The 10 Richest Drag Queens in the World
Once, drag queens were entertainers that performed solely in specialist bars and clubs. Now, there are many famous drag queens in the limelight. Some have become famous for headlining shows, while others have come into the spotlight on television series or in films.
Many of those who have achieved fame have also succeeded in becoming financially successful, and there are some who are now millionaires. Here are the 10 richest drag queens in the world.
10. Raja Gemini Net Worth - $500,000
Unlike the rest of the drag queens on this list, Raja Gemini did not achieve her net worth by becoming famous on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ She first came to the public’s attention when she was a makeup artist on ‘America’s Next Top Model.’ Raja Gemini currently has several income sources, as she continues to work as a makeup artist alongside performing as a drag queen, and she is also a singer, an actress, and a television host.
9. Latrice Royale Net Worth - $1 Million
Latrice Royale has a net worth of $1 million, and she has accrued this wealth through her work as a drag queen, recording artist, and reality television personality. Royale is best known for appearing on the fourth season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ in 2012. She also took part in the first and fourth seasons of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars.’
In 2019, a panel of judges from New York magazine compiled a list of the 100 most powerful drag queens in America by ranking former ‘Ru Paul’s Drag Race’ contestants. Latrice Royale was ranked in the tenth position on the list.
8. Shangela Laquifa Wadley Net Worth - $1 Million
Born in Paris, Texas, on November 22, 1981, Shangela Laquifa Wadley’s birth name was Darius Jeremy Pierce. She began building her drag queen career while still at high school and even became a cheerleader.
Wadley competed in both ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars.’ She has also appeared in television series including ‘2 Broke girls’ and ‘X-Files.’ Furthermore, she has had roles in movies including ‘A Star Is Born’ and ‘Hurricane Bianca.’
7. Katya Zamolodchikova Net Worth - $1 Million
Brian Cook is the birthname of Katya Zamolodchikova, who is now a famous drag queen, artist, comedian, and performer. She became well-known after appearing in the seventh season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’
Not only did Zamolodchikova win the second position in the Miss Congeniality contest, but she was also the runner-up in the second season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars.’
She has since appeared in multiple other television series and has had some small roles in movies. Before she became famous, Katya Zamolodchikova hosted a drag show dressed as a Russian lady and performed Russian songs.
6. Raven Net Worth - $2 Million
Born as David Petruschin in California on April 8, 1978, Raven is both a drag queen and a makeup artist. She gained fame after appearing on the reality series ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ in the second season, finishing as a runner-up.
Although she did not win the series, the television exposure created new opportunities and also allowed Raven to increase her appearance fees. Her work as a drag queen and makeup artist means she has now accumulated a net worth of $2 million.
5. Violet Chachki Net Worth - $2.5 Million
Like many of the drag queens on this list, Violet Chachki gained fame after taking part in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’ When she took part in season seven of the series, many fans of the show initially dismissed her.
However, she gained confidence throughout the series, and her fanbase also grew. Eventually, she went on to win the season. Now, her soaring number of fans means she has a growing following on social media and currently has 1.9 million followers on her Instagram account.
4. Alyssa Edwards Net Worth - $3 Million
Alyssa Edwards first came to public attention in 1994 when she appeared in a documentary called ‘Pageant,’ which was about what went on behind the scenes at the 34th Miss Gay America Contest.
However, she already had a long history in the entertainment industry prior to appearing on television, as she is a drag queen, choreographer, and businessperson. Edwards also features in the 2018 Netflix documentary, ‘Dancing Queen.’ The documentary followed Edwards’ life and showed how she created her onstage persona.
3. Bianca Del Rio Net Worth - $4 Million
Bianca Del Rio had a long career as a drag queen, comedian, actor, and costume designer before gaining fame after winning season four of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race.’
Throughout her career, she has been nominated for 13 Big Entertainment Awards, of which she has won 13. Bianco Del Rio is particularly famous for her sarcastic humor and for throwing insults. Bianca Del Rio was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 27, 1975.
2. Trixie Mattel Net Worth - $10 Million
The second richest drag queen in the world is Trixie Mattel, who appeared in season seven of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ and shot to fame after winning the third season of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race: All-Stars.’
Currently, she works in several aspects of the entertainment industry, as she is a comedian, singer, songwriter, and television personality. Mattel is also an entrepreneur with a makeup line, and this has contributed to her net worth of $10 million.
1. RuPaul Charles Net Worth - $60 Million
According to Tuko, the richest drag queen in the world is RuPaul Charles, who has a net worth of $60 million. He originally began his career in the music industry, releasing his debut studio album ‘Supermodel of the World’ in 1993. The drag queen then released an autobiography and signed a deal with a model agency.
However, it was starring in his talk show ‘The RuPaul Show’ in 1996 that shot him to fame. RuPaul’s success continued with the launch of the reality competition ‘RuPaul’s Drag race.’ It is rumored that RuPaul Charles earns $800,000 per season as the host, mentor, and head judge.
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Written by Dana Hanson
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