RuPaul Andre Charles was born on the 17th November 1960, in San Diego, California USA, and is a drag queen and host, probably best recognized for hosting his own reality TV competition series “RuPaul’s Drag Race”, as well as his own TV show “The RuPaul Show”. He is also known as a singer, actor and model. His career has been active since 1989.
So, have you ever wondered how rich RuPaul is, as of late 2017? According to authoritative sources, it has been estimated that the total size of RuPaul’s net worth is over $7 million, accumulated through his successful involvement in the entertainment industry as a drag queen, singer, actor and model. Another source is coming from the sales of his autobiographical book -“Lettin’ It All Hang Out” (1995).
RuPaul Net Worth $7 Million
RuPaul spent one part of his childhood in his hometown, where he was raised with three sisters by a single mother, Ernestine Charles, as his parents divorced in 1967. When he was 15 years old, he moved to Georgia to study Theatre at the North Atlanta School of Performing Arts, where he formed the band Wee Wee Pole and performed as a bar dancer at the local night clubs. Soon, he decided to pursue his career in the entertainment industry as a drag queen and moved to New York City, New York.
Thus, RuPaul’s professional career began in 1989, when he appeared dancing in The B-52’s video for “Love Shack”, and later that year he was crowned The Queen Of Manhattan. His international fame came with the release of his debut single “Supermodel (You Better Work)” and debut studio album “Supermodel Of The World”, both in 1993; the single reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and entered the top 40 on the UK Singles Chart. Since then, his career has only gone upwards, as well as his net worth.
By the 2000s, he had released two more studio albums – “Foxy Lady” (1996), and “Ho Ho Ho” (1997) – both through Rhino Records. In 2004, RuPaul released via his own RuCo Inc. Music label his fourth album, entitled “Red Hot”, with the lead single “Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous”, which peaked at No. 2 on the dance chart. Five years later out came his next studio album – “Champion” – peaking at No. 12 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums and at No. 26 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart.
At the beginning of the next decade, RuPaul released the album “Glamazon” in 2011, after which out came “Born Naked” (2014), which reached No. 4 on the Billboard Top Electronic Albums chart, “Realness” and “Slay Belles” both in 2015. Most recently, he released “Butch Queen” in 2016, and “American” (2017), which added a considerable amount to his net worth.
Apart from his career as a singer, RuPaul is also known as an actor, who made his debut appearance in the TV film “Inferno” (1992), which was followed by the role of Mrs. Cummings in the film “The Brady Bunch Movie” (1995). His next major role came in the following year, when he starred as Duke in Charles Winkler’s film “Red Ribbon Blues”, before in 1998 featuring in the film “An Unexpected Life”, starring alongside Stephen Collins.
In the new millennium his career did not change too much, as he continued to work successfully, starring in such TV series and film titles as “Who Is Cletis Tout?” (2001), “Starrbooty” (2007), and “Ugly Betty” (2010), among many others. Since then he has appeared in a number of TV series, and his next significant role came in 2017, when he was selected to portray Lionel in the TV series “Girlboss”. All of these appearances increased his net worth.
RuPaul’s hosting career began in 1996, when he created his own TV show “The RuPaul Show”, which airs on the VH1 channel. Some of his notable guests have been Duran Duran, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Pete Burns and many others. Moreover, he launched his own reality TV competition series, entitled “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on the Logo channel, which also contributed to his wealth.
Speaking about his modeling career, RuPaul signed a contract with MAC Cosmetics in 1996, becoming the first drag queen supermodel and spokesperson, adding further to his net worth.
Regarding his personal life, RuPaul has been married to Georges LeBar since January of 2017, but they’ve been together since 1994. He divides his time between his residences in New York City and Los Angeles, California.
Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Reality Show Host, MTV Video Music Award for Best Electronic Video, Shorty Award for Best Celebrity, Independent Music Award for Best Album - Dance/Electronica, Independent Music Award for Best Song - Dance or Electronica, Independent Music Award for Best So...
Movies
RuPaul's Drag Race, RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars, RuPaul's Drag U, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, The RuPaul Show, Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul, But I'm a Cheerleader, The Brady Bunch Movie, Crooklyn, Hurricane Bianca, Skin Wars, Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!, A...
TV Shows
Mystery Girls, RuPaul's Drag U, Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World, The RuPaul Show, RuPaul's Drag Race, Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul, Skin Wars, Good Work, Mystery Girls, RuPaul's Drag U, Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World, The RuPaul Show, RuPaul's...
