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Over the years, the art of drag has undergone a remarkable evolution, gaining worldwide recognition and celebration. Its origins can be traced back to Shakespearean times, a period when only men were permitted to perform in theater productions. During this era, male actors were tasked with portraying female characters, marking the initial steps in a discipline that would shape history.
As time progressed, drag transitioned into a form of individual entertainment, drawing inspiration from vaudeville and drag balls, and it steadily grew in popularity. Eventually, influential figures like RuPaul Charles rose to prominence in the media, and with the advent of shows like The RuPaul Show and RuPaul’s Drag Race, drag queens achieved global acclaim and became iconic figures represented widely in film and television.
Drag queens have played a pivotal role in pushing the boundaries of self-expression and art in general, serving as a source of empowerment for millions of individuals worldwide and advocating for inclusivity. Many within this community have sought solace among fellow drag queens after experiencing rejection from their own biological families, fostering a strong sense of belonging and kinship, leading to the formation of “houses” that include numerous performers and drag mothers who serve as mentors.
In the present day, amidst challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community and drag queens regarding legislative issues in America, it is crucial to shine a brighter spotlight on this discipline and the artists who have made substantial contributions to our culture and the entertainment industry. Consequently, we present a glimpse of some of the most outstanding drag queens featured in movies and TV shows.
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10 Best Drag Queens in Movies and TV Shows
Crystal DeCanter — American Horror Story: Double Feature
In 2021, American Horror Story’s 10th season, titled “Double Feature,” broke from its usual format by presenting two distinct storylines, known as Red Tide and Death Valley. Created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, this season featured performances from regular AHS contributors like Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Lily Rabe, and Finn Wittrock. The first part of the season revolves around a family that relocates to a remote town for the winter, only to face a menacing group of local inhabitants.
In the season’s fourth episode, titled “Blood Buffet,” the popular drag queen Eureka O’Hara makes a guest appearance as Crystal DeCanter, who unfortunately becomes one of the pale people’s victims. However, prior to her untimely demise, Crystal DeCanter captivates the audience and highlights why she’s such a beloved figure in the drag community.
Alyssa Edwards — Dancing Queen
Prior to gaining widespread recognition on the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Alyssa Edwards had already dedicated many years to dancing and participating in drag competitions. Consequently, several years after her appearance on the reality show, Alyssa took the lead in her own documentary series titled “Dancing Queen.”
Over the course of eight episodes in this Netflix production, viewers are granted an intimate behind-the-scenes look at how she manages her dance company, Beyond Belief. The show follows Alyssa as she guides various student groups through dance competitions across the country. Beyond just showcasing the demands and intricacies of the dance world, the series also provides insight into Alyssa’s personal life and her close relationships. Notably, “Dancing Queen” also includes appearances by Shangela and Laganja Estranja, two drag queens whom Alyssa has mentored as her drag daughters.
Candee Disch — Dumplin’
In 2018, Netflix released the comedy movie “Dumplin’,” which was adapted from Julie Murphy’s novel of the same name. The film stars Danielle Macdonald as Willowdean, a young, plus-sized teenager who grapples with living in the shadow of her mother, Rosie, a former beauty queen in their Texas town. Tired of being unfairly judged based on her appearance, Willowdean decides to make a statement by entering the Miss Teen Bluebonnet Pageant, a bold move that sparks a transformation within her community.
The movie also boasts performances from Jennifer Aniston, Odeya Rush, and Ellen Driver, and prominently features the world of drag. At a crucial juncture in Willowdean’s journey, she stumbles upon a bar that her late aunt used to frequent and meets some of her aunt’s friends. There, she encounters Candee Disch, a drag queen with a striking blonde Dolly Parton-inspired look, who imparts magical tricks and other valuable advice to help Willowdean shine in the beauty pageant. Ginger Minj, a beloved contestant from RuPaul’s Drag Race, portrays the character of Candee.
The MC and Emerald — A Star Is Born
Drag is a highly inclusive art form, and its community has, over time, become a supportive and compassionate space that embraces people from all walks of life, nurturing their potential for success. This theme is reflected in the 2018 film “A Star Is Born,” particularly through the character of Ally. At the outset of the movie, we are introduced to Ally, a discontented young waitress who possesses remarkable songwriting skills and an extraordinary singing voice. In her free time, Ally graces a drag bar near her workplace with her performances, where she encounters Jack, the famous musician who later becomes her husband.
From their very first meeting, Ally recognizes that her ability to shine at the bar is due to the warm reception and appreciation she receives from the drag queens there, a crucial aspect of any performer’s journey. The central drag queens in the film, namely Emerald and The MC, may not have extensive screen time, but they leave a lasting impact in every scene they feature in. The actors behind these drag characters, Shangela and Willam, deliver exceptional performances.
