The 47-year-old Cuban & Honduran American drag queen, comedian, actor and formerRuPaul’s Drag Racewinner, whose real name is Roy Haylock, has signed with CAA for representation.
Named on New York Magazine’s list of “most powerful drag queens in America,” Del Rio is best known as the winner of Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, when she was crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar.
As an actor, Del Rio starred in Matt Kugelman’s 2016 feature film Hurricane Bianca, and its sequel, 2018’s, Hurricane Bianca: From Russia With Hate. That same year, she published her first book, Blame It On Bianca Del Rio: The Expert on Nothing With An Opinion on Everything.
In 2019, she made her West End debut in the hit musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, where she played the role of Hugo/Loco Chanelle.
Del Rio made history during her 2019 “It’s a Jester Joke” tour, becoming the first drag queen to ever headline sold-out shows at both Wembley Arena in London and Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Last fall, she completed her fifth global stand-up comedy tour, Unsanitized, performing in 99 cities and 27 countries across five continents.
The 47-year-old Cuban and Honduran American drag queen, comedian, actor, costume designer and former RuPaul’s Drag Race winner will return for a third movie in the Hurricane Bianca franchise.
Del Rio, the stage name of Roy R. Haylock, will star alongside Willam Belli, Rachel Dratch, Thora Birch, Drag Racefan favorite Vanessa Vanjie Mateo and Doug Plaut.
Hurricane Bianca: The Roots of All Evil, which is due to shoot in early 2023, is written and directed by Matt Kugelman.
The film will see Richard Martinez (Del Rio) return home to Florida for his beloved grandmother’s funeral. There, he is lured back into a decades-old feud with his mother who owns a homophobic fast-food chain restaurant, and so decides to go undercover as Bianca Del Rio to put his mother out of business. With the help of his chosen family, he embarks on an adventure exposing corruption, confronting cults and healing relationships.
Tony nominee Dratch returns as the villainous Vice Principal Debbie Ward and Plaut reprises his role as Bianca’s ditzy friend, Rex. Birch will be playing the role of the mesmerizing cult leader, Mary. Vanjie (aka Miss Vanjie) is playing the role of Bianca’s cousin, Antonio. Former Drag Race contestant Belli returns as Bailey. Additional casting is underway.
The screenplay comes from Kugelman, Derek Hartley and Nicole Gemma.
Hurricane Bianca (which also starred Alan Cumming and RuPaul) and sequel Hurricane Bianca: From Russia With Hate(which also starred Wanda Sykes and Jeaneane Garofalo) both aired on Netflix.
“I’m so excited to be working with this dream team. Bianca is back! Willam is back! And I am elated to introduce Miss Vanjie into Bianca’s family. These are the funniest people I’ve ever met playing these incredibly lovable characters, and then we get to add the amazing Thora Birch into the mix as we’ve never seen her before: An eccentric villain! I cannot wait to share this adventure with the world!” said Kugelman.
“Hurricane Bianca fans around the world will be pleased with this hilarious and timely sequel that is both commercially viable and continually stays true to its core messaging and artistic integrity. Today’s audiences are ready to embrace films that bridge the gap between mainstream and LGBTQ markets. The late Ash Christian who produced the first two films, was always a champion of LGBTQ filmmakers and believed in Matt Kugelman’s vision and talent from day one. Ash will be deeply missed during this next journey and he is always with us in spirit,” commented producer Kimberly Montini of Cranium Entertainment.
“Audiences from all over the world will connect with this film, being a universal beacon of light for anyone facing adversity. As a big fan of Hurricane Bianca films, this new sequel raises the bar to new heights. We couldn’t be more excited to kickstart BLKBX Originals’ endeavors with a film people from all over can relate to with laughter at the heart of it all,” noted producer Frank Donner of BLKBX Originals.
The 45-year-old Cuban and Honduran American drag queen, comedian, actor, and costume designer, whose real name is Roy Haylock, will speak the tea regarding the top headlines for NewsBeat, from Politicon and executive producer Clay Aiken.
Del Rio, the winner of the sixth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, will appear alongside fellow Drag Race alum.
