RuPaul's Hilarious Interview by Joan Rivers (1993)

Joan Rivers interviewed RuPaul at the start of her career... and it was fascinating. Her sister also made an appearance!
First aired July 28, 1993.

[@adamblue2980]

For those who weren't old enough to see this at the time, it's difficult to overstate how rare and surprising this was, to see a gay black drag queen being celebrated as a media star, and not denigrated or made a joke of. Ru absolutely broke the mold and set the template. Love you Ru.

[@terrivines4071]

And also, let’s not forget Joan Rivers for having the courage to have RuPaul on her show. It could have backfired on her.

[@jessrosefawkes2721]

I remember. They were the good days. I can honestly say us 90s teens were the last great generation. Everything is about social media these days. I can’t stand it lol X

[@josephirizarry5195]

@@jessrosefawkes2721 social media has flattened people and turned homos into moralists. no thanks. not into it

[@justinm.8970]

I agree! Seeing this gives me chills and brings me right back to being that 13 year old boy just in awe of Ru. I’m just filled with so many emotions seeing this - he really was such an inspiration, beacon and role model for me growing up in the 90s. There really was no one like him on TV or in the media - I was immediately HOOKED and have been a fan ever since.

[@BoardroomBuddha]

I met RuPaul at the Roxy disco in NYC in 1990 before she was a star. She was working as a "hostess" for the disco along with a few other drag queens. Basically making sure we were having fun. She came up to me and my BF who were in our mid-twenties at the time and hugged us and said, "You two are the cutest couple in the world honey!" Then the drugs kicked in.... She was HUGE!

[@danitydon6976]

this interview is reminding me of the fact at one point ru was in the shoes of her contestants. full of life, eager to impress , and hamming it up for the cameras

[@1bwash]

No, the challenges on the show emulate these things, but it's not the same thing. Ru was never approached and told "you need to do a daytime talk show interview." It was you need to fight and prove yourself and maybe you will get the invitation. People really need to recognize how hard it was for Ru coming up and give her credit for that. Yes she challenges contestants, but they really are privileged to have Ru giving them a platform.

[@angel_fierce]

Yup! Rupaul is the queen of drag! 💯👑

[@HadrianGuardiola]

@@1bwashyea and its not like people said those directly to him either. He had to grt a lay of the land put himsef out there. Even the first season of drag race they had a whole team of people on their side including the pro rupaul. Theres aspects of drag I dont care for but no one can deny that rupaul invented the idea of a drag dynasty. She went out in a dress when it meant something. Now any one can slap on a dress and be "subversive" and then stop and no would even remember its such a small thing now.

[@Garyllaz]

You forgot to mention this was early 90's as well 👌🏻

[@adamblue2980]

You're absolutely right. The RuPaul Show on VH1 is the same way, it's an absolute template for the challenges on Drag Race.

[@willyrobertlegendre4662]

this is what happens when two legends meet...

[@CRAIGTEMPLATEXCHRIST]

REAL RECOGNISE REAL! Legends never have to attack each other! Leads to great OPEN conversations like this 💛💛💛🙏 the bedrock of democracy

[@erikm8372]

Well, Joan did say “the first time you were here…” …so this was the second time, I think.

[@Billbob0327]

Having just watch Rue on a much more recent show of Joan’s “In bed with Joan,” it’s truly amazing to see how much progress has occurred from then to now.

[@Billbob0327]

@@erikm8372Rue was on a show of Joan’s that featured NYC Clubkids. The show depicted nightlife in the NYC club scene in the 80’s and 90’s which was somewhat where Rue started out.

[@ahmadpittman3893]

I think you're right. Although, at the time, RuPaul wasn't mainstream like she is now. So imagine the breakthrough she came to get to where she is. You gotta respect that.

[@vwilliams8196]

This is the early 90s. One can only imagine how novel she was for that time. Mainstream had never seen anything like her, or at least not in that compacity.

[@ZadenZane]

She gave him a whole half hour and he never faltered. Excellent stuff. I love that Shady Shade single. I had no idea what throwing shade meant when it came out, I just loved the line "I just wanna get paid"!!

[@Robbiestarduzt]

She went from wanting to be a revlon spokesperson to being a Mac and she’s iconic ❤

[@barbraseville8984]

Easy to see why RU loved Symone. This is like watching Symone.

[@YeyazWyrd]

I kinda thought the same thing like 10 seconds I to the video. Ru obviously saw a lot of herself in Symone

[@katwebbxo]

I see it!

