RuPaul's Family Influence on His Iconic Career

RuPaul, born on 17 November 1960 in San Diego, California, is recognized as the world's most famous drag queen. He is the son of Ernestine "Toni" Fontenette and Irving Andrew Charles, both from Louisiana.

His father, Irving, served in the army and fought in the Korean War before working as an electrician in San Diego. RuPaul describes his father as a charming philanderer who was not committed to parenting.

His mother, Ernestine, raised him and his three sisters primarily on her own and was known for her formidable reputation, earning the nickname "Mean Miss Charles." RuPaul credits his mother with instilling in him his iconic catchphrase: "If you can't love yourself, how in the hell are you going to love somebody else?" Ernestine passed away from cancer just as RuPaul's career began to flourish, leaving a lasting impact on his spirituality and artistry.