The competition on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 4 has quickly proven to be a packed roster of talented dolls, and one of the ladies showcased this year was Starlet, who departed the competition on the second episode. While her ominously silent departure was all the buzz, there is a lot more about this multi-faceted performer that we wanted to know. I sat down to chat with Startlet post-elimination & we discussed her controversial walk off of the runway, working with her fellow competitors, and the Old Hollywood starlets that have influenced her drag career.
Michael Cook: Your turn on Drag Race UK Season 4 was short, but you definitely made an impact as you departed. Eliminations are always are filled with emotions, but you left the stage without saying a word. The question is, would you do it different if you had a chance and how were you feeling at the time?
Starlet: I was really devastated that I was going and I had a lot more to show. At the end of the day, everything happens for a reason. I met a new group of wonderful, talented, amazing queens that I will call my sisters forever. I got to meet RuPaul and Michelle Visage, and I would not change a thing; I have no regrets.
MC: For your time there, did you get to truly soak up the moment and enjoy your Drag Race UK experience?
S: Yes, I absolutely did!
MC: What were your rose and thorn of your Drag Race UK experience?
S: My rose is definitely walking the runway. Anyone that I have spoken with, I have said that it is the best feeling in the world! The music plays really loudly and it vibrates in your chest. I always say that when I walked out on the runway, I just saw blue and it was like a magical moment. My least favorite moment would be going home, and the stress of that and dealing with that afterwards.
MC: The drag scene in the UK has so many drag titans, and each year we get to see some of those people showcased on Drag Race UK. For you, is it intimidating being part of the cast of Drag Race UK Season 3 which includes queens that you most likely revered yourself already?
S: I would say that it would be if I had made it to a comedy challenge or something like that. I always felt really supported by them though. Every time the cameras were down, Danny (Beard) would come over and ask if I was okay, he noticed very quickly that I was more shy than the rest. Cheddar (Gorgeous) is one of the kindest people that I have ever met. I wouldn’t say that there was an intimidation at all.
MC: Do you think that as a shy person out of drag, you are the kind of performer that truly blossoms when they get onto the stage and they simply flourish?
S: I have that, but my drag is not the style of drag that predominantly exists on stage. I have that when I am doing makeup or when I am doing a photo shoot or modeling; then I feel confident and amazing. Performing at the time was something that I was very new to. I am a perfectionist and I overthink everything! What I struggled with when I first started performing is just enjoying the fantasy of the performance. I would just worry about getting every move right and making sure every part of my body is in the right place. I guess that attributes to a stiffness as well.
MC: When did you know that drag would be something that you would pursue as a passion
S: I don’t think I really had a defining moment, I think it was gradual. My whole life I have been very passionate about art and drawing, I went to art school for four years and the subject matter was alywas beautiful women and old Hollywood glamours, beautiful things and al of my fantasy romance films. Slowly over time, drag became my new medium instead of pen and paper.
MC: Old Hollywood is such a strong era where so many people gain inspiration from. Is there anyone in particular that you gain inspiration from from that era?
S: I am definitely a sucker for Marilyn Monroe. Another one that is not a starlet but I believe is in that realm is Princess Diana. Audrey Hepburn, Lana Turner, Jayne Mansfield, all of them.
MC: What do you want to do now with the platform that comes with Drag Race UK?
S: We do have a tour coming up, I can’t say when that is just yet. We will be working on something fabulous for that. Outside of touring, my drag has always existed in digital spaces and I will be furthering and growing that. I am starting my own YouTube channel and will be doing my look from each episode, and I would love for that to blow up. I would love to break out in fashion, in campaign work or runway. I want my own makeup company also; I have always wanted to have my own makeup brand and would pour my heart and soul into makeup.
MC: If a queen that you were friends with now came to you and said that they wanted to do Drag Race, what is the one piece of advice you would give them?
S: I would say that if you truly feel in your deepest self that this is something you want to do, give it absolutely everything that you’ve got.
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