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Quote
1
[on his TV show 'Drag Race'] We're looking for showgirls, not some Tom, Dick or Harry who happens to have a pussycat wig and a pair of cha-cha heels. But hopefully we are inspiring a new crop of queens. The truth is we're all in drag. We're all playing dress-up. Even if you work on Wall Street or at McDonald's you're putting on a persona.
2
Remember, this country was founded by a bunch of men wearing wigs.
3
I've dedicated my career to fighting the mundane. My hope is that my career will be a shining example to children everywhere that life is more meaningful when you are not afraid to see all colors of the rainbow.
4
Doing what I do for a living has never been easy. I've had to fight countless battles in this game that the public has no idea ever happened. But, I just pick myself up and carry on, I Carry On.
5
I was having breakfast in the Presidential Suite of the Century Plaza Hotel courtesy of the "John & Leeza Show" when the phone rang and it was my manager. He told me that Elton John wanted to include me on his upcoming "Duets" album and was I interested? I said, "Hold on one minute." The size of the suite gave me the opportunity to flail my arms around while running back and forth screaming "Oh my God Elton John! Oh my God, Elton John!" I must have screamed for a good five minutes before I got back on the line and answered nonchalantly, Sure.
6
As the two of us sat watching TV, Kurt Loder popped up on the tube, teasing an MTV News story with footage of me frolicking around a shopping mall in Jersey City. He said "Coming up next, she's er ah he's 6' 4" and supermodel of the world. Me and Mama both looked at each other, and in that moment we simultaneously realized that her prediction, made 32 years prior, had finally come true. I was a star. That was the last time I saw Mama. " - on his mother Ernestine Charles
7
I do not impersonate females! How many women do you know who wear seven inch heels, four foot wigs, and skintight dresses?
8
If you don't love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else?
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Fact
1
His fourth full-length installment, provacatively titled "RedHot", is set to hit stores on August 17, 2004. [June 2004]
2
Producer and host of "RuPaul's Drag Race" on LogoTV. [June 2010]
3
Currently putting finishing touches to his forthcoming album to be released later in the year. [March 2004]
4
In 2002 he recorded "You're No Lady" a dance-club song with actress Brigitte Nielsen as Gitta
5
Has appeared in four films with actress Stockard Channing in Smoke (1995), To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar (1995), An Unexpected Life (1998) and The Truth About Jane (2000).
6
Was voted "Queen of Manhattan 1990" by club owners, promoters and djs at the annual event.
7
Ranked #85 on E TV's "101 Reasons The 90's Ruled".
8
His #1 dance single Supermodel (You Better Work) was covered by 80s dance sensation Taylor Dayne for the Lizzie McGuire Movie soundtrack in 2003.
9
Born at 7:58 PM PST.
10
Scored four #1 singles from his debut album on the Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts, with Supermodel (You Better Work), A Shade Shadey (Now Prance), Back To My Roots and House Of Love.
11
Ended what was a prosperous affiliation with MTV in 1993, shortly after the success of his debut album, which was supported heavily by the network at the time. This was due in large part to the infamous incident at that year's Video Music Awards, in which he was paired with Milton Berle to present an award. The two got along very poorly, spending most of the time on-camera exchanging vicious insults and going off-script than actually presenting the award. RuPaul also claimed Berle was acting very rudely and sexually inappropriate towards him backstage, even claiming Berle touched his fake breasts at one point.
12
Made a media comeback in 1996 after the tabloids dubbed him "The Wicked Witch of MTV" following his Milton Berle issue. He appeared in an exuberantly done gown by fashion designer Bob Mackie at the 1996 VH1 Fashion Awards.
13
He was the surprise guest at the VH1 Divas 2000: A Tribute to Diana Ross in an all star lineup that included Donna Summer, Faith Hill, Destiny's Child and Mariah Carey, performing Ross's hit song I'm Coming Out.
14
On the week of Rupaul's 40th birthday in 2000, a replica statue of him was unveiled at Madame Tussaud's wax museum in New York City.
15
Hosted his own talk show/ comedy sketch show on VH1
TV Series 2 episodes, 2014 performer - 14 episodes, 2013 - 2014 writer - 13 episodes, 2013 - 2014
Lady Gaga & the Muppets' Holiday Spectacular
2013
TV Movie performer: "Fashion!" - uncredited
(My) Immortal: The Web Series
2013
TV Series performer - 1 episode
Sarah G Live
2012
TV Series writer - 1 episode
BearCity
2010
performer: "Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous"
Being Erica
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2009 writer - 1 episode, 2009
Sorority Row
2009
performer: "Jealous of My Boogie" / writer: "Jealous of My Boogie" - as RuPaul Charles
20 to 1
2008
TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode
Queens of Heart: Community Therapists in Drag
2006
Documentary writer: "Supermodel You Better Work" - as RuPaul Andre Charles
Bachelor Party Vegas
2006
Video performer: "Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous"
Zombie Prom
2006
Short performer: "Jonny Don't Go To the Nuclear Plant - End Credits"
Disaster!
