RuPaul

RuPaul Andre Charles, professionally known as RuPaul, is an American drag performer, television host, recording artist and producer best known as the host and an executive producer of the reality-competition series RuPaul's Drag Race.

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About RuPaul

Profile information current to 2026-08-23.

United States · Drag performer, Television host, Television producer

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Also known as: RuPaul Andre Charles, RuPaul Charles
Known for: Drag performance and popular culture; Reality-competition television; Recorded music
Country: United States

Drag performer
Television host
Television producer
Actor
Recording artist and singer-songwriter

At a glance

RuPaul has hosted and produced RuPaul's Drag Race since 2009 and was listed as an executive producer by the Television Academy in 2026.
The Television Academy listed RuPaul as the recipient of 14 Primetime Emmy Awards as of August 23, 2026.
His early career included club performance and appearances on Atlanta public-access television during the 1980s.
His single "Supermodel (You Better Work)" reached number 39 on the UK Official Singles Chart in July 1993.
RuPaul received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in the television category in 2018.

Background and early career

Born RuPaul Andre Charles in San Diego on November 17, 1960, RuPaul developed an early performance career in Atlanta. His work there included club appearances and Atlanta public-access television, including The American Music Show, which he later described as an important entry point into show business.

Music and performance

RuPaul's career has combined drag performance, acting and recorded music. The single "Supermodel (You Better Work)" became a charted release in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 39 on the Official Singles Chart in July 1993.

RuPaul's Drag Race and television career

RuPaul began hosting and producing RuPaul's Drag Race in 2009. As of August 23, 2026, the Television Academy identified him as the program's host and an executive producer and listed him as the recipient of 14 Primetime Emmy Awards. The series also received GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Reality Program in 2010 and Outstanding Reality Program – Competition in 2025.

Recognition and memoir

RuPaul received the 2,631st Hollywood Walk of Fame star in the television category on March 16, 2018. In March 2024, he released The House of Hidden Meanings, a memoir presenting his account of his upbringing and development in the Atlanta and New York performance scenes before RuPaul's Drag Race.

Timeline

1960-11-17 Born RuPaul Andre Charles in San Diego, California.
1982 Began appearing on Atlanta public-access television's The American Music Show.
1993-07 "Supermodel (You Better Work)" reached number 39 on the UK Official Singles Chart.
2009 Began producing and hosting RuPaul's Drag Race.
2018-03-16 Received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in the television category.
2024-03 Released The House of Hidden Meanings, a memoir focused on his life before the launch of RuPaul's Drag Race.

Additional verified details

Current context

As of August 23, 2026, Television Academy records identified RuPaul as the host and an executive producer of RuPaul's Drag Race, a role associated with the series since 2009. This reflects the Television Academy's listings at the time of research and should be rechecked for later production-role changes.
As observed on August 23, 2026, the Television Academy listed RuPaul Charles as the recipient of 14 Primetime Emmy Awards for his television work. Award totals can change as additional awards are presented or institutional records are updated.
As observed on August 23, 2026, the Television Academy listed RuPaul as a 2026 nominee for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality Competition Program and among the executive producers associated with RuPaul's Drag Race's nomination for Outstanding Reality Competition Program. This reflects the Television Academy's listing at the time of research and should be rechecked for later award outcomes or production-role changes.

Biographical facts

RuPaul Andre Charles, professionally known as RuPaul, was born in San Diego, California, on November 17, 1960.
His early career included public-access television and club performance in 1980s Atlanta, including appearances on The American Music Show.
RuPaul recorded "Supermodel (You Better Work)," which reached number 39 on the UK Official Singles Chart in July 1993.
RuPaul is the author of The House of Hidden Meanings, a memoir addressing his upbringing and development in the Atlanta and New York performance scenes.
RuPaul received the 2,631st Hollywood Walk of Fame star in the television category on March 16, 2018.
RuPaul's Drag Race received GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Reality Program in 2010 and Outstanding Reality Program – Competition in 2025.