Born in New Jersey in 1968, Michelle Visage is a judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race and has won three Emmy awards as a producer of the show. In the 80s she was part of vocal trio Seduction and reached the top of the dance charts as part of the R&B group the S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M. She appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015 and on 2019’s Strictly Come Dancing. Her BBC Radio 2 show is on Fridays from 7-9pm and her Fabulous New Year Party is on 31 December, 10pm-1am. Michelle Visage’s Rule Breakers is available now on BBC Sounds.
1. Film
Elvis (dir Baz Luhrmann, 2022)
If I was doing a life story about myself, I would want Baz Luhrmann to direct it, because of his use of colours, his vision, his over-the-topness. But I was scared to see this film. I thought: “Who is going to be able to play Elvis? This is not going to work.” But it was a triumph. Austin Butler killed it as Elvis – he was there, I was with him, I believed it. The transition from the young heart-throb Elvis into bozo Vegas Elvis was seamless and brilliantly done. I was floored the whole way through. I can’t talk enough about it.
2. Audiobook
Hello, Molly! A Memoir by Molly Shannon
Molly Shannon started out on Saturday Night Live and has done a lot of movies. But what’s brilliant about this book, which she voices, is she has led a life that is almost unbelievable. Her mother and sister died in a car accident when she was very young, and she was barely raised by her father, who was this crazy hippy. She would be doing everything that she shouldn’t be doing, like getting on planes by herself. She’s someone who, against all odds, was able to achieve her dream. It’s an incredible ride.
3. Podcast
Table Manners With Jessie and Lennie Ware
I’ve done the show and had a wonderful experience: you go to their house, and it’s a Jewish family that welcomes you into their kitchen. I have every food allergy known to man, yet Jessie’s mom Lennie went out of her way to make this delicious sweet potato casserole. My mom passed away 25 years ago, so for me, I felt my Jewish mother in Jessie’s mother. I felt the warmth. And that’s how they talk on their podcast, they talk like regular people. The podcasts I listen to have that air of authenticity.
4. TV
Somebody Somewhere (HBO/Sky and Now TV)
Bridget Everett, who is a cabaret legend in New York City, stars in this story about a girl who goes back to small-town Kansas because her sister died. Her family is so dysfunctional – mother’s an alcoholic, father’s an enabler – but they’re very close. She has a horrible relationship with her sister, and they never really mourned a second sister who died. It is so deep and so heartfelt, yet you don’t feel the depth of it, because it’s so charming. Bridget’s performance is amazing, and Jeff Hiller, who plays the gay best friend, steals the show. I want to be friends with him.
5. Restaurant
It’s very difficult for me to eat out now because of my allergies, but this was always my go-to place. I think when people hear of vegan food they roll their eyes and think of rabbit food. But vegan food can be gourmet. What I like about Mildreds is, every single thing you get has flavour bursting in your mouth. It’s unbelievable. The Sri Lankan curry used to be my favourite – it’s delicious. The restaurant is very cosy – like a little house, almost. The seats go fast: there’s always a wait so I recommend going early.
6. Book
Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living Your Dreams by Mike Dooley
I was given a copy of this book by Drag Race judge and actor Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, because we’re spiritual that way. It’s about manifesting and taking control of your life. And what I like about it is it doesn’t feel so mystical and out there – it breaks it down for people who struggle, like me, with calming your brain. The main takeaway is that you shouldn’t manifest for more than five minutes a day, but give it all your focus. Surely everybody’s got five minutes. Even in the bathtub.