Bianca Del Rio — Hurricane Bianca
In 2014, Bianca Del Rio achieved victory on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 6, rapidly establishing herself as one of the most accomplished and adored drag queens in the show’s history. Following her win, her career skyrocketed, featuring global tours and appearances in various productions. Among these, Hurricane Bianca, a 2016 film directed by Matt Kugelman, stands out as a prominent milestone. The film revolves around Roy, a teacher who, upon losing his job due to his sexual orientation, makes a triumphant return to school as the irrepressible Bianca, seeking to exact revenge on those who mistreated him. Two years later, Bianca reprised her role in the sequel, Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate.
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Mitzi Del Bra — The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert
The 1994 film “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” written and directed by Stephan Elliott, played a pivotal role in introducing drag culture to a mainstream audience. The story revolves around Mitzi Del Bra, a drag queen who embarks on a road trip after accepting a job offer. Encouraging two of her colleagues, a fellow drag queen and a transgender woman, to join her, they set out on a bus named “Priscilla,” embarking on a journey filled with unexpected twists and challenges.
Hugo Weaving takes on the role of Mitzi, with Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp as key co-stars. This film received widespread acclaim and even earned an Academy Award for its exceptional Costume Design. Furthermore, its success paved the way for the creation of a stage production inspired by the movie.
Lola — Kinky Boots
When it comes to Kinky Boots, many people immediately associate it with the globally touring stage musical. However, it’s worth noting that this production drew its inspiration from the 2005 British film directed by Julian Jarrold. The film starred notable actors like Joel Edgerton, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sarah-Jane Potts, and Jemima Rooper.
In Kinky Boots, the story revolves around Charlie Price, who finds himself compelled to take over his family’s struggling shoe factory following his father’s passing. With the business teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, Charlie embarks on a journey to revitalize it. His unconventional solution involves crafting high-heeled shoes designed for drag performers. While this endeavor proves to be a challenging one, Charlie receives invaluable assistance from the charismatic drag queen, Lola. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s portrayal of Lola in this production earned him a well-deserved Best Actor nomination at the Golden Globes.
The Boulet Brothers — The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula
Dracmorda and Swanthula Boulet, widely recognized as The Boulet Brothers, are highly esteemed drag queens who have made significant contributions to both the LGBTQ+ community and the horror genre within the entertainment industry. One of their notable contributions is the creation of “The Boulet Brothers’ Dragula,” a reality competition TV series that places a special emphasis on alternative drag performers.
Originally launched on YouTube and later made available on Netflix and Shudder, this show features diverse drag queens who engage in various challenges, all vying for the coveted title of “Dragula” and a substantial cash prize. Currently, the series has completed four seasons and two spin-off editions, where contestants from previous seasons return to compete once again.
Divine — Pink Flamingos
The 1972 film “Pink Flamingos,” directed, written, and produced by John Waters, played a pivotal role in catapulting drag queen Divine to fame. It is part of a trilogy along with “Female Trouble” (1974) and “Desperate Living” (1977).
In “Pink Flamingos,” Divine portrays a character named Babs Johnson, a criminal who resides in a trailer with her unconventional family near Phoenix, Maryland. When a local newspaper labels Divine as “the filthiest person alive,” a neighboring couple takes it upon themselves to vie for this title, leading to a raucous and unapologetic showdown. The movie also features a cast including David Lochary, Mink Stole, Mary Vivian Pearce, Danny Mills, and Edith Massey, contributing to its status as a cult classic.
RuPaul Charles — RuPaul’s Drag Race
Topping this list is an artist who propelled the world of drag into the mainstream, catapulting numerous drag queens to stardom: RuPaul Charles. Undoubtedly, one of his most significant contributions to the industry is his reality competition TV series RuPaul’s Drag Race, which has been on the air for 15 seasons since its debut in 2009.
In each season, RuPaul selects a group of drag queens who participate in weekly challenges until one is crowned “America’s Next Drag Superstar.” Throughout the show, this celebrated drag queen assumes the roles of head judge and mentor to the contestants, guiding and nurturing their talent. With his entertaining personality and extravagant attire, RuPaul consistently demonstrates why he remains at the forefront of the industry, while also shining a spotlight on a diverse array of artists.
RuPaul has received numerous accolades and nominations for his work on RuPaul’s Drag Race, including an impressive seven Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Host. The show’s popularity has given rise to the Drag Race franchise, which now includes several spin-offs, with the most notable being RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. In this spin-off, former contestants return to compete for a place in the Drag Race Hall of Fame and prove themselves once more.
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