Trixie Mattel Takes a Break from Drag, Plans to Return at a Slower Pace

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Drag superstar Trixie Mattel, renowned for her wit and distinctive style, announced plans to step away from the spotlight for a “three or four month sabbatical” starting in July.

In an interview with Elle, Trixie shared her intentions to take a hiatus from drag and social media, emphasizing her need for a significant break.

Trixie Mattel, born Brian Michael Firkus, first gained widespread recognition as a contestant on the seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, where her unique blend of humor and doll-like aesthetic captivated audiences. While she placed sixth in that season, she returned triumphantly to win the third season of Drag Race All Stars, solidifying her status as a drag icon.

Trixie Mattel and Katya perform onstage during 'Trixie & Katya Live' at Radio City Music Hall on September 12, 2022 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: Trixie Mattel and Katya perform onstage during ‘Trixie & Katya Live’ at Radio City Music Hall on September 12, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Santiago Felipe/Getty Images)

Beyond her Drag Race successes, Trixie has built a multifaceted career. She has released four studio albums, headlined six successful tours, and hosted The Pit Stop for six seasons, offering insightful commentary on Drag Race episodes. Additionally, she founded Trixie Cosmetics, a makeup brand celebrated for its vibrant colors and playful packaging. Trixie’s influence extends beyond music and cosmetics; she has judged two seasons of Queen of the Universe and starred in her own docu-series, Trixie Motel.

Together with her comedy partner Katya Zamolodchikova, another Drag Race alum, Trixie co-hosts the wildly popular web series UNHhhh, which has garnered a devoted fanbase across its eight seasons. Their chemistry also translated into a successful podcast, The Bald and the Beautiful, where they discuss a range of topics with their trademark humor.

In her interview with Elle, Trixie reflected on her decision to take a break from drag and the intense schedule she’s maintained: “I’m probably not going to come back at the full speed of Trixie anymore. The Trixie we know, the Trixie that is on every YouTube video, on every show, and every TV show, I just can’t sustain that anymore.”

Acknowledging the toll her busy career has taken, she added, “This giant rat wheel that I’ve been running on, I need to pull back a lot.” Trixie expressed a desire for a more balanced life, mentioning aspirations for family and personal growth. Humorously, she noted, “I’ll probably grow a beard,” hinting at a departure from her signature look.

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Discussing her plans further on The Zach Sang Show, Trixie elaborated on her quest for a better work-life balance, admitting it’s a challenge she has yet to fully conquer. She expressed excitement about her upcoming trip to Alaska, a place she has never performed before, highlighting her curiosity about the local scene and a desire to explore new experiences during her hiatus.

While Trixie prepares for her break, fans can catch the latest season of her docu-series, Trixie Motel: Drag Me Home, which premiered on June 1 on Max. The series promises an intimate look into Trixie’s world as she navigates the complexities of fame and personal fulfillment.

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