NewsBeat, which will also feature Lady Bunny, Lyle and Delta Work as correspondents, seeks to provide a serious daily news show for the next generation of viewers. The program will center around hard news headline, political analysis presented by West and Del Rio.
Each episode will highlight two or three top news stories of the day. A guest panel of political pundits will join the anchors via satellite to discuss the biggest stories. Each episode will also feature a pre-taped field package with one of the correspondents interviewing a major newsmaker or politician.
The pilot episode will feature interviews with James Carville, Touré and Scottie Nell-Hughes.
“Staying informed and knowing what’s actually going on in the country and the world is really important, but I, and so many people I know, finally just turned off the news over this past year. So we wanted to find a way to keep people really informed — give them important news and objective information — and still keep it entertaining and engaging,” Aiken said. “We wanted to make the news appointment TV again without needing to sensationalize it or scare or depress folks. NewsBeat is really about facts first, but it is also about making the news interesting again.”
The 29-year-old Mexican American drag performer and former RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant will team up with some of her fellow queens and Broadway celebrities to get out the vote for November’s presidential election.
Valentina and divas from the drag world and icons of the stage will come together for Divas For Democracy: United We Slay, a one-night-only variety show extravaganza promoting voter participation and key issues relating to the LGBTQIA+ community in the upcoming 2020 election.
Presented by the nonprofit voter engagement organization Drag Out the Vote and hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race star Nina West and Entertainment Tonight‘s Keltie Knight, Divas for Democracy: United We Slay features scores of talent who’ll sing and lip-synch through dazzling performances of theater classics and pop songs.
Special segments will highlight LGBTQIA+ activists in a nonpartisan effort to shine a light on community participation in the political process, including celebrity appearances by Tony winner Cyndi Lauper, Drag Race panelist Michelle Visage, Harvey Fierstein, James MonroeIglehart, Bianca Del Rio, Shangela, Cheyenne Jackson, Mila Jam, and Oscar-winning actress Allison Janney.
In addition to Valentina, other drag superstars slated to perform during the broadcast include Alaska, Jinkx Monsoon, Jujubee, Peppermint, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, Shuga Cain, Honey Davenport, and Drag Out the Vote’s national co-chairs Brita Filter, Marti Gould Cummings, and Pixie Aventura.
Broadway figures set to appear include legendary three-time Tony-winning actress Chita Rivera, as well as Tony winners Stephanie J. Block, Lea Salonga, Nikki M. James, Beth Leavel and Annaleigh Ashford. Also joining the program are stage stars Shoshana Bean, Eden Espinosa, Jenn Collela, Chilina Kennedy, Keala Settle, Tamika Lawrence, L Morgan Lee, and Our Lady J.
The presentation will be directed by Josh Rhodes and Lee Wilkins, whose joint careers include work choreographing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, First Date, It Shoulda Been You, and Bright Staron Broadway. Tony winner Stephen Oremus will serve as music supervisor.
“One in five LGBTQIA+ people is not registered to vote, and 100 million people did not vote in the 2016 election. We must fix this,” said Drag Out the Vote founder Jackie Huba in a press statement. “We are excited to bring together the worlds of Broadway and drag to inspire voters to sashay their way to the polls or their mailboxes.”
Divas for Democracy: United We Slay airs October 18 at 8:00 p.m. ET exclusively on StageIt. Tickets — available on a “donate-what-you-can” basis — go on sale Thursday at 10:00 a.m. ET at divasfordemocracy.com.
Tom Segurais bringing the jokes to the City of Angels…
The 40-year-old half-Peruvian American comedian is set to take part in Netflix’s Netflix is a Joke Fest, set forApril 27-May 3 in Los Angeles.
For one week, the streaming giant is partnering with Live Nationto bring more than 100 live shows and events to various venues in L.A. with recorded shows available on the platform later this year.
Netflix Is A Joke, Netflix’s comedy brand, will present the all-star fest that will include Segura, Cristela Alonzo, Ali Wong, Amy Schumer, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle, David Letterman, Jamie Foxx, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, Kevin Hart, Martin Lawrence, Sebastian Maniscalco, the cast of Schitt’s Creekand more.
