Yes, RuPaul actually competed on 'Drag Race'—and won!
Decades before Mama Ru's queendom took over the world with the RuPaul's Drag Race franchise, RuPaul herself did actually participate in a "Drag Race" competition… and won!
This story, which had been previously shared in past interviews, was resurfaced by drag legend Chi Chi LaRue during an interview on the Shut Up, Chanel podcast hosted by casting director and producer Chanel Perrillo.
LaRue recalled that she landed a last-minute gig to host a show at the Four Star Saloon (which is now the location of Micky's West Hollywood) back in 1986. "So I hosted the show, and guess what the show is called? Drag Race!" LaRue said. "And one night, someone came in, entered the contest, and won. Guess who that person was?"
"Ru-f*cking-Paul," Perrillo replied. "RuPaul won Drag Race in 1985?!"
"She sang 'Star Booty,' and she won the contest," LaRue added.
New fans might be under the impression that this story had never been told before, but long-time fans of RuPaul and Drag Race have probably heard this hilarious story over the years.
For instance, LaRue brought up this story with RuPaul himself during a What's the Tee podcast episode from October 2014. In that interview, LaRue recalled that the "Drag Race" competition won by RuPaul probably took place between 1987 and 1988. She also added that this was the night when LaRue and Ru became friends.
LaRue also talked about RuPaul winning this "Drag Race" competition in the 1980s during an August 2021 interview with Squirrel Talk. The drag legend also highlighted that the grand prize won by RuPaul was $100.
Watch Chi Chi LaRue's full interview on the Shut Up, Chanel podcast below.
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