[@jamalamapoo]

Seriously, Symone is so much like ru it’s crazyyy

[@hollymcnair1602]

Wow they bounced off each other so well! Great interview 👌🏽

[@denisechristie]

So love both of them. Our world would be so boring without people like these two. Rest in Peace Joan.

[@perry5509]

I never realized how much talent she had. Everything in the show- charm, charisma, funny snatch game character, good interview skills, silly comedy and a talent act. She may not have done death drops but she could do it all in terms of charm

[@diabolicaldebbie]

I would love to see this digitally remastered. 🎥🌈💞

[@familyfilmscans8350]

It could be rescanned from the source. Maybe the Joan Rivers people can start uploading all her interviews? That would be a cool contribution to KZbin

[@janenef]

Thanks for brightening my day and the whole world. Love both entertainers.

[@FrontRowVideo]

You're welcome, it's a fun interview to find in our archives!

[@leonardofeccini]

16:05 - having drag babies. Now Ru has literally HUNDREDS of drag queen "babies" across the world. 50 of which are actually winners of their respective seasons!! AMAZING!!!

[@davidcowan4378]

I love the height difference between Ru and Joan. Great interview.

[@inaj27]

We have been blessed with beautiful souls like Joan & RU

[@jesrodriguez1400]

It all makes sense now. The show. The challenges. The quotes. It’s all there.

[@rethablair6902]

💋This interview is everything i love. Two of my favorite entertainers💗

[@myronmadey3040]

Wow!! A great interview. My idol is the Legendary Joan Rivers. I have been watching Rupaul Drag race. RuPaul is a true legend as well.He has helped so many young people being themselves. 😊🙃💗

[@EatTheory]

3:32 damn Ru really predicted the future of entertainment!

[@tula1433]

Yeah that was wild! He knew that we’d be streaming and having apps on our screens! Lol!

[@drunkfood3275]

Seeing stuff like this and reading the negative critics about RuPaul leads me to the conclusion: I am happy to be alive to experience the work of RuPaul

[@sirlancelote8290]

I remember when I first saw Ru Paul on TV. I was mesmerized by the image, fun character and even more impressed how the public had embraced him.

[@IAMASELENATOR92]

"People want more customized entertainment" true

[@dannyhernandez2203]

Ru is so injtuitive. Of all the Drag Race Queens only Bianca, Shangela, Alyssa and Jinxxx could sort of match Ru's wits and confidence.

[@theturtlearchives]

I have been looking for this for years. Started when i was like 21 now i’m 25.... thank u so much!

[@FrontRowVideo]

So glad you liked it!

[@theturtlearchives]

@@FrontRowVideo appreciate it, any more recordings of Joan and Rupaul are most welcome!

[@BlueSix100]

Two icons loving and respecting each other back in the day when the word ‘icon’ truly meant ICON! Love how this interview showcases just how loving, articulate and smart Ru is. She’s as sharp as they come. RIP wonderful Joan.❤❤

[@Jm649]

my god rupaul really hasn't changed has he, after all this time!

[@cecegiles4583]

Why change it made him millions

[@melissamusseau]

Thank you so much for sharing. I remember watching this interview at 4-5 years old.

[@danitydon6976]

omg i miss joan so much

[@SuZ4242]

❤😊 Same. Finest kind .

[@aurska4061]

A trailblazer whether you like him or not ❤.

[@matthewtavolacci9930]

RuPaul, you are the winner of this weeks challenge

[@MichaelJones-yx4zv]

I miss Joan we need her and Wendy Williams around everyday on tv. Love Ru

[@magnetdesignandadver]

How awesome that this is captured on video - such legends both of them

[@BlytheWorld1972]

Rupaul is a legend

[@donnacarter2617]

My morning routine was watching Joan Rivers while getting ready in the morning. Love Ru Paul as well. It's so interesting how Ru got started and still as popular.

[@gustamanavo]

I wish we could've seen the performances 😭

[@Asakhalifshow]

Ru Paul sealed a MAC cosmetics deal after this interview ❤

[@firouz256]

Let's take a moment to remember that Rupaul was on the same label as Naughty By Nature!

[@michaelbruno1330]

So true tommy boy records.....queen latifah was also on that label

[@firouz256]

@@michaelbruno1330 It was a very short moment in pop culture when Hiphop and Vogueing was one . Hiphouse! Right before Hiphop was hijacked and by greedy (mostly white) executives and sold out by glorifying ghettos and gangsta mentality to the masses. Jody Watley and her iconic "Friends" video are the only documentations of that era!