The festival will include a special Latino-themed stand up showtitled Los Comediantes de Latinoamérica. The show will feature a who’s who of Latin American comedians. Special guests include Fabrizio Copano, Liss Pereira, Ricardo O’Farrill, and Ricardo Quevedo.
In addition, the fest will feature STAND OUT: An LGBTQ+ Celebration,putting the spotlight on LGBTQ+ comedic talent including Bianca del Rio, Wanda Sykes, Alan Carr, Hannah Gadsby, Margaret Cho, Rosie O’Donnelland Sandra Bernhard.
The fest will close on May 3 with the very first The Hall,a first-of-its-kind hall of fame honoring the greats of stand-up comedy. Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Chris Rock, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, Wanda Sykes and others will pay homage to and induct comedy legends George Carlin, Richard Pryor,Joan Riversand Robin Williamsinto The Hall. The Hall will be taped at the Ace Theaterin L.A. and stream in May.
The Hallwill have a physical home in a newly designed wing of the National Comedy Centerin Jamestown, New York.
“It’s our honor to transform LA for one week into the funniest place on earth,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix Chief Content Officer. “This festival is a unique celebration of the art of comedy, and the role it plays in reflecting our lives and defining culture. It’s a chance for comedy lovers to come together and see their favorite artists as well as discover new ones, and for us to be able to share the electricity and excitement of the festival in Los Angeles with Netflix members around the world.”
The festival will take place across over 20 venues in L.A. including the Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theatre, Hollywood Palladium, The Largo and others.
Read the complete list of live and recorded events and shows below.
THE THEATRE AT ACE HOTEL The Hall: Honoring the Greats of Stand-Up (recorded) The best comedians of today honoring the greatest stand-up comedians of all-time. With appearances by Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Chris Rock, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Silverman, & Wanda Sykes.
THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL Chappelle’s An evening of music and comedy featuring Dave Chappelle and very special guests.
THE GREEK STAND OUT: An LGBTQ+ celebration at The Greek Theatre (recorded) A Historic Celebration of the best in LGBTQ+ Comedy. Legends, headliners, and top emerging talent will share the same stage at The Greek Theatre for an unforgettable and unprecedented stand-up event with special guests and musical performances. Headliners include Alan Carr, Hannah Gadsby, Margaret Cho, Rosie O’Donnell, Sandra Bernhard and Wanda Sykes. Presenters include Demi Lovato, Graham Norton, Lily Tomlin, Ruby Rose. Featuring Bianca Del Rio, Fortune Feimster, Gina Yashere, Guy Branum, James Adomian, Joel Kim Booster, Judy Gold, Lea DeLaria, Mae Martin, Marsha Warfield, Matteo Lane, Patti Harrison, Rhea Butcher, Sam Jay, Scott Thompson, Solomon Georgio, Trixie Mattel and more. STAND OUT is produced by Page Hurwitz and Wanda Sykes for Push It Productions.
THE FONDA That’s My Time with David Letterman (recorded) Legendary late-night host David Letterman returns to his roots to showcase some of today’s finest stand up comedians to perform and then join him for a one-of-a-kind interview.
THE PALLADIUM Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Jamie Foxx (recorded) Megastar and Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx hosts this loaded lineup featuring some of his favorite comedians!
Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Amy Schumer (recorded) Movie star and powerhouse standup Amy Schumer hosts this epic night filled with some of Netflix’s hottest comedians!
Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Martin Lawrence (recorded) From Def Comedy Jam 25, superstar comedian Martin Lawrence returns to Netflix to host an evening of heavy hitting stand-up.
Netflix Is A Joke at The Palladium Hosted by Jane Fonda & Lily Tomlin (recorded) Comedy icons and Grace & Frankie stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin host an evening of top notch stand-up from an all-lady lineup.
