Fan mail address
RuPaul
HarperCollins Publishers
c/o Author mail
195 Broadway
Floor 22
New York, NY 10007
USA
Address information
HarperCollins Publishers
(Book Publisher)
c/o Author mail
195 Broadway
Floor 22
New York, NY 10007
USA
Phone: (212) 207-7000
Fax: (212) 207-7617
RuPaul Andre Charles, known simply as RuPaul, is an American drag queen, television personality, singer, actor, and entrepreneur. Born on November 17, 1960, in San Diego, California, RuPaul has become one of the most recognizable figures in the entertainment industry and is widely credited with bringing drag culture into the mainstream. Through his long-running TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race, as well as his music, acting, and advocacy, RuPaul has reshaped public perceptions of drag, LGBTQ+ representation, and beauty standards. His journey from underground drag scenes to global fame is one of resilience, creativity, and authenticity.
RuPaul was born to a family of Creole and African-American heritage and raised primarily in San Diego, along with his three sisters. His parents divorced when he was seven, which had a profound impact on him. From a young age, RuPaul was drawn to the arts and creativity, showing an early interest in music, dance, and fashion. After high school, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia, in pursuit of his creative passions. Atlanta in the 1980s was a haven for artists, musicians, and LGBTQ+ communities, and RuPaul found himself immersed in this vibrant underground scene.
He began performing in nightclubs and as part of a punk band called Wee Wee Pole, experimenting with gender expression and performance art. He worked various jobs, from go-go dancer to music video extra, all while honing his drag persona. This era also saw RuPaul exploring the intersection of gender, art, and self-expression, creating his unique look and style that combined glamour with punk-rock edge.
In the early 1990s, RuPaul decided to move to New York City, where he became part of the underground drag scene that thrived in clubs like the Pyramid Club and Limelight. In 1993, his big break arrived with the release of his hit single “Supermodel (You Better Work),” an anthem celebrating beauty, confidence, and self-empowerment.
