Most Famous Drag Queens Not on Drag Race

Table of Contents

• Introduction

• Lady Bunny

• Coco Peru

• Jackie Beat

• Varla Jean Merman

• Peaches Christ

• Sherry Vine

• Joey Arias

• Julian Eltinge

• Miss Richfield 1981

• Miss Conception

• Hedda Lettuce

• Amber LeMay

• Madge and Bisket

Introduction

Who are the most famous drag queens not on drag race? RuPaul’s Drag Race has done much to bring drag queens into the mainstream, but long before RuPaul’s rise to fame, there were many artists working as drag queens. Today there are many talented drag queens who have never been on Drag Race, all of whom are part of the great history of drag queens. So, who are the most famous drag queens not on drag race? Below is a list of some fierce and popular drag queens who haven't been on RuPaul’s Drag Race yet, and are among Amber LeMay’s favorites!

Lady Bunny

Lady Bunny is one of the original drag superstars from New York City. She's known for her sky-high wigs, raunchy humor, and disco/club kid style. Lady Bunny has been performing since the 1980s and was one of the founders of the iconic Wigstock festival. Though she's never competed on Drag Race, Lady Bunny is considered drag royalty. She continues to perform and DJ around the world.

Coco Peru

Miss Coco Peru has been a trailblazing and iconic figure in the LGBTQ community for over 30 years. Developing her persona in the early 1990s in San Francisco, Coco quickly became known for her platinum blonde hair and sharp wit. She went on to star in numerous films like "Trick" and "Girls Will Be Girls" as well as her own TV show on Logo. Coco blends drag performance with insightful social commentary and political activism.

Over her extensive career, Coco has toured cabaret shows and standup comedy globally. She is considered a pioneer in using drag to challenge social norms and advocate for LGBTQ rights. On screen and stage, Coco has never been afraid to push boundaries and unsettle audiences while making them laugh. Her YouTube videos have over 9 million views and she has been featured on many popular TV shows.

Behind the Coco persona is actor and comedian Clinton Leupp. Growing up gay, Clinton endured bullying and discrimination. He created Coco Peru as a way to embrace his identity and heal from the trauma of his youth. The character allowed Clinton to be his authentic self while advancing the rights of LGBTQ people. Coco Peru quickly became an inspiration for many young gay fans seeking role models.

For 30 years, Miss Coco Peru has fused entertainment and activism to change hearts and minds. With her trademark wit and wisdom, she continues to fight for equality while bringing joy and laughter to devoted audiences worldwide. Coco's legacy as one of the most recognizable and impactful figures in LGBTQ history is assured.

Jackie Beat

Jackie Beat, one of the most famous drag queens not on drag race.

Jackie Beat stands out for her comedy chops and musical talents. Hailing from Southern California, Jackie is a drag legend who can sing, act, write, and roast with the best of them. She's known for politically charged lyrics and has released several albums over the years. Jackie also writes and performs one-woman shows, taking her special brand of drag to theater audiences.

Jackie Beat, the drag persona of actor and performer Kent Fuher, has been entertaining audiences with her razor-sharp wit and over-the-top parodies for over two decades. Born on July 24, 1963, Beat first debuted her act at Los Angeles's Café Largo in the late 1980s. Since then, she has gone on to become a beloved figure in the LGBTQ+ community and a fixture of the drag scene.

Beat is best known for her hilarious music videos and performances where she flawlessly sings twisted, R-rated versions of popular songs by artists like Britney Spears, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. Her shows feature stand-up comedy segments along with her signature song parodies. Over the years, Beat has headlined her own shows and tours across the country, as well as making guest appearances at major venues like Hamburger Mary’s in West Hollywood and the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York.

In addition to live performances, Beat has appeared both in and out of drag in independent films like “Wigstock: The Movie,” “Flawless,” and “Adam & Steve.” On the small screen, she has shown up on “Sex and the City” and was a writer for the comedy sketch series “Hype” on the WB Network. Behind the scenes, Beat is a member of the Writer’s Guild of America and has written material for high-profile names like Roseanne Barr, Margaret Cho, Jennifer Coolidge and more.

