In both the 1954 and 1976 versions of A Star Is Born, the eponymous star was discovered singing in a nightclub. In the version hitting theaters this Friday, directed by Bradley Cooper, the same is true — except this time, the titular star is none other than Lady Gaga, the international pop sensation who has dedicated a huge part of her career to fighting for LGBTQ+ rights. So it was only fitting that when her character Ally was discovered, it wasn’t in just any nightclub — of course, Ally is discovered in a gay bar, doing a live rendition of “La Vie En Rose” on drag night.
Of course, as is typical for most drag nights, someone needs to be on the mic between performances to keep the energy alive. In A Star Is Born, this character, an unnamed emcee, is played by D.J. Pierce — better known as Shangela Laquifa Wadley from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Fans of the queen are already familiar with her natural charisma, but the All Stars 3 runner-up is excited to be seen by an even bigger audience in A Star Is Born. (In the film, she even manages to slip in a mention of her trademark word “professional” for the perfect branding opportunity).
During a rare break from the queen’s ongoing 170-city “Shangela Is Shook” Tour, the All Star of my heart found some time to hop on the phone to talk about her experience filming A Star Is Born, her opinion on how the movie portrays the inner workings of a drag bar, and what she will do if she doesn’t receive an invitation to the Academy Awards.
Now that we’re so close to the worldwide premiere of A Star Is Born, how are you feeling?
I can’t even wrap my head around it. I finally saw the film at the London premiere last Thursday. I was really excited anyway because I brought my mom, and I could say, “Look, mama, that’s me!” But the film itself was also just so good. It’s so gripping. The performances are amazing. I just can’t believe this. I’m so excited for more people to be able to visualize it.
How was the London premiere? Was that your first Hollywood-level red carpet?
Well, you have to remember: The doll is originally from Paris, Texas, okay? I grew up next to the railroad tracks watching planes go over my grandmother’s house, thinking, “Well, one day I’ll be on one of them!” And now, to be at the London premiere, on the red carpet, next to great people and amazing talents like Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper, it really… I just felt like Cinderella at the ball. Don’t let it be midnight, honey!
How were you cast for this role?
Well, actually, I missed the first audition. They were calling for one of the drag roles in the film, which was a Marilyn Monroe impersonator. I was like… well, honey, no matter how much I stay out the sun, I ain’t ever going to look exactly like Marilyn Monroe. So I just thought this job probably wasn’t for me. No tea. But then, a couple weeks later, I got an email from Lady Gaga’s camp. They were like, “LG heard you didn’t come in for the audition. She wanted to know why and would really like you to come in for this role.” You know, if Lady Gaga asks, you respond! So I immediately found the nearest blonde wig and white dress, and I went in there with my little beauty mark. Afterwards, they said, “The casting [directors] really liked you and they figured that, better than this drag lip sync role, they want to give you a bigger role that has dialogue, where the character is more developed.” And that’s how I got cast as the drag bar emcee.
Did you have any input into the dialogue? That entire scene seems so authentic and I’m curious if you suggested some of the shady one-liners or if the writers just really got it.
I do have to applaud the writers on this film, because they did a great job with this script. We had great lines written. But Bradley is an awesome director and allowed us to improvise some. You know I had to put my “professional” in there, honey!
That’s exactly what I was referencing! I saw that brilliant branding moment and figured you had to have been behind it. Seemed like more than pure coincidence.
I did, honey! And you never know what’s going to make the final cut, so I’m glad it did. Bradley really let us go there and gave us permission to explore the character and just have fun with it. It comes across as very authentic because it is. They cast real drag queens in this film, but they cast drag queens who are also actors. Willam and I both have been working in television and film for a number of years, so the fact that they trusted us with this role was really awesome. And you’re exactly right — this film doesn’t treat the drag scene and the inclusion of the drag bar like a punchline. It’s just a slice of life. I love how Jackson just happens to pop in this bar, and it’s not one of those things that’s like, “Oh, what’s this? Oh, this man has a tuck!” It’s more just like, “Oh, this is a gay bar. Okay.” And, “Oh, there’s a show. Alright.” It’s just a part of life. And it’s a part of a lot of people’s experiences, but we don’t often get to see that in major films with releases like this. So I couldn’t be more proud of this film and to be a part of it.
