Top 10 Acting Roles By Drag Race Queens
#9: Peppermint
“Head Over Heels”
Just a year after her season aired, she made history. In 2018, Peppermint became the first openly trans woman to originate a leading part on Broadway in the Go-Gos inspired jukebox adaptation of a 16th century piece, “Head Over Heels." She played Pythio, a non-binary oracle that reveals kingdom-shattering prophecies and harbors an even larger secret. She effortlessly took on the role, commanding the stage with a dramatic flair and presence that showed just how much power her character exuded. That’s not the only time she’s brought trans excellence to the forefront of the theater community. In 2023, she brought her talents to “A Transparent Musical,” stunning audiences as Davina.
#8: Bianca del Rio
“Everybody's Talking About Jamie”
Playing to a camera and to a live audience are two totally different beasts, but she handled both with ease. While her starring part in the eponymous “Hurricane Bianca” cemented her comedic prowess, it was her tenure on stage that proved how well-rounded she truly was. She first graced the famous West End theatre in 2019 to tackle the role of Hugo – otherwise known as Loco Chanelle – in the coming-of-age modern classic, “Everybody’s Talking About Jamie." It shows the queen in a new light, taking on a mentorship position and even helping the protagonist book his first gig. She did such a fantastic job on her first run that she was brought back in 2022 to reprise her rendition of the character in Los Angeles.
#7: Eureka!
“American Horror Story: Double Feature” (2021)
It’s hard not to wonder if Michelle Visage’s critiques ran through her mind the whole shoot. Just months after appearing in a parody of the series in a “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” challenge, she would get to experience the real show. Rather than play Kathy Bates, however, Eureka shone in “American Horror Story: Double Feature” as Crystal DeCanter. She got to channel the best parts of being a drag and scream queen in the episode, throwing shade in one scene and being chased through a graveyard in another. Even though Crystal met her fate with the Flesh Phantom, she was so captivating that we can only hope Ryan Murphy brings Eureka back for a second role in another season.
#6: Ginger Minj
“La Cage aux Folles”
There are some parts that are made for certain people. In Ginger Minj’s case, that was Albin, the lead and premier queen in “La Cage aux Folles." Not only does it mirror her own career, the underlying themes of the show align with her own values. She received several offers following a breathtaking 2016 performance of “I Am What I Am” in front of its creator, Harvey Fierstein. She turned them down for years, and instead tried her hand at other drag-centered characters, such as her appearance as Candee Disch in 2018’s “Dumplin’." In 2022, she finally accepted the role of Albin. That year, she captivated the Chicago theater scene. Her ability to capture both the hilarious and downtrodden moments helped her steal the show.
#5: Shea Couleé
“Ironheart” (2025)
This casting created one of the best crossovers in the Marvel Cinematic Universe since “Avengers: Endgame." Their world and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” collided during the miniseries “Ironheart," when All Star winner Shea Couleé signed on to play Slug. The character was revamped from a generic crime lord to that of a highly-skilled computer hacker and former drag queen, modernizing it in the coolest way possible. Her participation in the show marked the first time a drag performer had been included within the vast universe. Though she started out in a smaller part, there’s a chance that she or others in the artform may get to head a superhero project of their own someday soon.
#4: Willam
“Nip/Tuck” (2003-10)
Most of the queens on this list got their big break on screen following their time on “RuPaul’s Drag Race." Willam can’t say the same. Years before she graced the fandom with her presence on the fourth season of the competition, she found success in a recurring role on the medical show “Nip/Tuck." She portrayed Cherry Peck, a trans woman that suffers physical violence at the hands of the protagonist, and then teams up with him later on. Willam showed incredible depth and vulnerability throughout her performance, reflecting a tragic reality faced by the trans community. It presented a different side to her than the one shown on Ru’s show, and proves that she doesn’t have to rely on shade to advance her career.
#3: Marcia Marcia Marcia
“Cabaret”
From ensemble to Emcee, they’ve proven they can dazzle in any role. Season 15’s Marcia Marcia Marcia, billed as Marty Lauter, first joined the cast of 2024’s Broadway revival of “Cabaret” as Victor, one of the Kit Kat Boys. However, there was an even more exciting opportunity at their fingertips: to serve as the understudy for the leading part of the Emcee, then played by Eddie Redmayne. They’ve gotten the chance to play the iconic character several times during their run, proving to the audience exactly what earned them their spot on the competition series in the first place. Should the rest of their tenure run just as smoothly, then someday we’ll hopefully see their name up in lights as a permanent lead.
#2: Nina West
“Hairspray”
To many in the drag and queer communities, this is seen as the character of a lifetime. Edna Turnblad’s larger-than-life personality and presence along with her exaggerated appearance have made her an ideal and consistent part for queens since the movie first premiered in 1988. Who better to take on the iconic role than Nina West, Season 11's Miss Congeniality and all-around talent? She joined the cast of the national tour in 2021, and was able to utilize her years of experience in the art form of drag to excel at aspects like dancing in heels and padding. With those already down pat, she was able to focus on the core elements of her performance, and became a critical darling in the process.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
Manila Luzon, “General Hospital” (1963-)
She Made a Cameo on the Long-Running Soap Opera as the Queen of Bingo
Jiggly Caliente, “Pose” (2018-21)
Her Portrayal of Veronica Ferocity Proved There Were No Small Roles, Only Small Actors
Valentina, “Rent: Live” (2019)
She Performed With Tinashe & Vanessa Hudgens as Angel in the TV Broadcast of the Musical
Bob the Drag Queen, “Angels in America”
Bob Was Encouraged by the Playwright to Try Out for Nurse & Former Drag Performer Belize
Chad Michaels, “2 Broke Girls” (2011-17)
She Reprised Her Iconic Impression of Cher for This Sitcom Cameo
#1: Jinkx Monsoon
“Pirates! The Penzance Musical”
Since being crowned as the Queen of All Queens on the seventh season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars," her theater career has taken off. Jinkx Monsoon’s appearances as Mama Morton in “Chicago” and Audrey in “Little Shop of Horrors” proved she was an icon both on and off Broadway. She most recently starred as Ruth in “Pirates! The Penzance Musical," where she was able to truly tap into her comedic and campy roots. She shone so much in the part that she earned a nomination for her work at the Drama League Awards. Should her tenure in “Oh Mary!” go just as well, then even more awards will hopefully be on the horizon.
Which “Drag Race” queen do you think deserves a big break on the stage or screen? Let us know in the comments below!