What Are RuPaul’s Drag Race Alumni Doing After the Show? Here Are 5 Successful Projects

Walking away with a crown on RuPaul's Drag Race might seem like the ultimate prize, but for many contestants, it's just the beginning of their success.

Some of the most popular queens today didn't even need to get the crown to make their mark on pop culture. And some were the actual winners that proved how to responsibly take a leap into the stardom.

Today, we're looking back at the most impressive achievements of queens who got their start on our favorite TV show. It was quite difficult to choose just five, but these queens are truly redefining what it means to be a drag performer in the 21st century. They're the ones who are constantly changing the entertainment industry in such creative ways that we can't help but just watch with amusement.

Shea Couleé Makes Herstory in the Marvel Universe

Chicago's queen Shea Couleé has always brought superheroine energy to everything she does. Now she's literally becoming part of the superhero world by joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the highly anticipated series Ironheart.

Set to premiere on Disney+ this June, Ironheart is another reason why we can't wait for this summer to start.

This is a very groundbreaking moment for drag as a whole and it shows just how far we have really come. We expect her to bring grace, power and artistry, which she already does on a daily basis.

In an interview with E!News, Couleé revealed:

“Everyone at Marvel has been so unbelievably open and receptive to my experiences and my expertise about drag. And they've allowed me to really come in to the MCU and put my very specific Shea Couleé print on the Marvel Universe.”

Jinkx Monsoon Is the Broadway's Newest Leading Lady

If there's one queen who embodies both classic entertainment and modern drag, it's Jinkx Monsoon. She's proving what theatre kids have known all along: drag and Broadway are a match made in heaven.

After killing it as Mama Morton in Chicago, Jinkx is now tackling her first Tony-eligible role in Pirates! The Penzance Musical. This is a childhood dream come true in the most spectacular way possible.

In a YouTube interview to Broadway.com, Jinkx shared her preparation technique, saying:

“Originating a role has been something I've wanted to do since I was a kid. And I have a deep appreciation for old school Broadway. And one of my favorite things to do as a performer today is take the things I've learned from the classics, from the old school, from the monumental performers who came before me. I like to take little pieces of everything and serve it up in a new way.”

And we have no doubt that she'll absolutely nail it!

Brooke Lynn Hytes' Transformation From Contestant to Queen Bee

Now this is a full-circle moment if we ever had one. Brooke Lynn Hytes went from competing on Season 11 of Drag Race to becoming the face of Canada's Drag Race. She is the first former contestant to become a permanent judge in the franchise.

We really do see how genuine she is about showcasing the Canadian drag talent on an international stage. However, being on the other side of the table isn't as easy as it appears to be. As Brooke Lynn herself told The Tab:

“It was a lot, honestly. It was quite the jump. I was really thrilled to be asked to do it, and it was an amazing experience. But it was such a crazy year and I jumped right into that role without having time to really think about it or process it. It’s a lot harder than people realise, judging this competition.”

Yet she handles it with a lot of grace and dignity (as usual).

The Unstoppable Duo of Trixie and Katya

The best things in life come from just letting two hilarious friends talk about absolutely nothing. Trixie Mattel and Katya Zamolodchikova's UNHhhh has grown from a simple web show into a pop culture phenomenon that's spawned books, tours, and endless quotable moments.

Since 2016, these two have been giving us everything that we need: unfiltered humor, unexpected wisdom, and pure chaos in the best possible way. Their chemistry is undeniable and their ability to turn any topic into comedy gold is truly unmatched.

That magic often happens when they're at their most exhausted. As Trixie revealed to W Magazine:

“‘The Weather’ is sickening. That episode's so good because it was the very end of the day. I think we had to do four episodes that day. We were really mentally burned out. Once you're pouring from an empty cup long enough, your brain actually fractures and you become incredibly insane and funny.”

Bob The Drag Queen Takes Center Stage at Madonna's Tour

When it comes to legendary career moves, Bob The Drag Queen's collaboration with Madonna on The Celebration Tour is truly iconic.

Performing alongside the Queen of Pop herself, Bob brings her signature wit and stage presence to stadiums worldwide. It's a full-circle moment that shows just how far drag has come. As Bob shared with Interview Magazine:

“I started being a fan of Madonna around the song “Don’t Tell Me.” And then I really got into Madonna after seeing her at the Barclays Center, so it’s funny that I’m going to be performing with her tonight where I first saw her, at Barclays, on the Rebel Heart Tour.”

From fan to co-star? We couldn't be more happy for Bob!