In the film, Ally is introduced as the only cis woman allowed to perform in this gay bar, as well as the only one allowed to sing live, and it’s credited to the fact that the queens just really love and support her so much. Do you think that’s true to the culture of drag bars today?
I think it actually is representative of a big part of where we are right now. The drag bar scene has become so diverse with the people that go there, especially for women. It’s been like this for a while, but a lot of straight women go to gay bars. They love it! Even in the backroom, there are female performers getting ready on drag nights. They’re not as well-known as the drag performers and the transgender performers in the clubs, but there are straight women that perform in drag shows. And there are drag kings as well. So it’s really cool that that part of our culture got featured in a film.
When you think about a drag bar, for me, the root of it all is community, family, and love. And that’s a big part of the relationship between my character, the drag bar owner, and Ally, who’s like my drag daughter. You can even hear it when I introduce her, like, “She used to be a server here. We love her in the show.”
It reminds me of when I was 18. The first place that I went when I came out was a gay bar because I was finally old enough, and could go there and be flamboyant and fabulous. I could twirl and wear my little tight leather pants and not feel ostracized. I think that Ally, her character outside of our drag bar world at the time, feels that she doesn’t necessarily fit in — whether that’s because of her looks, or how rough the industry is, etcetera. But we give her a home, and she’s one of ours, and that’s indicative of a lot of the things that happen in our world.
What has been the most rewarding part of this entire experience?
Definitely having that moment of sitting in the movie theater in London with my mom, who has been with me not only from the beginning of Shangela, but from the beginning of D.J. To have that moment, with her seeing me on the screen, and being able to witness the red carpet and that whole world. Even at the after-party, Lady Gaga was so kind about how I was in the film, and gave my mom this big hug. She said, “You must be so proud of him,” and my mom said, “I’m very proud of him.” Honey, that’s a moment I had to write about in my journal because I didn’t want to forget it!
What was the most difficult part?
The toughest part of doing it? Well, I work as an actor. I always call myself “Shangela, the Professional,” so I really prepared for the role. But being handpicked by Lady Gaga is almost like being brought back to RuPaul’s Drag Race by RuPaul. You’re like, I don’t want to let this person down. I just didn’t want to let someone down that has put their faith in me and stood up for me. So I wanted to make sure that I did an even better job than I would normally do. I wanted to do even more. I think the toughest thing was just owning up and saying to myself, “Shangela, you’re gonna be fine! You’re gonna do great, girl!” But I really wanted to just be the best I could be because they had put such faith in me for this role.
The other hard thing to do was to shut up! When you’ve got Lady Gaga around you and they’re switching cameras and you get a little moment, I was always like, Ooooh Shangela, entertain the diva! Tell her a funny story! I was just going, girl! But she was laughing. She was so much fun on set. That’s another thing about Gaga — she is so authentic, genuine, and honest. You talk to her for thirty seconds and think, ooh, this is my best friend! But then you realize you don’t have her cell number and you’re like… okay, maybe not my best friend.
I’m sure you’ve been hearing about the Oscar buzz surrounding the film. Is that an exciting prospect for you?
Oh my god. I’m getting my gown made now, just in case! A couple gowns! I told them already. I said, “Honey, listen. If we get nominated for an Oscar...” and I hope we do so much because they deserve it. Bradley and Gaga are such powerhouses in this film. But I said, “If I don’t get an invitation, don’t worry. I’m going to make it.” Even if I have to be the restroom attendant! I’ll be handing out mints in my gown. I’m going to find a way in. Honey, I’m a drag queen. And who says no to the queen?
Interview has been condensed and edited for length.
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