Jump to content

RuPaul: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
AMK1211 (talk | contribs)
3,010 edits
No edit summary
Sickero (talk | contribs)
208 edits
No edit summary
Line 21: Line 21:
}}
}}


'''RuPaul Andre Charles''' (born November 17, 1960), best known as simply '''RuPaul''', is an American [[actor]], [[drag queen]], [[model (person)|model]], author, and [[singer-songwriter]], who first gained fame in the 1990s when he appeared in a wide variety of television programs, films, and musical albums. Previously, he was a fixture on the [[Atlanta]] and [[New York City]] club scenes. RuPaul has on occasion performed as a man in a number of roles, usually billed as RuPaul Charles. RuPaul is noted among famous drag queens for his indifference towards the [[gender-specific pronoun]]s used to address him—both "he" and "she" have been deemed acceptable. "You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me [[Live with Regis and Kelly|Regis and Kathie Lee]]; I don't care! Just as long as you call me."<ref name=Autobiography>{{cite book|author=RuPaul|title=Lettin' It All Hang Out: An Autobiography|publisher=Hyperion Books|date=1995-06|isbn=0786861568}}</ref> He hosted a short-running talk show on [[VH1]], and currently hosts reality television shows called ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race]]'' and ''[[RuPaul's Drag U]]''.
'''RuPaul Andre Charles''' (born November 17, 1960), best known as simply '''RuPaul''', is an American [[faggot]], [[drag queen]], [[model (person)|model]], author, and [[singer-songwriter]], who first gained fame in the 1990s when he appeared in a wide variety of gay porn flicks with [[glen beck]], films, and musical albums. Previously, he was a fixture on the [[Atlanta]] and [[New York City]] club scenes. RuPaul has on occasion performed as a man in a number of roles, usually billed as RuPaul Charles. RuPaul is noted among famous drag queens for his indifference towards the [[gender-specific pronoun]]s used to address him—both "he" and "she" have been deemed acceptable. "You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me [[Live with Regis and Kelly|Regis and Kathie Lee]]; I don't care! Just as long as you call me."<ref name=Autobiography>{{cite book|author=RuPaul|title=Lettin' It All Hang Out: An Autobiography|publisher=Hyperion Books|date=1995-06|isbn=0786861568}}</ref> He hosted a short-running talk show on [[VH1]], and currently hosts reality television shows called ''[[RuPaul's Drag Race]]'' and ''[[RuPaul's Drag U]]''.
== Biography ==
== Biography ==
RuPaul was born in [[San Diego]], [[CA]].<ref name="glbtq"/> His name was given to him by his mother, a [[Louisiana]] native. The Ru came from [[roux]], an ingredient used in [[gumbo]].<ref>The Bonnie Hunt Show March 12, 2010</ref> RuPaul struggled as a musician and filmmaker in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] during the 1980s. He participated in underground [[film|cinema]], helping create the low-budget film ''[[Starrbooty]]'', and an album by the same name. In Atlanta, RuPaul often performed at the Celebrity Club (managed by Larry Tee) as a bar dancer or with his band, Wee Wee Pole, which included the late Todd Butler. This is where he met Darryl Ponech, his first true love<ref>http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2871900054.html</ref>
RuPaul was born in [[San Diego]], [[CA]].<ref name="glbtq"/> His name was given to him by his mother, a [[Louisiana]] native. The Ru came from [[roux]], an ingredient used in [[gumbo]].<ref>The Bonnie Hunt Show March 12, 2010</ref> RuPaul struggled as a musician and filmmaker in [[Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]] during the 1980s. He participated in underground [[film|cinema]], helping create the low-budget film ''[[Starrbooty]]'', and an album by the same name. In Atlanta, RuPaul often performed at the Celebrity Club (managed by Larry Tee) as a bar dancer or with his band, Wee Wee Pole, which included the late Todd Butler. This is where he met Darryl Ponech, his first true love<ref>http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2871900054.html</ref>

Revision as of 07:09, 30 August 2010

RuPaul

RuPaul Andre Charles (born November 17, 1960), best known as simply RuPaul, is an American faggot, drag queen, model, author, and singer-songwriter, who first gained fame in the 1990s when he appeared in a wide variety of gay porn flicks with glen beck, films, and musical albums. Previously, he was a fixture on the Atlanta and New York City club scenes. RuPaul has on occasion performed as a man in a number of roles, usually billed as RuPaul Charles. RuPaul is noted among famous drag queens for his indifference towards the gender-specific pronouns used to address him—both "he" and "she" have been deemed acceptable. "You can call me he. You can call me she. You can call me Regis and Kathie Lee; I don't care! Just as long as you call me."[2] He hosted a short-running talk show on VH1, and currently hosts reality television shows called RuPaul's Drag Race and RuPaul's Drag U.