2005
performer: "Looking Good, Feeling Gorgeous"
Beauty Shop
2005
writer: "Supermodel" 2000 - as Rupaul Charles
Die Lugners
2003
TV Series performer - 1 episode
The Lizzie McGuire Movie
2003
writer: "Supermodel" - as Ru Paul Andre Charles
Party Monster
2003
performer: "Supermodel" / writer: "Supermodel" - as RuPaul Charles
Bring It On
2001
TV Series documentary performer - 1 episode
La gran vida
2000
performer: "Dont Go Breaking My Heart"
But I'm a Cheerleader
1999
performer: "Party Train" / writer: "Party Train" - as RuPaul Charles
The Brady Bunch Movie
1995
as RuPaul Charles, "Supermodel You Better Work" / performer: "Supermodel You Better Work"
Wigstock: The Movie
1995
Documentary "Free To Be", "House of Love"
Beavis and Butt-Head
1993-1994
TV Series performer - 2 episodes
The Brit Awards 1994
1994
TV Special performer: "Don't Go Breaking My Heart"
Addams Family Values
1993
performer: "Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get"
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
2 Broke Girls
2017
TV Series
RuPaul
The Real O'Neals
2016
TV Series
RuPaul
Hurricane Bianca
2016
Weatherman
The Muppets.
2016
TV Series
RuPaul Charles
Harvey Beaks
2015
TV Series
Jackie Slitherstein
Bubble Guppies
2015
TV Series
RuPearl
The Comeback
2014
TV Series
RuPaul
Mystery Girls
2014
TV Series
Emilio San Juan
Happy Endings
2013
TV Series
KrisJahn
Ugly Betty
2010
TV Series
Rudolph
Seeds
2009/I
Short
James
Rick & Steve the Happiest Gay Couple in All the World
2009
TV Series
Tyler
Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild!
2008
Tyrell Tyrelle
How We Got Over
2008
Marquis de Saint (voice)
Starrbooty
2007
Starrbooty / Cupcake
Zombie Prom
2006
Short
Ms. Strict
Whitepaddy
2006
Radio Kissin'
Skin Walker
2004
Video as RuPaul Charles
Essential Music Videos: Hits of the '80s
2003
Video short
Dancer (segment "Love Shack")
The Groovenians
2002
TV Short
Champagne courvoisier (voice)
Son of the Beach
2002
TV Series
Heinous Anus
Arrested Soul
2002
Video short
Don Williams (as RuPaul Charles)
Who Is Cletis Tout?
2001
Ginger Markum
Port Charles
2001
TV Series
Madame Alicia
Popular
2001
TV Series
Sweet Honey Chile
V.I.P.
2001
TV Series
Pepe Dutille
For the Love of May
2000
Short
Jimbo (as RuPaul Charles)
Shock Video 2001: A Sex Odyssey
2000
TV Movie
Narrator
The Truth About Jane
2000
TV Movie
Jimmy (as RuPaul Charles)
Any Day Now
2000
TV Series
Jerry / Sheri Walters
Time of Your Life
1999
TV Series
William Landford
But I'm a Cheerleader
1999
Mike (as RuPaul Charles)
Rick & Steve the Happiest Gay Couple in All the World
1999
Short
Daryl.com (as RuPaul Charles)
Edtv
1999
RuPaul
Veronica's Closet
1999
TV Series
Brett
Walker, Texas Ranger
1998
TV Series
Bob
Hercules
1998
TV Series
Rock Guardian
An Unexpected Life
1998
TV Movie
Charles
Sabrina, the Teenage Witch
1998
TV Series
The Witch Judge
Nash Bridges
1996-1998
TV Series
Simon Dubois / Simone Dubois
Shantay
1997
Short
Shantay
A Very Brady Sequel
1996
Ms. Cummings
Vor Transsexuellen wird gewarnt
1996
TV Movie
Red Ribbon Blues
1996
Duke
In the House
1995
TV Series
Kevin
To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar
1995
Rachel Tensions
A Mother's Prayer
1995
TV Movie
Deacon "Dede"
Sister, Sister
1995
TV Series
Marje
The Brady Bunch Movie
1995
Mrs. Cummings
Blue in the Face
1995
Dancer
Crooklyn
1994
Bodega Woman
Saturday Night Live
1993
TV Series
Danielle
Inferno
1992
TV Movie
Producer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Skin Wars: Fresh Paint
2016
TV Series executive producer
Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul
2016
TV Series executive producer - 1 episode
Skin Wars: Fresh Paint
2015
TV Special executive producer
RuPaul's Drag Race
2010-2014
TV Series executive producer - 8 episodes
RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!