Beat currently resides in Altadena, California and continues touring the country. She performs regular sold-out holiday shows and Pride events every year. Her recent act includes impersonating comedic legend Bea Arthur of “Golden Girls” fame. After more than two decades in the limelight, Jackie Beat remains an enduring force with her razor-sharp parody songs and comedy that doesn’t shy away from raunchy humor.

Varla Jean Merman

Varla Jean Merman is the drag persona of Jeffery Roberson. This self-described "full-figured gal" is known for belting out showtunes and Broadway standards in her big voiced soprano. Varla Jean has starred in several productions and videos over the years, showcasing her vocal talents and penchant for musical theater. Though she hasn't competed on Drag Race, Varla Jean has earned her place in the drag hall of fame.

Peaches Christ

San Francisco's own Peaches Christ has been pushing the boundaries of drag for decades. Her horror movie-inspired looks and productions have made her a local legend. Peaches is known for hosting Midnight Mass screenings of cult films like Mommie Dearest and Showgirls. She's also starred in and directed several feature films. With her trademark platinum wigs and blood-splattered gowns, Peaches delivers a unique blend of terror and glamor.

Sherry Vine

Sherry Vine is a New York drag queen known for raunchy parodies and highly produced musical numbers. She got her start in the 1990s performing in Manhattan clubs alongside RuPaul and Lady Bunny. Sherry has acted in several indie films and web series over the years. Her viral music video parodies have earned millions of views on YouTube. Sherry remains an incredible talent and nightlife fixture.

Joey Arias

Joey Arias is a gender-bending cabaret performer based in New York City. He's been active since the 1980s and is known for his renditions of jazz and pop standards in his signature Billie Holiday-esque vocals. Joey's avant garde style incorporates puppetry, projections, and absurdist elements as well. He's collaborated extensively with other NYC fixtures like Klaus Nomi. Arias may not be a household name but his artistic drag continues to push boundaries.

Julian Eltinge

For a bit of drag history, look to Julian Eltinge. Born in 1881, by the age of ten Julian Eltinge was onstage in feminine attire and wowing audiences. He first appeared on Broadway in 1904 and soon began setting box office records on the vaudeville circuit with his one man/woman parody of the Gibson Girl called The Simpson Girl. European tours brought him international stardom, followed by a fawning Hollywood. Julian Eltinge may be one of the most famous drag queens of all time!

Miss Richfield 1981

Miss Richfield 1981 is one of our favorites of the most famous drag queens not on drag race!

Hailing from Minnesota, Miss Richfield 1981 is known for her improv skills and Midwestern charm. This "plus-sized sixties songbird" parodies regional beauty queens with her voluminous hair and glittery gowns. Miss Richfield has hosted Pride events, toured comedy clubs, and appeared on Bravo. Her act proves that drag comes in all shapes and accents.

Fresh off the bus from Richfield, Minnesota, the character of Miss Richfield 1981 has become a comedic icon and "national treasure" across the country over the past several decades. Created and portrayed by performer Russ King, Miss Richfield embodies the warmth and humor of Midwestern culture while pushing boundaries with her edgy, interactive performances.

First appearing in local Minneapolis clubs, Miss Richfield 1981 is characterized by her earnest pursuit of the title of beauty queen of Richfield - a suburb she describes as "where butter is a spice and gravy is a beverage." Her creator Russ King crafted her backstory as a small-town pageant queen, drawing comedic inspiration from his own late mother as well as bisexual cabaret star Frances Faye. This blend of maternal comfort and bawdy humor has struck a chord with audiences from coast to coast.

In recent years, Miss Richfield 1981 has won critical acclaim for her live shows in New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia and beyond. She has appeared on national TV programs like "The Tonight Show" and "Watch What Happens Live," in addition to being a spokesperson for companies like Orbitz. Through her humor, song parodies and audience interactions, Miss Richfield aims to bridge divides by leading with authenticity and kindness.

While pushing comedic boundaries, her creator also recognizes Minneapolis' pivotal role in the history of drag and LGBTQ+ rights. The city passed some of the first legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1974. And Russ King got his start performing in local Minneapolis clubs like Gay 90's, crediting veteran queens who paved the way.