THE WILTERN
Sebastian Maniscalcolive
Ali Wong: The Milk and MoneyTourlive
2 Bears, 1 Cave with Tom Segura & Bert Kreischer live podcast
The Degenerates Live Hosted by Jim Jefferies
The Degenerates is BACK and it’s LIVE. You loved the first two seasons of this no-holds-barred comedy show featuring the hottest rising stars of comedy. Now this crude and lewd show is hitting LA for a special Live edition hosted by Jim Jefferies featuring Big Jay Oakersen, Christina P, Ms. Pat, Robert Kelly and more.
Ronny Chieng live
Park Na-rae live
Ken Jeong live
Chelsea Handler live
THE ORPHEUM
Kevin Hart in Conversation – A moderated Q&A session with comedy superstar and business mogul Kevin Hart.
Iliza Shlesinger The Forever Tour
Schitt’s Creek: The Farewell Tour with Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O’Hara, Annie Murphy , Noah Reid, Emily Hampshire. Join Schitt’s Creek cast members for a live, interactive evening that promises to be fun and insightful while giving fans an insider’s look into the making of the series.
Jack Whitehall live
WILSHIRE EBELL
Mike Birbiglia live
Congratulations with Chris D’Elia live podcast
Michelle Wolf live
Middleditch & Schwartz improv live
PALACE
Norm Macdonald live
THE AVALON
Pete Davidson & Best Friends (recorded)
Pete Davidson and his friends are doing stand-up comedy for you and your friends.
Los Comediantes de Latinoamérica(recorded)
Los Comediantes de Latinoamérica is a loaded stand up show featuring a who’s who of Latin American comedians. Special guests include Fabrizio Copano, Liss Pereira, Ricardo O’Farrill, and Ricardo Quevedo.
The India All Star Show hosted by Vir Das (recorded)
The India All Star Show is jam packed with the best stand up comedians from India featuring performances in both Hindi and English. Special guests include: Aditi Mittal, Amit Tandon, Kanan Gill, Kaneez Surka, Kenny Sebastian, Prashasti Singh, and Sumukhi Suresh.
REGENT
Marlon Wayans live
Russell Howard live
Deon Cole live
Christina Pazsitzky live
Vir Das live
LARGO
Jacqueline Novak Get On Your Knees live
Jenny Slate live
Katherine Ryan live
Tom Papa & Fortune Feimster live
Whitney Cummings & Friends live
DYNASTY TYPEWRITER
Cristela Alonzo live
Taylor Tomlinson live
Catherine Cohen live
London Hughes live
Mo Gilligan live
The Endless Honeymoon with Moshe Kasher & Natasha Leggero live podcast
COMEDY UNION
The Arsenio Hall Comedy Showcase (recorded for SiriusXM)
Arsenio Hall presents a lineup of the funniest comedians in LA at the legendary Comedy Union.
IMPROV
Whindersson Nunes & Friends live
They Ready Live live
Luenell live
IMPROV LAB AND IMPROV LAB
Janelle James & Friends live
Trevor Wilson live
Pat live
LAUGH FACTORY
Best of Canada live
THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL
Tim Dillon live
Chad Goes Deep “Going Deep” live podcast
THE BELASCO
Felipe Esparza live
DETAILS FORTHCOMING
Bumping Mics with Jeff Ross & Dave Attell Season 2 (recorded)
Best buds Jeff Ross and Dave Attell are bringing their uncut savagery for an all new season of Bumping Mics. Inviting friends and special guests from all over comedy to hang, riff and roast one another. No mic will go un-bumped.
The 40-year-old Cuban/Honduran American actor, insult comedian, costume designer and drag queen, who won the sixth season ofRuPaul’s Drag Race, will star in Vimeo’s first original stand-up special.
Del Rio’s Rolodex Of Hate Comedy Special: Live From Austin will premiere this winter exclusively on Vimeo On Demand.
Del Rio is executive producing her Rolodex of Hate Comedy Special alongside David Charpentier and Jacob Slane for Producer Entertainment Group.
Del Rio, the first Hispanic winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race, remains the only contestant in the history of the series to make it through the entire competition without ever placing low or in the bottom of a challenge.
Named on New York Magazine’s list of “most powerful drag queens in America,” Del Rio is best known as the winner of Season 6 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, when she was crowned America’s Next Drag Superstar.