Biography

RuPaul was born in San Diego, CA.[1] His name was given to him by his mother, a Louisiana native. The Ru came from roux, an ingredient used in gumbo.[3] RuPaul struggled as a musician and filmmaker in Atlanta, Georgia during the 1980s. He participated in underground cinema, helping create the low-budget film Starrbooty, and an album by the same name. In Atlanta, RuPaul often performed at the Celebrity Club (managed by Larry Tee) as a bar dancer or with his band, Wee Wee Pole, which included the late Todd Butler. This is where he met Darryl Ponech, his first true love[4]

In the early 1990s, RuPaul worked the Georgia club scene and was known by his full birth name. 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. He appeared for many years at the annual Wigstock drag festival and appeared in the documentary Wigstock: The Movie. In the '90s, RuPaul was known in the UK for his appearances on the Channel 4 series Manhattan Cable, a weekly series produced by World of Wonder and presented by American Laurie Pike about New York's wild and wacky public-access television system.

Career

In 1993, RuPaul recorded dance/house albums which included Supermodel of the World. They were released through the rap label Tommy Boy, spawning the dance track hit "Supermodel (You Better Work)", which was a hit. The music video was an unexpected success on MTV channels, as grunge-rock (Nirvana) and gangsta rap were popular at the time. The song peaked at #45 on the Billboard Hot 100. It further charted on the UK Singles Chart, peaking on the top 40 at #39. The song found the most success peaking at number 2 on the US dance music charts (known as the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart). Airplay, heavy rotation of the music video on the MTV network and television appearances on popular programs like The Arsenio Hall Show popularized the song.

What other people think of me is not my business. What I do is what I do. How people see me doesn’t change what I decide to do. I don’t choose projects so people don’t see me as one thing or another. I choose projects that excite me. I think the problem is that people refuse to understand what drag is outside of their own belief system.

— RuPaul, [5]

His next two songs/videos, "Back to My Roots" and "A Shade Shady (Now Prance)" both went #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts and furthered his campy persona. Between them, House of Love was released without a video. It failed to place on any US charts, despite rising to #68 on the UK Singles Chart.

RuPaul caused a controversy at the 1993 MTV Video Music Awards when he presented an award with actor Milton Berle, who performed an altogether different type of drag early in his career. The two had conflicts back-stage, and when Berle inappropriately touched RuPaul's breasts, RuPaul ad-libbed the line "So you used to wear gowns, but now you're wearing diapers." A surprised Berle replied, "Oh, we're going to ad lib? I'll check my brain and we'll start even." The press portrayed the exchange as a crack in the "love everyone" message RuPaul presented, and as a young newcomer treating a legend poorly. RuPaul would later describe the situation in his autobiography, describing Berle's behavior backstage as sexually inappropriate and rude. He did regret the situation, saying: "Of course, what I should have done backstage is told him 'Get your dirty hands off of me, you motherfucker!', and then gone out there and been Miss Black America." That same year would also mark his biggest hit on the UK Singles Chart, a remake of "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" with Elton John, which went to number seven. It was around this time that RuPaul co-hosted the BRIT Awards in London, also with Elton John.

RuPaul (left) seen out of drag in March 2009

RuPaul was signed to a modeling contract for MAC cosmetics, making him the first drag queen supermodel. Various billboards featured him in full drag, often with the text "I am the MAC girl." He also released his autobiography, Lettin' It All Hang Out. He promoted that book in part with a 1995 guest appearance on ABC's All My Children, in a storyline that put him on the set of Erica Kane's talk show "The Cutting Edge."

The next year he landed a talk show of his own on VH1, called The RuPaul Show, interviewing celebrity guests and musical acts. Nirvana (even though Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994), Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Mary J. Blige, Bea Arthur, Dionne Warwick, Olivia Newton-John, Beenie Man, Pete Burns, Bow Wow Wow, and the Backstreet Boys were notable guests. His co-host was Michelle Visage, with whom he also co-hosted on WKTU radio. On one episode, RuPaul featured guests Chi Chi LaRue and Tom Chase speaking about the gay porn industry.

