Happy 60th Birthday RuPaul!
A Look Back on The Emmy Winner’s Most Iconic Moments — by Ryan Shea
Sissy that walk for the one and only RuPaul as the iconic television, movie and music star officially turns 60 today! I’m sure his longtime BFF Lady Bunny has a bunch of age jokes readily available for him now that he’s reached this milestone birthday.
Ru is no doubt a pop culture icon. The San Diego-born entertainer has been dazzling audiences worldwide for the past three decades and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. He’s a great example of not only finding longevity in Hollywood but being beyond relevant at an age where many like him have a hard time even staying in the spotlight.
In honor of Ru’s big day, we are taking a look back at some of his most memorable moments from “Supermodel” to his historic Emmy win.
Hello Hello!
Ru became internationally-known almost thirty years ago in 1993 thanks to his smash song and video for “Supermodel (You Better Work)”. The irresistible track was a monster hit on radio and MTV during a time where grunge and rap ruled the scene. Ru even earned an MTV Video Music Award nomination for it and also had an awkward moment with Milton Berle while the two of them presented one of the show’s awards together in September that year.
I’m Ready For My Closeup.
Things only got better and better for Ru after “Supermodel” was released. He made memorable appearances on The Arsenio Hall & Oprah Winfrey Show, guest starred on All My Children alongside legendary daytime diva Susan Lucci, released more deliciously yummy songs, had a hilarious role in The Brady Bunch Movie and was signed to a modeling contract with MAC Cosmetics. WERK.
Turn On, Tune In.
He channeled Arsenio, Oprah and many other talk show legends by creating The RuPaul Show which debuted on VH1 in 1996. He was the first drag queen to do so on a national platform which became a pivotal move forward for the LGBTQ community. The guest list who showed up and showed out was quite impressive as he interviewed icons like Diana Ross, Bea Arthur and Cyndi Lauper.
Keeping Busy.
The years ahead found Ru churning out more music and expanding on his acting presence in movies like Starrbooty that included a fantastic soundtrack. The best was yet to come as 2009 saw his world turn completely upside down thanks to a little show called…
RuPaul’s Drag Race.
The juggernaut that is Drag Race began much more humbly over a decade ago. The early years, although iconic, pale in comparison to just how major this show became for not only the LGBTQ community but its rabid followers who can’t get enough of the 100+ queens that have competed on it. Over the years it has spawned many spinoffs and international versions, won endless awards and developed a twice a year massive gathering called DragCon in NYC and LA.
Breaking Records Hunty.
Ru now holds the record of most Emmy wins (5) in the category of Outstanding Host for a Reality or Competition Program. He broke it at the most recent ceremony after tying with Survivor host Jeff Probst last year.
Happy Birthday Ru!
About the Author:
Ryan Shea is an established writer who has contributed thought-provoking pieces for many different industries. He has worked for major publications including Newsday, Hollywood Life, Instinct Magazine and The Ladders.
