RuPaul’s Drag Race is an Emmy-winning reality show where multiple divas show off their talents to see who will win the race.
There have been 12 seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race (the 12th season concluded on May 29, 2020) and the show is responsible for several contestant’s careers, such as Raven.
Raven is one of the most beloved contestants, an absolute fan favorite. Raven, whose real name is David Petruschin, competed in both Season 2 and All Stars Season 1.
For those who love All Stars, the 5th season launched a few days ago on June 5, 2020.
Even though Raven was the runner-up on both seasons, fans fell in love with Raven’s wittiness and amazing performances.
Facts About Raven the Drag Queen
Are you a fan of Raven the drag queen, like I am? Regardless, I bet you don’t know all 10 of these little-known Raven facts.
1. Raven Was a Boy Scout Until 12 Years Old
Can you picture Raven looking fabulous while camping out with his Boy Scout troop? I hope that’s what happened. Over the years, the Boy Scouts of America has lifted its bans on gay and transgender boys, gaining praise among the LGBTQ community.
Raven’s childhood is even more interesting than you think. Raven was born on April 8, 1979 in Victorville, California, and is of Russian ancestry.
Raven is the first of five children.
Before their drag career, Raven worked as a MAC consultant, a freelance makeup artist, and a gogo boy.
2. Raven Has a Red Belt in Taekwondo
“I like to be that mysterious, dark, ice queen. I think I have a look that people might be a little intimidated by.”
Hey Raven, are people intimidated by your mysterious look? Or are they intimidated by that red belt in taekwondo?
Taekwondo is a martial art that is characterized by its use of the hands and feet as weapons and for self-defense. Translated from Korean, taekwondo means “the way of the foot and fist.”
In case you didn’t know, the red belt is the rank right before a first-degree black belt. So Raven isn’t a novice. We’re just shocked they didn’t strike and kick their way into first place both seasons.
3. Raven Performed in Front of Liza Minnelli
Just because Raven was RuPaul’s “runner up” doesn’t mean Raven isn’t a winner. The fact that Raven performed in front of Liza Minnelli is amazing.
Raven’s biggest influences are Courtney Love, Madonna, Terri Nunn, and Debbie Harry. I’m surprised Liza Minnelli isn’t on this list!
Liza Minnelli is a singer and actress, famous for her powerful voice and her appearance in several films such as Cabaret and Arthur.
4. Raven Is Obsessed With The Golden Girls
Raven loves The Golden Girls. And, who doesn’t love The Golden Girls?
The show is about four older women who are divorced/widowed and are all roommates.
The show stars Betty White, Beatrice Arthur, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty. All four actresses won Emmy’s for their performance. After 35 years, the show is hilarious and brings viewers joy — including Raven.
There was even a challenge that featured The Golden Girls as judges.
5. Raven Was in a K-Mart Commercial
“Am I a 10? A perfect 10!”
Yes, Raven, you’re a perfect 10. Especially in those Route 66 jeans! When they were 18, Raven was in a K-Mart commercial, promoting Route 66 jeans.
Route 66 is a clothing retailer based in New Zealand. They’re famous for their diverse selection of jeans as well as other stylish clothes. Their look is inspired by vintage America.
Because of the namesake, the brand features road-inspired imagery such as highway signs and petrol stations.
6. Raven Is RuPaul’s Makeup Artist
Raven is RuPaul’s personal makeup artist for RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Raven started doing makeup for RuPaul after former makeup artist Mathu Andersen quit as filming for Season 9 of Drag Race was slated to begin. Raven is also the creative producer for the show.
Impressively, Raven was nominated for an Emmy for “Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Makeup for a Multi-Camera Series or Special (Non-Prosthetic)” for RuPaul’s makeup in Season 10.
7. Raven Loves to Cook
Except Raven also says they’re not a good cook.
Raven was one of the drag stars on the cooking channel Drag My Dinner Party. Raven was joined with their BFF Jujubee, who’s the only one on the team who can really cook, and Manila, who is just fabulous.
The team paired up to help Mike, who wanted to surprise his Peruvian-born girlfriend with an amazing and nutritious dinner. Jujubee whipped up a special ceviche dish and many Peruvian classics.
8. Raven and High School Boyfriend Won the Most Memorable Couple
Awwww! Raven has a soft side. In their graduating class of 1997, Raven and his high school sweetheart were the most memorable couple at their high school.
Is Raven still with the most memorable beau? Raven ditched him for an even more memorable diva — Martin. Martin also does drag. Occasionally, you’ll see Raven and Martin be fabulous together.
For example, on one episode of Fashion Photo RuView, Martin fills in for Raja when they couldn’t make it for an episode.
9. Raven Gets Scared Easily
Raven gets scared easily. But do they really? Certainly not when Raven was feuding with Tatianna (but they’re friends now). Raven said some pretty savage things to Tatianna, such as “she looks like a 99¢ store mess.”
Aside from the Drag Race feuds, Raven is truly fearless.
Raven didn’t settle for a traditional drag career. Instead, Raven became a superstar. They get on stage and perform hilarious stand-up, lip-sync like no one else, and travel the world.
10. Raven Loves Color Palettes
As an adult, Raven still loves to color in coloring books. Does Raven’s love of coloring come from childhood?
Well, Raven did become interested in makeup artistry by watching their mom apply makeup (and maybe coloring had something to do with it).
Raven also earned their chops by working as a MAC consultant and freelance makeup artist before becoming RuPaul’s personal makeup artist.
Raven the Drag Queen, a Fan Favorite
Can’t resist Raven the drag queen? Neither can I. Raven is not only confident but embodies how to be yourself and not care what others think. That skill isn’t easy to develop.
Who is your favorite among Rupaul’s queens? Let me know in the comments below.