Jump directly to the content
SHANTE, YOU SLAY

How old is RuPaul, what is his net worth and what TV shows and movies has he been in?

RUPAUL is a pop culture legend that has earned a legion of fans with way more than just Drag Race.

Following his cameo in Taylor Swift's music video for You Need To Calm Down, and with the UK version of RuPaul's Drag Race is just around the corner, let's take a look at RuPaul's impactful career so far.

 RuPaul is a 58-year-old from San Diego, California
6
RuPaul is a 58-year-old from San Diego, CaliforniaCredit: Getty - Contributor

What is RuPaul's background?

RuPaul Andre Charles is 58 years old having been born on November 17, 1960, in California.

The San Diego native was named by his mother with "Ru" coming from roux, a term for the base of gumbo and other creole soups and soups.

He is famous for his work as a drag queen, actor, television personality and singer. His show, RuPaul's Drag Race, has won three Primetime Emmy Awards and the iconic television personality is considered to be the most commercially successful drag queen in the US.

He even made the Time 100 list as one of the most influential people in the world last year, in 2017.

 The star always looks glamorous in his drag attire
6
The star always looks glamorous in his drag attireCredit: BBC

What does he look like in and out of drag?

Out of his drag attire, RuPaul is a bald middle-aged man with a fabulous fashion sense.

He wears black glasses and is often in colourful or printed suits.

He completely transforms into a voluptuous and glamorous queen when the drag is on.

RuPaul sports a wide variety of wigs that always have volume and look absolutely real.

As for the outfits, you will see them in a variety of bedazzled, corsetted or intricately-designed gowns.

Needless to say, the makeup is always impeccable with long fluttery lashes and plump lips.

 RuPaul has made a number of TV and cinema appearances as well as creating the iconic Drag Race
6
RuPaul has made a number of TV and cinema appearances as well as creating the iconic Drag RaceCredit: Getty - Contributor

Has RuPaul appeared in any music videos?

RuPaul is no stranger to making a special appearance in iconic music videos...

Love Shack - The B-52s (1989)

The star dazzled in a white outfit as he made a cameo in the music video for the classic track.

I Will Survive - Diana Ross (1995)

RuPaul got the chance to work alongside one of his all time heroes, Diana Ross, in the official music video for her cover of Gloria Gaynor's hit.

You Need To Calm Down - Taylor Swift (2019)

Taylor Swift dropped the video her single for You Need To Calm Down on June 17, 2019.

The vid is jam-packed with celebrity including RuPaul and the cast of Netflix's The Queer Eye - Tan Frances, Karamo Brown, Jonathan Van Ness, Antoni Porowski, Bobby Berk.

 Ru Paul makes a fun cameo in Taylor Swift's You Need To Calm Down music video
6
Ru Paul makes a fun cameo in Taylor Swift's You Need To Calm Down music videoCredit: refer to caption.

What TV show and movie cameos has RuPaul made?

RuPaul first made his TV guest appearance in drag in an 1993 episode of Saturday Night Live, and he's gone on to make countless appearances on both the big and small screen.

Sister Sister (1994)

RuPaul played a character called Marje in the popular 90s show, Sister Sister. It saw the star in drag on a kids TV show at a time when that was very rare.

The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)

RuPaul played the worst guidance counsellor ever known as Mrs Cummings. The character provided the pop culture gem that is "You better werk!". He also appeared in the 1996 follow-up, A Very Brady Sequel.

 RuPaul makes a fab cameo out of drag in the show Grace and Frankie
6
RuPaul makes a fab cameo out of drag in the show Grace and FrankieCredit: NETFLIX

Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1998)

Sabrina fans will probably remember the episode where Sabrina came face to face with RuPaul in character as The Witch Judge. He had some great one-liners like, "This is a court of law, not a Hallmark episode".

The Weakest Link (2001)

RuPaul once appeared on a celebrity edition of the classic gameshow, The Weakest Link and he managed to handle Anne Robinson's sass.

2 Broke Girls (2017)

The star made an appearance out of drag to deliver a much needed bit of motivation to Max and Caroline in the popular comedy show.

Broad City (2017)

RuPaul plays the role of Marcel, the manager of a fancy Japanese restaurant called Sushi Mamba.

Ilana Wexler nabs a job at the restaurant, where RuPaul teaches her how to be a ‘queen of mean.’

 RuPaul was drawn in drag for his cameo in The Simpsons
6
RuPaul was drawn in drag for his cameo in The SimpsonsCredit: Fox

The Simpsons (2018)

The star is just one of many famous faces who have been immortalised as a Simpson character. And in drag no less.

Grace and Frankie (2019)

RuPaul guest starred as Benjamin Le Day in the critically acclaimed show starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

Someone Great (2019)

The star plays a drug dealer named Hype in the Netflix original movie starring Jane The Virgin star Gina Rodriguez.

What's his net worth?

RuPaul is estimated to be worth $16 million, according to .

That equates to around staggering £12.5 million.

His wealth is thanks to his hit show, 14 studio albums, countless television series and radio shows, and movie parts.

RuPaul's Drag Race wins Emmy award for best reality show
Topics