Miss Richfield 1981 remains a quintessential Minnesota queen - promoting her home state's arts and politics between comedy sets. Each December, she returns to Minneapolis for her annual holiday show, proving her cross-generational appeal from Gen Z fans to long-time followers.

Miss Conception

Miss Conception’s one-woman, live singing shows, launched new each year in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Provincetown Massachusetts, parody and celebrate some of the greatest characters, movies and TV shows of our time, featuring on-stage transitions from one character to another, with costume change that happen before your eyes.

Miss Conception travels internationally and has opened shows for comedian Leslie Jordan (Will and Grace) and singer Lorna Luft (daughter of Judy Garland) and has worked alongside Tony award-winning actress Jennifer Holliday (Dreamgirls). Other credits include Second City (Toronto), being featured on ‘Queer as Folk’ and ‘Degrassi: The Next Generation’, and having the distinction of being the first contestant on Wipeout Canada to ever run the course in full drag.

Hedda Lettuce

Hedda Lettuce qualifies as one of the most famous drag queens not on drag race!

Hedda Lettuce brings her green hair, crisp punchlines, and salad-inspired wardrobe to stages across the country. Known as the world's premier drag "comedical" (comic + ecdysiast), Hedda's act blends stand-up comedy with striptease. Her witty roast jokes prove she's got talent and taste.

Since first blooming onto the scene in the gloriously gritty 1990s, Hedda Lettuce has established herself as one of New York City's most legendary comic drag queens. According to sources, Hedda made her stage debut in 1991 on the Manhattan Cable TV show The Brenda and Glennda Show, introducing her unforgettable character to the world.

With a remarkable on-screen presence, Hedda has shared the spotlight with an array of esteemed actors, including Liev Schreiber in Showtime's Ray Donovan (2013), Vanessa Williams in Ugly Betty (2010), Tyra Banks in Bravo's Project Runway (2004), and Sarah Jessica Parker in HBO's Sex and the City (1998). She has also graced sets alongside talents like Madonna at the MTV Movie Awards (2000) and RuPaul in the iconic film To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar (1995).

Beyond film and television, Hedda has captivated audiences across mediums. Her work includes numerous off-broadway shows, independent films like Flawless (2007), and documentaries such as Dragged (2018). Television audiences have been entertained by Hedda's infectious charisma on shows like ABC's Good Morning America, Fox News Network’s Special Report with Bret Baier, and NBC’s The People’s Court. Her trademark face and voice have also lent themselves to countless commercials over the years.

In addition to her performance work, Hedda Lettuce has collaborated on social initiatives by appearing on the GLAAD-award winning podcast Derek and Romaine and supporting organizations like SAGE, which serves elderly LGBTQ+ communities.

For over 20 years, Hedda has reigned as the resident drag queen of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where she delights audiences with her improvisational skills and satirical songs. She frequently returns to New York City to host sold-out events like "Lettuce Rejoice" and "Hedda Presents the Classics" at the Village East theater.

Beyond the stage, Hedda's creative talents shine through her original artwork, which can be found in galleries in both New York and Puerto Vallarta. She also enthusiastically officiates weddings, bringing joy to couples of all identities.

With decades of experience and a true passion for performance, Hedda Lettuce remains a beloved icon in the drag community, using her platform to spread laughter and joy. Her trailblazing work has cemented her place in drag herstory.

Amber LeMay

Obviously Amber can’t leave herself off this list! As the co-founder of the House of LeMay, Amber has been living at the Hot Damned Trailer Park in Beaver Pond, VT for many years. When not putting on shows for herself on her trailer’s front porch, she is heavily involved in raising money for charities and hosting Amber Live. You can usually find her in Provincetown during Carnival Week.

Madge and Bisket

From humble drunken beginnings, Madge and Bisket are now the international stars of dumpster-laden alleys you've never heard of. The amount of trouble these characters get into, and the possibility of debauchery, poorly executed drag queen makeup, and incarceration are endless.

—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!