Hollywood icon Melissa McCarthy startled fans with a special guest stint on the ongoing RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16.
Appearing on the show’s most recent episode broadcasted on Friday night (February 16), the 53-year-old Academy Award nominee had some heartfelt words and assistance to offer to the show’s contestants.
Discover more as you continue reading…During her stint on the show, Melissa stepped in to support famed Hollywood director and choreographer Adam Shankman, offering dance guidance to the queens for their Rusical performance.
Melissa sported a stylish black jacket adorned with LGBTQIA+ supportive patches and lightened the mood by humorously offering cheese packets to the participants, asking “Does anybody want a Babybel?”.
In an emotive moment, Melissa complimented and encouraged the queens, sharing her own personal connection to the world of drag.
Melissa revealed, “Drag is a big part of why I have a career. I was attending drag shows at an age I probably shouldn’t have been, which ultimately emboldened me to take to the stage. I embarked on my career in a big old red wig, using the name Miss Y.”
She added, “Seeing you all fighting to make your mark makes me incredibly proud and I want to express my gratitude and support. You all embody beauty and I’m in awe of you. Your commitment not only serves entertainment and happiness but also stands for something vital. Keep pushing, because it makes a difference and is absolutely worthy.”
Melissa is well-known for her advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ and drag communities. Previously, she mentioned how the drag scene played a role in shaping her portrayal of Ursula in the upcoming live-action film The Little Mermaid.
Catch fresh episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race every Friday at 8pm ET on MTV.
FAQs
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When did Melissa McCarthy appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16?
Melissa McCarthy made her guest appearance on the episode that aired on Friday night, February 16.
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What role did Melissa McCarthy play in her guest appearance?
She helped coach the queens on their dance moves along with director-choreographer Adam Shankman for the Rusical challenge.
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What did Melissa McCarthy say about her connection to drag?
She shared that drag played a significant role in her career’s beginnings, as she gained courage from attending drag shows and even performed in drag herself as Miss Y.
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What message did Melissa McCarthy share with the contestants?
Melissa shared a message of love, pride, and encouragement, thanking the queens for their artistry and emphasizing the importance of their performance as an act of joy and activism.
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How has Melissa McCarthy shown support for the LGBTQIA+ and drag communities before?
Melissa has previously expressed her affinity for the drag community and how it influenced her performance of Ursula in the live-action version of The Little Mermaid.
Conclusion
Melissa McCarthy’s surprise visit to ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16 brought not only her trademark humor but also a profound sense of respect and acknowledgment for the drag community and its impact. Her candid revelation about her own experiences with drag and her influential words to the competing queens underscore the significance of drag culture in empowerment and self-expression both within and beyond the LGBTQIA+ community. Audiences tuning into MTV on Friday nights can look forward to more inspiring moments like these as Season 16 progresses.