Oldest Drag Queens

11 Oldest Drag Queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race

“Drag queen” is a commonly used term among the LGBT community. It obviously originated from the drag culture. The word “drag” refers to a male who dresses up in feminine clothing and makeup to perform certain feminine tasks, especially ones that require a great deal of confidence and self-confidence.

Drag queen shows are a core part of LGBT culture. The sheer number of drag queens is staggering, and they perform as impersonators, singing and dancing. Sometimes, they perform within your town or city; other times they travel far and wide over the United States.

If you are following this kind of topic, then this article will show you the amazing lives of the twelve oldest drag queens.

11. Katya Zamolodchikova (May 1, 1982 – present)

Real Name: Brian Joseph McCook
Nationality: Irish-American
Age: 40
Still Active: Yes

Katya Zamolodchikovaphoto source: pinimg.com

The drag performer Katya, is presented as a wealthy Russian prostitute with a bizarre and sinister sense of humor. The name of Elena Zamolodchikova, one of Brian’s favorite Russian gymnasts, is included in the name of the character, which was created in 2006 and is a blend of numerous Russian names.

After participating in the seventh season of the LGBT reality series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on Logo TV, Katya gained worldwide popularity. She had previously submitted four audition tapes for the program. Millions of people fell in love with Katya when she was on the show. She was one of the show’s most well-liked participants.

Did You Know?

Katya had previously acknowledged having a drug addiction on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” She was admitted to the “Serenity Care Center” in Surprise, Arizona, for treatment because of her addiction.


10. Courtney Act (February 18, 1982- present)

Real Name: Shane Gilberto Jenek
Nationality: Australian
Age: 40
Still Active: Yes

photo source: pinimg.com

A competitor on Season 1 of Australian Idol and Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Courtney Act is an Australian drag queen, performer, musician, one of the proprietors of “Wigs by Vanity,” and the presenter of The Bi Life TV show.

Without much success, Courtney tried out for the first season of “Australian Idol” in 2003 while posing as Shane Jenek. The following day, she returned for another audition under the name Courtney Act and advanced. Strangely, she was regarded as the hottest lady on the show. She advanced to the semifinals and became the third contestant to record a solo song, “Rub Me Wrong.”

Did You Know?

Courtney Act is pansexual and gender fluid.


9. Sharon Needles (November 28, 1981 – present)

Real Name: Aaron Coady
Nationality: American
Age: 41
Still Active: Yes

Sharon Needlesphoto source: pinimg.com

Campy drag performer Sharon Needles made an appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race before beginning her music career. Needles experienced anti-gay bullying in his birthplace, but after relocating to Pittsburgh in 2004, he became a real-life illustration of the It Gets Better initiative.

Did You Know?

Due to claims of sexual misconduct and insensitivity to racial groups, Needles faced harsh criticism in the late 2010s and early 2020s.


8. Shangela (November 22, 1981 – present)

Real Name: Darius Jeremy Pierce
Nationality: American
Age: 41
Still Active: Yes

photo source: pinimg.com

Shangela was the first candidate eliminated in season two, but she made a stunning comeback and finished fifth in season three. In RuPaul’s third season, Shangela competed once again and won fourth/fifth place together with first season winner, Bebe Zahara Benet.

Following the Drag Race, she aired different television series and films, such as Glee, A Star is Born, Bones, and Broad City. Since 2020, Shangela has served as co-host of the HBO reality program We’re Here with Bob the Drag Queen and Eureka O’Hara, who are also rivals on Drag Race.

Did You Know?

After receiving her diploma, Shangela started dressing in drag and made the decision to become a TV personality.


7. Pandora Boxx (May 2, 1972 – present)

Real Name: Michael Steck
Nationality: American
Age: 50
Still Active: Yes

Pandora Boxxphoto source: pinimg.com

Originally from Rochester, New York, Pandora Boxx is an American comedian, drag performer, and reality television star. Her participation in RuPaul’s Drag Race’s second and RuPaul’s All Star Drag Race’s inaugural seasons is what made her most famous.

Before competing in RuPaul’s Drag Race’s second season, Pandora had two auditions. One of her best “Snatch Game” impersonations of Carol Channing was featured on Drag Race.

Did You Know?