Later in the year he released his second album, Foxy Lady, this time on the LA based Rhino Records label. Despite his growing celebrity, it failed to chart within the Billboard 200. However, the first single "Snapshot" found success in the dance market and went to number four on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. It also enjoyed limited mainstream success, charting at number ninety-five on the Billboard Hot 100 (which was his second and only other Hot 100 entry). The second single "Little Bit of Love" only charted at number 28 on the hot dance music/club play chart. The album featured covers of a 1981 Diana Ross song Work That Body co-written by Paul Jabara and "If You Were a Woman and I was a Man" originally recorded by Bonnie Tyler. Because of his strong fan base within the gay community, RuPaul has performed at gay pride events and numerous gay clubs. During this time RuPaul helped launch the return of WKTU radio in New York City and would serve as host (with Michelle Visage) of the morning show until 1998.

In 1997, he released his third album, a Christmas album entitled Ho, Ho, Ho. He has had guest appearances in many films, including both Brady Bunch movies, in which he played Jan's female guidance counselor. In 1997, RuPaul teamed with Martha Wash to remake the classic disco anthem, "It's Raining Men". The song was included in the 1998 compilation CD RuPaul's Go Go Box Classics, which was a collection of some of his favorite dance songs by other artists; this would be his third and final release through Rhino Records and a major record label. It was during this time that he appeared in Webex TV commercials and magazine ads. In 2001 he recorded with Brigitte Nielsen, credited as Gitta, the Eurodance track You're no lady.

In 2004, RuPaul released his fourth album, Red Hot, on his own RuCo Inc. label. It received some dance radio and club play, but very little press coverage. On his blog, RuPaul discussed how he felt betrayed by the entertainment industry, particularly the gay press. In one incident, it was noted that the magazine Entertainment Weekly refused to review the album, instead asking him to make a comedic contribution to a fashion article. He likened the experience to "a black person being invited to a party, but only if they'll serve." Despite his apparent dissatisfaction with the release, "Red Hot" showed RuPaul returning to the top of the dance charts in the US with the lead off single "Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous" hitting number two on the dance chart. The second, "Workout", peaked at number five. The third and final single from the album "People are People" a duet with Tom Trujillo peaked at number 10. The album itself only charted on the Top Electronic Albums chart, where it hit number nine.[6] When asked about this in an interview, RuPaul said, "Well, betrayed might be the wrong word. ‘Betrayed’ alludes to an idea that there was some kind of a promise made to me, and there never was. More so, I was disappointed. I don’t feel like it was a betrayal. Nobody promises anything in show business and you understand that from day one. But, I don’t know what happened. It seemed I couldn’t get press on my album unless I was willing to play into the role that the mainstream press has assigned to gay people, which is as servants of straight ideals."[5]

Wikinews has related news:

On June 13, 2006, RuPaul released ReWorked, his first remix album and fifth album overall. It features reworked versions of songs from his back catalog, as well as new recordings. The only single released from the album is a re-recording of "Supermodel (You Better Work)", reaching number twenty-one on the U.S. dance chart. June 20, 2007 saw the release of Starrbooty (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) on iTunes in the US. The single "Call Me Starrbooty" was digitally released in 2007. The album contains new tracks from the singer as well as interludes with dialogue from the movie. The film was released on DVD in October 2007.

In mid 2008, RuPaul began producing RuPaul's Drag Race, a reality television game show which aired on Logo in February 2009. On the show, top drag queens compete to be selected by RuPaul and a panel of judges as the number one drag performer in the country. The winner of Season 1 was BeBe Zahara Benet. One of the contestants, Nina Flowers, was chosen by fans as "Miss Congeniality" through voting on RuPaulsDragRace.com. In publicity preparation for the new show, RuPaul made appearances as a guest on several other shows in 2008 including as a guest judge on Season 5, Episode 6 of Project Runway[7] and as a guest "chef" on Paula's Party.[8]

In March 2009, RuPaul released the album "Champion" to iTunes and Amazon. The album topped the iTunes dance album chart at #1 and features the dance singles "Cover Girl" and "Jealous Of My Boogie", both anthems from the reality show RuPaul's Drag Race. Logo's Second Annual "NewNowNext Awards" 2009 were hosted by RuPaul. There he performed "Jealous Of My Boogie (Gomi & RasJek Edit)". In March 2010, RuPaul released his second remix album, "Drag Race" to iTunes. The album features remixes of songs from the 2009 album Champion and the brand new song "Hit The Floor".

