Drag King and LGBTQ + Murray Hill

Table of Contents

• The Persona of LGBTQ + Drag King Murry Hill

• Drag King Murry Hill Entertainer

• The Pioneering Spirit of LGBTQ + Murry Hill

• The Diverse Repertoire

• The Mainstream Success

The Persona of LGBTQ + Drag King Murry Hill

Drag King Murray Hill is the stage persona of Busby Murray Gallagher, a transgender entertainer and comedian hailing from New York City. This larger-than-life character, self-proclaimed as the "hardest-working middle-aged man in show business," has been praised for "transforming masculinity and exposing its theatricality with profound results." Murry Hill is one of the most famous drag kings working today.

Maintaining his persona even in private settings, Murray Hill has become a staple in the downtown performance community, earning him the title of "the current reigning patriarch" by The New York Times.

The persona of Murray Hill was born out of the vibrant and cutting-edge East Village scene of the 1990s, when the neighborhood was a hub for artists, musicians, and performers and the LGBTQ + community. As the area gentrified and the art scene shifted, Murray Hill emerged as a beacon of the neighborhood's spirit, embodying the essence of the era depicted in the iconic musical "Rent."

Drag King Murry Hill Entertainer

Murray Hill's performances are a testament to his versatility and comedic prowess. His celebrity impersonations range from Elvis Presley to John Travolta, captivating audiences with his uncanny ability to embody these iconic figures. Beyond impersonations, drag king Murray Hill's acts pay homage to legendary comedians such as Joey Adams, Benny Hill, Sammy Davis Jr., and Henny Youngman, showcasing his deep respect for the craft of comedy.

As a sought-after emcee in Lower Manhattan, Murray Hill has hosted numerous events, including the annual "Ms. Lez" competition, bingo nights with the iconic drag queen Linda Simpson, and a variety of burlesque and theater performances. His comedic talents have graced the stages of prestigious venues, and he has even opened for renowned acts like Le Tigre and The Gossip.

The Pioneering Spirit of LGBTQ + Murry Hill

Murray Hill's impact on the drag king and LGBTQ + community cannot be overstated. As a pioneer in the scene, he has paved the way for countless performers, challenging traditional gender norms and pushing boundaries. His performances have garnered praise from esteemed sources, with Jack Halberstam, in The Encyclopedia of Lesbian and Gay Histories and Cultures, commending Hill for his ability to "transform masculinity and expose its theatricality with profound results."

The Diverse Repertoire

Murray Hill's repertoire extends far beyond the stage, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. He has made cameo appearances in the 2006 film "Shortbus" by John Cameron Mitchell and a 2010 episode of the HBO series "Bored to Death." Additionally, he has appeared alongside burlesque performer Dirty Martini in "Dirty Martini and the New Burlesque" and has graced the music video for TV on the Radio's "No Future Shock," cementing his presence in various artistic mediums.

The Mainstream Success

In recent years, Murray Hill's fame has transcended the underground scene, propelling him into the mainstream spotlight. He is part of the cast of the 2022 comedy-drama series "Life & Beth" and the 2022 HBO series "Somebody Somewhere," where he portrays the character of Fred Rococo. Moreover, he was host the 2023 Hulu comedy LGBTQ + drag queen competition "Drag Me to Dinner," further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Murray Hill's signature catchphrase, a percussive "Showbiz!" encapsulates the essence of his persona – a Vegas showman juxtaposed against the gritty and underground drag scenes of New York City. At 51, with his roles in mainstream productions and his hosting gig on "Drag Me to Dinner," the distance between Murray Hill and the mainstream is rapidly shrinking, solidifying his place as a trailblazer and icon in the world of drag entertainment.

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—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!