One of the biggest stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6 is all set to jet into London and join in the madness of G-A-Y Porn Idol as a judge – another addition to her hugely varied résumé. Courtney Act took some time out of her crazy schedule to chat to our Jason Reid in between shows, direct from New York this week…
Hey Courtney, it’s lovely to speak to you. So how has life been treating you since Drag Race?
It’s been a total whirlwind! I moved into a new apartment three months ago and I think I’ve only spent about four days there. That’s how crazy it’s been. I have no complaints though.
What, for you, was the best thing about appearing on the show?
Making great new friends like Bianca, Adore and Darienne – who I hang out with regularly. We’ve all gone through this shared experience as professionals in the industry and that’s something we’ll always have.
Any negatives about the show?
Oh yeah [laughs]. The challenging part was probably the fact that they were making a television show, not a documentary. I felt awkward watching it back, because it showed me going from being myself at the beginning of the season, before fading away for a bit, only to return as some kind of mean girl. it’s kind off unfortunate how it played out and was edited for TV, because we all had such a great time. However I’m still grateful for the experience and opportunities it’s given me. Now I get to tour all over, and one of the number one things people say to me is: “Wow, you’re not mean and bitchy at all.”
Is there anyone in particular you’d like to see in Season 7?
From what I’ve seen travelling around the US for the last few months there’s one queen that stands out for me: Aurora Sexton, who I met in Denver. She’s a great performer.
There have been talks of a UK version of Drag Race. Who do you think would make a good host?
Well, the concept is a fun and fabulous one and RuPaul is definitely the matriarch of drag in America, but for the UK version I think Paul O’Grady would be perfect.
“Do they get hard ons when stripping?”
And filling the role of the judges?
It’s important to have someone who has the credibility to comment on drag so I think Jodie Harsh would make a good judge. She’s very dry too, so there’d be plenty of one-liners.
Do you know any of the other UK queens? Any you think would make good contestants?
Yeah, I know Heidi Liscious and Mitzi Macintosh – my fellow Ozzy queens. I tell you who would make a good contestant, Portia De Fosse from The Supreme Fabulettes.
So you’re going to be judging Porn Idol here in London, what are you expecting?
Willam (Belli) was telling me all about it, and she showed me some verrrrrry interesting pictures. It sounds like there could be some ‘perks’ at the end of the night. [Laughs]. And, yes, my vote can be bought! [whispers – do they get hard ons when stripping? – laughs]
Errrrm, I don’t think they do, but I guess if you ask nicely… So apart from the bribes, what will you be looking for from the contestants?
The male equivalent of Charisma Uniqueness Nerve and Talent: Confidence Outlandishness Creativity and Kitsch.
I’m loving kitsch! What do you look for in a guy, personally?
I don’t have a specific type. Initially, there must be good eye contact. It’s all about the eyes. Someone who is content and comfortable with themselves is one of the most important things, too.
Is there anyone in the world of entertainment that gets you damp under the weave?
James Franco! He studied queer studies at university, loves queer culture, and is so comfortable with his own masculinity. Here’s a straight man in Hollywood who doesn’t care about people’s preconceived opinions; I think that’s really unique in a mainstream celebrity.
Yeah, I agree with you, he oozes sex appeal. Finally, you’ve ticked off Australian Idol and RuPaul’s Drag Race, are there any other TV shows you’d like to take part in? I was thinking you’d be perfect for Strictly Come Dancing…
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeah! I’d love to do Strictly or Dancing With the Stars. All those costumes, sequins and rhinestones, I’d be in heaven. I could come out and dance as a guy one week to mix it up and surprise everyone. Let’s make it happen!
• Courtney Act will be judging G-A-Y Porn Idol on Thursday 11th September at Heaven (under the Arches, Villiers Street, Charing Cross, WC2N 6NG) from 10.30pm-4am.
