodel of the World,” which included the hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work),” reaching #45 on the Billboard Hot 100. His music success led to a modeling contract with MAC Cosmetics, making him the first drag queen to secure a major modeling deal.
In 1996, he hosted “The RuPaul Show” on VH1. In 2009, he launched RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality competition show, which became a hit and expanded internationally. Spin-offs include “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” and “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.”
Personal Life
RuPaul met painter Georges LeBar in 1994, and they married in January 2017. They have an open marriage and split their time between Los Angeles and a 60,000-acre ranch in Wyoming. In 2020, RuPaul faced environmental criticism for allowing fracking on the ranch.
Politically, he endorsed Hillary Clinton in 2016, expressing disappointment after her loss. RuPaul has been sober since 1999 and practices yoga, meditation, and prayer. He also discovered through Finding Your Roots that he and Senator Cory Booker are “DNA cousins.”
Who is RuPaul and why is he famous?
RuPaul Andre Charles is a renowned drag queen, television host, singer, and producer. He is famous for executive producing and hosting the reality competition series RuPaul’s Drag Race since 2009, for which he has won five Primetime Emmy Awards. Known as the most commercially successful drag queen, he was named to the Time 100 list of the world’s most influential people in 2017.
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Conclusion
RuPaul’s life is a tapestry of triumphs, challenges, and relentless pursuit of authenticity. From a struggling musician to a global superstar, his journey is a testament to the power of resilience and self-expression.
FAQ About RuPaul
- What is RuPaul’s real name?
- RuPaul’s real name is RuPaul Andre Charles.
- How did RuPaul become famous?
- RuPaul became famous through his music career and the groundbreaking show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
- Is RuPaul married?
- Yes, RuPaul is married to Georges LeBar since 2017.
- What is the significance of RuPaul’s name?
- RuPaul was named after the roux base used in Creole cooking, symbolizing a mixture of cultures and flavors.
- Why is RuPaul a significant figure?
- RuPaul is significant for bringing drag culture into the mainstream, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and being a role model for self-expression and authenticity.
