Season eight of RuPaul’s Drag Race has been over for some time but fans are still gushing over the reigning queen, Bob the Drag Queen. The NYC queen’s unique style and sharp wit quickly made him a fan favorite and ultimately snatched the crown. Now, Bob the Drag Queen is not just taking on the drag community but is trying his manicured hand at acting. And in September, Houston fans will be able to catch him purse first in a sequin-studded show at the Wortham Center along other season eight queens.
So first things first, I have to get the story behind your trademark, “Purse First.”
It started after the first challenge when I made the purse to go with my outfit. When I came back, everybody asked me how I walked out on stage and I just said, “purse first.” It became a recurring thing because, you know, people like things that rhyme and it was a pose that was even like a dance so easy, Kim Chi could do it.
How has it been touring with the girls from your season and other RuPaul’s Drag Race alumni?
It has been awesome. Right now we are with Kim Chi, Chi Chi DeVayne, Thorgy and Ginger Minj.
Speaking of Ginger, will you be watching the new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars?
Yes, I will certainly be keeping up with it. I am very excited.
Are there any queens you are rooting for or are happy to see get another chance?
There are so many great things about all of them. I like Alaska. I’m a huge fan of Detox. I think there is some stiff competition. I think Tatianna is going to be bringing something… like I don’t think people are prepared for how great Tatianna can be. I think she is going to blow it up.
Were you happy with how you acted on the show or were there moments that made you cringe?
It was real easy to watch myself actually. I’m not one of those people who blame editing for anything. I especially don’t blame editing for me winning.
How has been meeting fans and getting all the support because it was obvious you were a fan favorite from the beginning.
It’s been amazing. I’ve been performing for years; I’ve been a professional performer since I was 18 years old. And that’s been doing acting and drag.
Yeah, I saw that you were going to be in the first episode of HBO’s new show, High Maintenance.
Yeah, I’m in that with Colby Keller and some other, I guess, counter-culture gay celebrities. I’m still an actor so I still go on auditions and all that stuff.
Is that what you would like to get more into?
Well I feel like the two aren’t mutually exclusive. When people ask if I want to do drag or if I want to do acting, I just respond, “Yes.”
Right, well I do have to say you are a great actor. I of course love your reenactment of the How To Get Away With Murder scene when Viola Davis is taking off her makeup and wig.
Oh yes.
I assume that is how you get out of drag every time.
Yes. Everything about that. I put on a song I don’t know, sit alone and then have relations with the nearest white dude.
