Is RuPaul in Paris Is Burning?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of drag culture, you’ve probably heard of the iconic documentary “Paris Is Burning.” The film explores the underground ballroom scene in New York City during the 1980s, a subculture that was largely made up of queer people of color. The film has become a cult classic and is often cited as one of the most important representations of queer culture in mainstream media.

There have been many questions over the years about whether or not RuPaul appears in “Paris Is Burning.” RuPaul is, after all, one of the most famous drag queens in the world, and his presence in the film would make perfect sense given its subject matter. However, the answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think.

To start with, it’s important to understand that “Paris Is Burning” was released in 1990, several years before RuPaul became a household name. At the time, he was still a relatively unknown performer who had yet to achieve mainstream success. So if you’re looking for footage of RuPaul performing in drag in “Paris Is Burning,” you won’t find it.

That being said, RuPaul does have a small role in “Paris Is Burning.” He appears briefly as himself during an interview segment towards the end of the film. In this scene, he discusses his own experiences with ballroom culture and how it has influenced his career as a performer.

While it may be disappointing for some fans to learn that RuPaul doesn’t have a larger role in “Paris Is Burning,” his appearance is still significant. His inclusion is a testament to how influential and important ballroom culture was (and continues to be) within queer communities. And even though he wasn’t yet famous at the time of filming, his appearance foreshadows his future success and impact on drag culture.

In conclusion, while RuPaul doesn’t appear in drag during “Paris Is Burning,” he does have a small but significant role in the film. His appearance as himself is a testament to the impact that ballroom culture has had on his career and on the wider drag community. So if you’re a fan of RuPaul, “Paris Is Burning,” or both, it’s definitely worth checking out this iconic documentary.