[@zoeleech974]

2 seconds in my girl in black is MESMERIZED henny😂

[@FocusedVoices]

"Aura of goodness around me"

[@SuZ4242]

Seems dimmer these days, alas. Too much money does that to folks 😏🤑

[@garyrizza1462]

I love this! Thank you for posting this interview, it’s great.

[@got2bjosh]

Thanks for uploading this. It was fun. Psychic Drag Hotline should be a challenge on RPDR.

[@queenqueen977]

Love this, thank you!! More vintage Ru please 🙏🏽😮

[@emdeejay7432]

0:41 the woman in the front 😂 the look on her face like she cannot believe there is a 6'5" drag queen in heels and a mini skirt on stage. She is loving it hahaha. Also can we talk about rupaul towering over little Joan 😂😂😂

[@user-sn2oq4qt7b]

Ru predicted everything we have now in entrrtainment

[@evanschmitt2330]

Wow. A picture of the past into the future a picture of how things did happen and how Ru made things just come into place. Wow. He sure spoke for so many of me.

[@rvnvify]

damn she's so good that she's able to circumnavigate personal questions and make people feel like she answered them without having actually done so! a true professional HAHAHA

[@matthewlucas4990]

Wow wow wow. It was NOT easy to go toe to toe with Joan fuckin' RIVERS! Ru is not a stand-up comedian, but her star power is on full display here. Typically, only the best comedians could keep up with Joan. "Fun" fact: Johnny Carson was so jealous and mad that Joan was given her own show that he intentionally tanked her career. He got her black-listed and got the word out that ANYONE who went on Joan's show would never work again. Luckily, that meant someone like RuPaul could get on as a guest.

[@Billbob0327]

It’s almost hard to believe how much has changed from then to now (with the exception of Rue’s beauty- she hasn’t aged one bit) . It’s surreal to see Rue this early in her career. She was such a rookie and seemed so shy and vulnerable- in comparison to the powerhouse & Mother of it all we see today. Rue is a household name and icon- and rightfully so. This was a time when drag, homosexuality, etc was not socially accepted love this. I think it’s sometimes easy to forget ALL the boundaries Rue had to break through in order to succeed. She didn’t just pave the way she MADE the way!

[@margaretr5701]

You might like to see the interview, Joan Rivers with Caroline Cossey, who also broke a lot of boundaries. Caroline and Rhu met, trailblazers, both of them. I love the way Joan Rivers is very respectful to them both, while having fun at the same time.

[@echoecho3108]

Very interesting, entertaining, and informative show. That was fun. Thanx, Front Row, for sharing!

[@FrontRowVideo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@echoecho3108]

@@FrontRowVideo 😊👍

[@BoomerBaskins]

The chemisty btwn the two of them is spot on.

[@IAMASELENATOR92]

Love that you uploaded this

[@ZaddyOG]

HD really made everything from the 90s look like it was in the 70s 😂

[@imhotep530]

I love rupaul's half open mouth smile 😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@garykordanproductiondesigner]

I made that doll!

[@queenqueen977]

Omg you did??? Its fab!! Great job

[@justiceleague3000]

😄 Nice! It was hilarious. great job

[@denisestinnett4414]

They could rename this clip “the Captain and RuNille”. LOVE these two and together it’s pure gold! 🌬❤️

[@brianpimentel]

Wow what a great interview!!♥️♥️

[@1bwash]

People who weren't even alive when this interview taped love to attack and pile on Ru, but there is a reason why Ru was and is a pioneer. It's of course hard work and tenacity, but it's just star power. 1993, jesus christ they still had laws on books in multiple states that it was illegal to actively be gay. Having a radical view about individuality and acceptance truly helped paved the way for queer rights, period.

[@margaretr5701]

Joan Rivers did a great interview with Caroline Cossey, another trailblazer. Rhu and Caroline met, but I haven't seen a video. The video of Joan and Caroline is on KZbin.

[@melsyoutube]

wow she’s always been a ball of charisma and love 🥹 a real star

[@derekpearce4987]

"People want more customized entertainment" Ru saw the future holy shit.

[@kTopoi]

What a visionary Ru was

[@mahailonknight8361]

Joan rivas always have been cool 😂

[@mikeyc4525]

Wow, was audio & video really this bad in 1993??? Love you Ru...You Betta Work !!!

[@user-yv9fq5ym9w]

no it's the copy.