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album details Peak chart
positions
US
[9] 		US Dance
[9] 		US Heat
[9]
1993 Supermodel of the World 109 — 1
1996 Foxy Lady — — 15
2004 Red Hot
  • Release date: September 21, 2004
  • Label: RuCo Inc.
 — 9 —
2009 Champion
  • Release date: February 24, 2009
  • Label: RuCo Inc.
 — 12 26
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Holiday albums

Year Album details Peak positions
US Heat[9]
1997 Ho, Ho, Ho
  • Release date: October 28, 1997
  • Label: Rhino Records
 27

Extended plays

Year Album details
1985 Sex Freak
  • Release date: 1985
  • Label: Funtone Records

Remix albums

Year Album details
2006 ReWorked
  • Release date: June 13, 2006
  • Label: RuCo Inc.
2010 Drag Race
  • Release date: March 30, 2010
  • Label: RuCo Inc.

Singles

Year Single Peak chart positions Certifications
(sales threshold) 		Album
US
[10] 		US Dance
[11] 		CAN Dance
[12] 		UK
[13]
1987 "Ping Ting Ting" (as RuPaul Andre Charles) — — — — Non-album song
1991 "I've Got That Feelin'" — — — —
1992 "Supermodel (You Better Work)" 45 2 4 39 Supermodel of the World
1993 "Everybody Dance" — — — —
"House of Love" — — — 40
"A Shade Shady (Now Prance)" — 1 — —
"Back to My Roots" — 1 — 40
"Little Drummer Boy" — — — 61 Non-album song
1994 "The Extravaganza Megamix" — — — —
"House of Love" (re-entry) — — — 68
"Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get" — — — —
1995 "Free to Be" — — — —
1996 "Snapshot" 95 4 — — Foxy Lady
1997 "A Little Bit of Love" — 28 — —
"Celebrate" — 34 — — Ho, Ho, Ho
"Funky Christmas" — — — —
2004 "Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous" — 2 — — Red Hot
2005 "Workout" — 5 — —
2006 "People Are People" (with Tom Trujillo) — 10 — —
"Supermodel (The RuMixes)" — 21 — — ReWorked
2007 "Call Me Starrbooty" — — — —
2009 "Cover Girl" — — — — Champion
"Jealous Of My Boogie" — — — —
2010 "Devil Made Me Do It" — — — —
"Tranny Chaser" — — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Other works

  • Gagging on the Lovely Extravaganza (1992) [The Return of the Fabulous Pop Tarts]
  • Don't Go Breaking My Heart (1993) (#7 UK) [Remake, duet w/Elton John, from Elton John's album "Duets"]
  • Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get (1994) [from "Music From The Motion Picture Addams Family Values"]
  • I Will Survive (1995) (UK Top 20) [featured on the video to the Diana Ross remake]
  • Free To Be (1995) (from "Wigstock: The Movie, Music From The Original Motion Picture)
  • It's Raining Men...The Sequel (1995) (#21 UK, #22 US Dance) (Remake, duet w/Martha Wash, from Martha Wash's album "The Collection" and "RuPaul's Go Go Box Classics" compilation album)
  • Come (1997) [Writer, sung by Martha Wash, from Martha Wash's album "The Collection"]
  • Everybody Say Love (1993) [Writer, sung by Mitsou, from Mitsou's album "Tempted"]
  • Do The Right Thing (Don't Do Me Wrong) (1999) [Writer & Backing Vocalist, sung by Ev-Va]
  • Queer Duck (1999) [Theme Song vocalist, voice for Lucky Duck]
  • Super (1999) [from "South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut - Music From And Inspired By The Motion Picture"]
  • Bad Girl (2000) [Unreleased, Recorded for Lil Kim's album "Notorious Kim"]
  • Say My Name (2001) [w/The Disco Brothers]
  • You're No Lady (2002) [duet w/Gitta aka Brigitte Nielsen]
  • It's Only Rock 'n Roll (But I Like It) (2003) [Backing Vocalist, sung by Siedah Garrett]
  • Electric Ecstacy (2004) [Eklektica featuring RuPaul, available from iTunes]
  • Come 2 Me (2006) [ Lucy Lawless featuring RuPaul, available from lucylawlessfanclub.com]
  • Computer Love (2007) [NSA featuring RuPaul, available from iTunes]

