When I heard that Bianca Del Rio had written a book, I thought, "I didn't even know she could read a book!" The greatest success story that "RuPaul's Drag Race" ever launched, Del Rio sells out venues for her live shows, has graced the Silver Screen in "Hurricane Bianca" and its sequel, and has now written a book of advice, "Blame It on Bianca Del Rio" (Dey Street).
Gregg Shapiro: What's the best advice you ever received?
Bianca Del Rio: It was really good advice, but I didn't take it. "Don't do drag. It's a trap!" I found out later, they were right! In fairness, the best advice I truly did get was, "Laugh at yourself. Don't take yourself too seriously, and keep moving." When I was younger I would get hung up on things. Now it's like, "Fuck it! Get over it! Life's too short!"
This book: obviously I'm doing it as a joke to give the worst advice possible, because if you're seeking advice from a 42-year-old drag queen, something's wrong with you. But I'm fascinated by the stuff people share. People have no shame at all, none, I must say.
How has your humor transferred from the stage to the page?
I think it's a lot harder. You can get away with murder on stage, by delivery. Whereas when you have something in print, it may come across differently. Usually, for me, it's no-holds-barred. Everything is funny. But in print, it's a little serious.
You mention "insightful prying" in the author's note. How can that be a useful tool?
The answer is usually there, and people know it in their hearts. Some of them, I was like, "This is insane! The answer is right there in your question!" But I had to point it out for them.
Some of the more amusing parts of the book are the wonderful photos.
The publisher said they would like to include photos. Over four days, we did a photo shoot here in LA with a friend of mine who is a New York photographer, and we hit the road. We thought, "What are the most ridiculous things we could do?"
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate the experience of your recent return as a guest on "RuPaul's Drag Race?"
It was a 10 for me. It was like going back to high school. All the feels and smells were the same. When you film on the soundstage, there's one side where the contestants are; the other side is where the staff, Ru and guest judges stay. It was interesting to be on the other side. I didn't realize how fabulous it was until Audra McDonald was in the dressing room next door. My little gay heart got excited, and I realized this is some legitimate shit!
What's the best piece of advice you can offer this season's queens?
Be as honest and as real as you are. Even though we're wearing wigs. The audience gravitates to people that are real. It's easy to get lost with cameras around you. To think, "I need to be this. I need to be that." The audience can usually see through it.
Your new movie "Hurricane Bianca: From Russia with Hate" is opening in theaters.
It's our second feature. My nemesis in the film is the brilliant Rachel Dratch. We pick up where we left off. I ruined her life, and now she's determined to ruin mine. I end up in Russia! So it's topical and fun. We have some great supporting players. The fabulous Janeane Garofalo, Cheyenne Jackson and Wanda Sykes. We were lucky to gather a bevy of talented people.