Pandora was the oldest queen to participate in an All Stars season when she was 48 years old at the time of her appearance on All Stars 6.


6. Darienne Lake (November 27, 1971 – present)

Real Name: Greg Mayer
Nationality: American
Age: 51
Still Active: Yes

Darienne Lakephoto source: pinimg.com

Darienne Lake, drag queen and a famous television personality, Lake started out as a drag performer in Rochester, New York, in 1990, and she gained notoriety after competing in the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and finishing fourth.

She got the idea after seeing a drag queen play Dr. Frank-N-Furter in a nearby staging of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Lake has received accolades for her lip-syncing abilities after enduring three lip-sync battles for her life on Drag Race.

Did You Know?

Darienne Lake then took part in an episode of plus-sized drag queens on “The Ricki Lake Show,” which aired in 1997.


5. Chad Michaels (March 20, 1971 – present)

Real Name: Chad Michael Storbeck
Nationality: American
Age: 51
Still Active: Yes

photo source: pinimg.com

Chad Michaels participated in Season 4 of RuPaul’s Drag Race and finished in the Top 3 in 2011. After receiving accolades from the company for upgrading this competition for all time, Chad was chosen to play Professor Chad Michaels in RuPual’s Drag U Season 3 after receiving accolades from the company for upgrading this competition for all time.

Did You Know?

In RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Chad finally won the title of “Queen of Queens” in 2012.


4. Tamisha Iman (October 16, 1970 – present)

Real Name: Will Crawford
Nationality: American
Age: 52
Still Active: Yes

Tamisha Imanphoto source: pinimg.com

RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Season 13 had a competitor named Tamisha Iman, an American drag performer based in Atlanta, Georgia. She has been competing in pageants for many years and is renowned for her accomplishments. She is regarded as a drag legend after winning 95 pageants.

Did You Know?

The first Drag Race competitor, Tamisha, to compete with an ostomy bag was strapped to her.


3. Tempest Dujour (September 1, 1967 – present)

Real Name: Patrick Hoult
Nationality: American
Age: 55
Still Active: Yes

Tempest Dujourphoto source: pinimg.com

As “the sacrificial lamb” of her season, Tempest refers to herself. She is a well-known name on the international drag circuit and a fan favorite, according to many fans, even with the scant amount of coverage she received.

Nothing can stop DuJour from making a significant contribution to business by being unafraid to celebrate and inform people about the world of drag. DuJour keeps elevating the reputation of her art form by encouraging a generation to see the importance of drag.

Did You Know?

Dujour is regarded as one of the best “first outs” in drag racing.


2. Charlie Hides (July 12, 1964 – present)

Real Name: Charlie Hides
Nationality: Irish-American
Age: 58
Still Active: Yes

Charlie Hidesphoto source: pinimg.com

Charlie Hides launched his “Charlie Hides TV” YouTube channel in 2011. He opted to share the footage he uses during his live performances because YouTube started allowing HD video at that point. He now has hundreds of subscribers and over 19,000,000 views. He impersonated famous people, including Madonna, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey.

One of the 14 competitors in the ninth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race is Boston, Massachusetts-based drag performer Charlie Hides. In the end, she placed 12th and was the third queen to be eliminated.

Did You Know?

Charlie Hides was the oldest drag queen who joined Rupaul’s drag race in 1964.


1. RuPaul (November 17, 1960 – present)

Real Name: RuPaul Andre Charles
Nationality: American
Age: 62
Still Active: Yes

photo source: pinimg.com

The oldest drag queen from RuPaul’s Drag Race is of course, the legendary host of the show RuPaul! At the age of 62, RuPaul is still going strong and has established an international empire to showcase the next generation of talented queens. 

The only man out of his parents’ four kids, RuPaul ultimately started dressing like his sisters, experimented with dressing like a woman, and imitated celebrities. RuPaul went a step further and requested an appearance on The American Music Show, a local TV program, in 1982 by sending a picture of himself with the request.

Soon, RuPaul and the U-Hauls, his recently formed band, began to perform often on the show.

Twelve seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race have been produced thus far, and it has served as the basis for various spin-off shows, including RuPaul’s Drag Race: UK and All Stars.

Did You Know?

He became the brand’s first spokesperson in 1995, helping to raise millions of dollars to contribute to the Mac Aids fund.

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