Awards and nominations

Year Category Association Result
1993 Best Dance Video - "Supermodel (You Better Work)" 1993 MTV Video Music Awards Nominated
1999 Vito Russo Award GLAAD Media Awards Won
2010 Outstanding Reality Program - RuPaul's Drag Race 21st GLAAD Media Awards Won
Best New Indulgence - RuPaul's Drag Race NewNowNext Awards Won

Bibliography

Filmography

Television series

Year Title Role
1994 Sister, Sister Sales lady
1998 Sabrina, the Teenage Witch Member of the Witches Council/A hair dresser
2001 Popular Sweet Honey Child
2002 Son of the Beach Heinous Anus (credited as RuPaul Charles
2009 Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World Tyler
2009 – present RuPaul's Drag Race Himself - Host/Judge (also producer)
2010 Ugly Betty Rudolph, emcee of the cabaret
2010 RuPaul's Drag U Himself - Host (also producer)

Movies

Year Title Role
1987 RuPaul Is: Starbooty!
1994 Crooklyn Connie, the Bodega Woman
1995 The Brady Bunch Movie Mrs. Cummings
1995 Wigstock: The Movie Himself
1995 Blue in the Face Dancer
1995 To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar Rachel Tensions
1995 Red Ribbon Blues Duke
1995 A Mother's Prayer Deacon "Dede"
1996 Fled Himself
1996 A Very Brady Sequel Mrs. Cummings
1998 An Unexpected Life Charles
1999 EDtv RuPaul
1999 But I'm a Cheerleader Mike
2000 The Eyes of Tammy Faye Narrator
2000 The Truth About Jane Jimmy
2000 For the Love of May Jimbo
2001 Who is Cletis Tout? Ginger Markum
2005 Michael Lucas' Dangerous Liaisons cameo
2006 Work it Girl: The Music videos
2007 Starrbooty Starrbooty/Cupcake
2008 Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild Tyrell Tyrelle

Short Films

Year Title Role
1983 The Blue Boy Terror
1983 Wild Thing
1983 Terror II
1984 Terror 3D
1986 Mahogany II
1986 Psycho Bitch
1986 American Porn Star
1987 Voyeur
1987 Police Lady
1989 Cupcake
1989 Vampire Hustlers
1989 Beauty
1999 Rick and Steve the Happiest Gay Couple in All the World Daryl.com
2004 Skin Walker
2006 Zombie Prom Mrs. Strict
2008 How We Got Over

See also

References

  1. ^ a b williams, desiree (2005-08-16). "RuPaul (RuPaul Andre Charles)". glbtq: An Encyclopedia of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Culture. glbtq, Inc. Retrieved 2009-03-24.
  2. ^ RuPaul (1995-06). Lettin' It All Hang Out: An Autobiography. Hyperion Books. ISBN 0786861568. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ The Bonnie Hunt Show March 12, 2010
  4. ^ http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G2-2871900054.html
  5. ^ a b Interview with RuPaul, David Shankbone, Wikinews, October 6, 2007.
  6. ^ Billboard.com Top Electronic Albums: RuPaul Red Hot (week of October 16, 2004)[1]
  7. ^ Project Runway: Season 5, Episode 6 Summary
  8. ^ Paula's Party: Season 4, Episode 6 Summary
  9. ^ a b c d "allmusic ((( RuPaul > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums )))". Retrieved 2010-05-29. {{cite web}}: Text "publisherAllmusic" ignored (help)
  10. ^ "RuPaul Album & Song Chart History - Hot 100". Billboard (magazine). Retrieved 2010-05-29.
  11. ^ "RuPaul Album & Song Chart History - Dance/Club Play Songs". Billboard (magazine). Retrieved 2010-05-29.
  12. ^ "Results - RPM - Library and Archives Canada - Dance/Urban Singles". RPM (magazine). Retrieved 2010-05-29.
  13. ^ "Chart Stats - RuPaul". chartstats.com. Retrieved 2010-05-29.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to RuPaul.
Retrieved from "http://en.wiki.x.io/w/index.php?title=RuPaul&oldid=381836850"