2010-2014
TV Series executive producer - 7 episodes
Starrbooty
2007
producer - as R.A. Charles
Music Department
Title
Year
Status
Character
RuPaul's Drag Race
TV Series performer - 1 episode, 2012 writer - 1 episode, 2012
The Biggest Loser
2004
TV Series composer - 1 episode
Director
Title
Year
Status
Character
Lucas Encounters: The Heat of the Moment
2006
Video
Writer
Title
Year
Status
Character
Lucas Encounters: The Heat of the Moment
2006
Video segment "Therapist Session"
Thanks
Title
Year
Status
Character
A French Guy Named Saba
2015
TV Mini-Series special thanks - 1 episode
The Houseboy
2007
special thanks - as RuPaul Charles
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!
2010-2015
TV Series
Himself - Host / Judge
Talk Stoop with Cat Greenleaf
2015
TV Series
Himself
The View
2009-2015
TV Series
Himself
Skin Wars Reunion
2014
TV Movie
Himself - Host
The Queen Latifah Show
2014
TV Series
Himself
TakePart Live
2014
TV Series
Himself - Guest
Unsung
2014
TV Series documentary
Himself
Entertainment Tonight
2014
TV Series
Himself
The Broadway.com Show
2014
TV Series
Himself
The 68th Annual Tony Awards
2014
TV Special
Himself - Presenter: Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Sing Your Face Off
2014
TV Series
Himself - Guest Judge
Hey Qween
2014
TV Series
Himself
The Face
2014
TV Series
Himself
Bethenny
2014
TV Series
Himself
The Arsenio Hall Show
2014
TV Series
Himself - Guest
Fashion News Live
2011-2013
TV Series
Himself
Lady Gaga & the Muppets' Holiday Spectacular
2013
TV Movie
Himself
Oprah: Where Are They Now?
2013
TV Series
Himself
In Bed with Joan
2013
TV Series
Himself - Guest
2013 New Now Next Awards
2013
TV Special
Himself
Big Morning Buzz Live
2013
TV Series
Himself
RuPaul's New Hire
2013
Short
Himself
The Chew
2013
TV Series
Himself - Guest
Watch What Happens: Live
2012
TV Series
Himself - Guest
RuPaul's Drag U
2010-2012
TV Series
Himself - Host
2012 New Now Next Awards
2012
TV Special
Himself
The Soup
2011-2012
TV Series
Himself
The Rosie Show
2012
TV Series
Himself
Inconvenient Interviews with Risa
2011
Video short
Himself - interviewee
2010 New Now Next Awards
2010
TV Special
Himself
Rachael Ray
2010
TV Series
Himself
The Bonnie Hunt Show
2010
TV Series
Himself
The Mo'Nique Show
2010
TV Series
Himself
The Wendy Williams Show
2010
TV Series
Himself
Tori & Dean: Inn Love
2009
TV Series
Himself
New Now Next Awards
2009
TV Special
Himself - Host
The Morning Show with Mike & Juliet
2009
TV Series
Himself
Starz Inside: Ladies or Gentlemen
2008
TV Movie documentary
Narrator
Project Runway
2008
TV Series
Himself - Guest Judge
Paula's Party
2008
TV Series
Himself
Howard Stern on Demand
2007
TV Series
Himself
The Making of Michael Lucas' 'Dangerous Liaisons'
2006
Video documentary
Himself
The Evolution Will Be Televised
2005
TV Movie documentary
Himself
Disco: Spinning the Story
2005
Video documentary
Herself
Dangerous Liaisons
2005
Video
Himself - Non-sexual Role
In the Life
2002-2005
TV Series documentary
Himself - Host / Himself
The Graham Norton Effect
2004
TV Series
Himself
Hollywood Squares
1998-2002
TV Series
Himself
Sylvester: Mighty Real
2002
Documentary short
Himself
Heroes of Black Comedy
2002
TV Mini-Series documentary
Himself (as RuPaul Charles)
Weakest Link
2001
TV Series
Himself
Bravo Profiles
2001
TV Series documentary
Himself
VH1 Divas 2000: A Tribute to Diana Ross
2000
TV Special
Himself
100 Greatest Dance Songs of Rock & Roll
2000
TV Mini-Series documentary
Himself (as RuPaul Charles)
The Eyes of Tammy Faye
2000
Documentary
Himself (Narrator) (voice)
Alma
1999
Documentary
Himself
The RuPaul Show
1997-1998
TV Series
Himself - Host
Motown 40: The Music Is Forever
1998
TV Movie documentary
Himself
This Is My Life
1998
TV Movie documentary
Himself (uncredited)
1997 VH1 Fashion Awards
1997
TV Special
Himself
The Rosie O'Donnell Show
1996
TV Series
Himself
Fled
1996
Himself
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
1995-1996
TV Series
Himself
Ellen
1996
TV Series
Himself
MADtv
1995
TV Series
Himself
Catwalk
1995
Documentary
Himself
VH1 Fashion and Music Awards
1995
TV Special
Himself
The Crew
1995
TV Series
Himself
The State's 43rd Annual All-Star Halloween Special
1995
TV Movie
Himself
Lauren Hutton and...
