Who is Alexis Mateo?
Alexis Mateo is a renowned drag queen who captured the hearts of millions with her unforgettable performances on the hit reality television series, RuPaul’s Drag Race, and the spin-offs Drag U and Rupauls Drag Race: All Stars. Known for her talent, humor, and dedication to her craft, Alexis Mateo has solidified her status as a true icon in the drag world. She is a common name in the pageant world, and is the drag mother of season 10/season 11 Drag Race contestant Vanessa Vanjie Mateo. In this article, we will explore her background, her time on Drag Race, and her impact on the drag community.
Early Life and Beginnings in Drag
Born Alexis Mateo Pacheco on July 24, 1979, in Puerto Rico, Alexis Mateo’s journey into the world of drag began at a young age. As a child, Alexis was fascinated by fashion design, and makeup. Her passion for performing arts led her to join a dance group, where she honed her skills in dance and choreography.
In 2001, Alexis Mateo moved to Orlando, Florida in search of greater opportunities. Alexis worked as a Disney World Dancer/Character Actor and started their drag career around 2006. Once Alexis’s drag career started, she was very active in the pageant world, winning multiple titles including, All American Goddess, and Miss Gay USofA; she later auditioned for RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2011.
Alexis Mateo’s career reached new heights when she was cast on the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a reality television competition where drag queens from across the United States compete in various challenges to showcase their skills, creativity, and personality. Hosted by drag superstar RuPaul, the show provided Alexis Mateo with a platform to share her talent and passion for drag with a global audience.
Throughout the competition, Alexis Mateo excelled in various challenges, including comedy, acting, and fashion. Her exceptional performances, combined with her warm personality and dedication to her craft, made her a fan favorite and earned her a spot in the top three. Alexis won 3 maxi challenges, but also lip-synced 3 times, before being eliminated in the top 3 of the season. She is best known for her catchphrases “BAM!” (season 3), and “Acting a Fool” (All Stars 1).
In addition to her time on season three, Alexis Mateo returned to the Drag Race franchise for Drag U as a professor, All Stars 1 (where she won 1 maxi challenge), and All Stars 5 (placing 5th). Her performances on All Stars further solidified her status as a true icon in the drag community.
Post-Drag Race Career
Since her time on RuPaul’s Drag Race, Alexis Mateo has continued to dazzle audiences with her performances at various drag shows, events, and Pride celebrations around the world. Her signature catchphrase, “BAM!”, has become synonymous with her brand and is often echoed by fans and fellow drag queens alike.
Alexis Mateo has also ventured into various forms of media, including web series, podcasts, and social media. Her YouTube channel features makeup tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with other drag queens, providing fans with a glimpse into her life and creative process.
In addition to her work as a performer, Alexis Mateo is a talented costume designer and has created stunning outfits for fellow drag queens. Alexis Mateo has also been featured in the Netflix TV show AJ & The Queen, was a lip-sync assassin on Drag Race All Stars 6, performed in Katy Perry’s Vegas Residency PLAY, was a guest judge on Drag Race Espania season 2, and performed with Miley Cyrus at the 2015 VMA’s.
Advocacy and Impact on the Drag Community
Alexis Mateo has used her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, raising awareness about various issues that impact the community, such as mental health, substance abuse, and discrimination. As a proud Puerto Rican drag queen, she has also been vocal about the importance of representation and inclusivity within the drag community and the entertainment industry as a whole.
Alexis Mateo has been active in AIDS awareness. She was a part of Gilead Sciences, alongside other Drag Race alum – a fashion show where the money used to buy the show’s finished pieces went towards AIDS research.
In addition to her advocacy work, Alexis Mateo is known for her philanthropy and dedication to giving back to the community. She has hosted and participated in numerous charity events and fundraisers, using her fame and influence to support causes that are near and dear to her heart.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Alexis Mateo has undeniably left a lasting impact on the world of drag and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Her talent, charisma, and dedication to her craft have inspired countless aspiring drag queens to pursue their dreams and break barriers within the industry.
Looking ahead, Alexis Mateo shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to tour and perform at events around the world, delighting audiences with her high-energy performances, stunning looks, and infectious personality. In addition, Alexis Mateo has expressed interest in expanding her reach within the entertainment industry, potentially exploring opportunities in television, film, and fashion. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada as a regular performer at Piranha Nightclub.
As a mentor and mother figure to many younger drag queens, Alexis Mateo’s legacy extends beyond her own accomplishments. Her guidance and support have helped shape the careers of numerous performers, further solidifying her status as a true icon within the drag community.
Summary
Alexis Mateo is a fierce and talented drag queen who rose to fame on the popular reality television series, RuPaul’s Drag Race. With her exceptional performances, warm personality, and dedication to her craft, she quickly became a fan-favorite and a prominent figure within the drag community. Since her time on the show, Alexis Mateo has continued to perform, collaborate with other artists, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Her impact and influence have made her an inspiration to many, and she remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of drag. As Alexis Mateo continues to break boundaries and forge her own path, her legacy will undoubtedly continue to grow and inspire future generations of drag performers and LGBTQ+ individuals alike.