[@peterpandaaa]

Wooooow 1st time seeing it!!! New best interview!!! Love them both!!!

[@SuZ4242]

I watched this first-run. Joan was a pioneer, just like Ru. If it were not for these two, drag would still be relegated to its own tiny niche in the entertainment world. Sadly, agendas have masked what it was/is all about - spreading love through laughter and song.

[@JUSAGUYNKY]

It’s always been an honor, sharing my birthday w/RU 💟💟 Nov 17

[@flavianofloris4459]

This show me that Joan was the real drag quenn ever 🤣😂🤣

[@xF0rget.Me.N0tx]

Trixie and KAtya should do a Ughhhhhh video on this xD

[@richatom71]

Loved this ! Joan set Ru up and let her own the interviews .

[@annaelisavettavonnedozza9607]

She really, truly is MOTHER ❤ Edit: Ru has one of the most beautiful smiles I’ve ever seen

[@Inletwatcher1965]

Wish her songs were not clipped, but I loved reliving this thank you Front Row

[@SuZ4242]

I miss Joan!!! ❤❤❤

[@Drezzedtokill]

I saw this LIVE KIDS ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Greg-bh4jp]

So many similarities between Ru and his sister with mannerisms, speech and the smile

[@Dragonfly0314]

Love this! Thank you.

[@humanbeing9551]

I’d really love to watch the performing Ru parts🥺

[@FrontRowVideo]

Sorry, but copyright restrictions prevented that.

[@humanbeing9551]

@@FrontRowVideo thank u for sharing the stuff anyway❤❤❤

[@katwebbxo]

My two faves. RIP Joan 💖

[@lindabuck2777]

No matter what, our legends are a treasure🙏🏻 RU is the QWEEN and RUPAUL is the man with a dream-realized. Love Rupaul love drag race. May the QWEEN REIGN and pass that crown when the time comes, because she really is an EMPRESS at the top of her dreams🙏🏻❤️

[@stephentbell]

Love love love. Two icons who seem to respect each other. Love.

[@ggfatale351]

RuPaul gave me so much CONFIDENCE as a boy. She's ALWAYS a part of my Heart. 💜💜💜

[@IAMASELENATOR92]

"more is more" lmao

[@nenasummers-shanafelt5126]

I love their giggle about Larry. ❤ I miss Joan.

[@soliloquy5995]

The girl on the right at 1:58 looks timeless. That hair and outfit could still be worn today, queen was ahead of her time !

[@jonathanlandau-litewski7405]

Well fashion tends to come back around in 30 year cycles so that works out about right! You know you're getting old when you see old fashions becoming popular again lol

[@knightyyknight1494]

Thank you for persevering history…or should I say Herstory 😂😂

[@CRAIGTEMPLATEXCHRIST]

15:53 LOLOLOL can’t believe Joan didn’t respond “well you are the Big Bird”!!! Ru set that up for her there!!!

[@pika23]

I saw boy Ru in 2019 at NYC drag con She interviewed whoopi Goldberg.

[@TheClosetRatchet]

Ru so iconic

[@romanraygoza5978]

What a great interview!!!

[@jackiefruge5884]

I love rupaul. What a talented and lovable person!

[@chris-ki6ic]

the faces on the audience haha

[@Billbob0327]

It’s crazy to see how they react to Rupaul in comparison to now. This was very taboo for the time. Rue broke many barriers!

[@margaretr5701]

They looked happy!

[@PrinceTimmySnickers]

30 years ago - looks exactly the same ❤

[@SuZ4242]

Well... not quite 😏😆 We embrace the crinkles, even though she hides behind filters and botox, lol. She earned 'em ❤ Helps when you have good makeup, too. She mentioned a makeup line, how about one for her OG fans who are still kicking? 🙏😂

[@idontknowyouthatsmypurse]

BOTH are *bona fide legends*

[@trueblue8869]

I love seeing Ru this live

[@alexisclark4270]

So gorgeous 😍 the hair is everything ugh

[@Dnn411]

miss you Joan…..❤

[@how_about_naw]

Iconic

[@umeshvaghjiani822]

I really miss Joan Rivers

[@derekstynes9631]

I Miss Joan .

[@YeyazWyrd]

This interview is so funny and irreverent. I could watch an hour of this easy

[@puppylove422]

Hi Rupaul, it's, 2023!

[@sailingsam3815]

Great interview 😊

[@darkskinss]

Ru worked this interview. I love the 90s Ru. She was the Queen of Drag and Sass.