1995
TV Series
Himself
All My Children
1995
TV Series
Himself
Wigstock: The Movie
1995
Documentary
Himself
1996 Clio Awards
1995
TV Special
Himself
¡Hola Raffaella!
1994
TV Series
Himself
The Brit Awards 1994
1994
TV Special
Himself - Presenter (as Ru Paul)
The 1993 Billboard Music Awards
1993
TV Special
Himself (uncredited)
RuPaul's Christmas Ball
1993
TV Special
Himself - Host
The Word
1993
TV Series
Himself
MTV Video Music Awards 1993
1993
TV Special
Himself - Presenter
John & Leeza from Hollywood
1993
TV Series
Himself
Real Sex
1992
TV Series documentary
Manhattan Cable
1991
TV Series
Himself
Allee Willis Loves Detroit
Documentary filming
Himself
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars
2012-2016
TV Series
Himself - Host / Judge
2016 Creative Arts Emmys
2016
TV Movie
Himself - Co-Presenter: Outstanding Directing for a Variety Series / Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series / Outstanding Variety Special and Winner: Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program (as RuPaul Charles)
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
2016
TV Series
Himself
Access Hollywood
2016
TV Series
Himself
Access Hollywood Live
2016
TV Series
Himself
Hollywood Today Live
2016
TV Series
Himself
Skin Wars: Fresh Paint
2016
TV Series
Himself - Host
WGN Morning News
2016
TV Series
Himself
Skin Wars
2014-2016
TV Series
Himself - Judge
RuPaul's Drag Race
2009-2016
TV Series
Himself - Host / Judge / Himself / ...
Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul
2016
TV Series
Himself
The Real
2015-2016
TV Series
Himself
Kocktails with Khloé
2016
TV Series
Himself
RuPaul's Drag Race: Green Screen Christmas
2015
TV Movie
Himself
Skin Wars: Fresh Paint
2015
TV Special
Himself - Host
Skin Wars: Naked Truth
2015
TV Series
Himself
It Got Better
2015
TV Mini-Series documentary
Himself
Alan Carr: Chatty Man
2015
TV Series
Himself
Good Work
2015
TV Series
Himself - Panelist
Archive Footage
Title
Year
Status
Character
Entertainment Tonight
2015-2016
TV Series
Himself
Dragged
2016
Documentary
Himself
Tellement Gay! Homosexualité et pop culture
2015
TV Mini-Series documentary
Himself
RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked!
2015
TV Series
Himself - Host / Judge
The Rebirth of ICIZZLE
2010
Video documentary
Himself
20 to 1
2008
TV Series documentary
Himself
Won Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
2016
Primetime Emmy
Primetime Emmy Awards
Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program
RuPaul's Drag Race (2009)
1999
Vito Russo Award
GLAAD Media Awards
Nominated Awards
Year
Award
Ceremony
Nomination
Movie
2016
Critics' Choice TV Award
Critics Choice Television Awards
Best Reality Show Host
RuPaul's Drag Race (2009)
2016
OFTA Television Award
Online Film & Television Association
Best Individual Host or Panelist in a Reality or Non-Fiction Program
RuPaul's Drag Race (2009)
2014
Critics' Choice TV Award
Critics Choice Television Awards
Best Reality Host
RuPaul's Drag Race (2009)
2013
Critics' Choice TV Award
Critics Choice Television Awards
Best Reality Host
RuPaul's Drag Race (2009)
2012
Critics' Choice TV Award
Critics Choice Television Awards
Best Reality Show Host
RuPaul's Drag Race (2009)
2012
Gold Derby TV Award
Gold Derby Awards
Reality Host
RuPaul's Drag Race (2009)
Known for movies
RuPaul's Drag Race (2009-2016) as Producer
RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked! (2010-2015) as Producer
The Eyes of Tammy Faye (2000) as Himself (Narrator)