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Chad Michaels
Chad Michaels
Chad Michaels
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Chad Michael Storbeck, known professionally as Chad Michaels (born March 20, 1971), is an American drag performer and professional Cher impersonator. He was a runner-up in the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the winner of the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. In 2013, he released "Tragic Girl", his debut single and music video.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Michaels was born Chad Michael Storbeck to former high school football player Jerry Michael Storbeck of Aurelia, Iowa, and salon worker Linda Storbeck Olson of Encinitas, California,[2] at Arcadia Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, California, on March 20, 1971. His parents graduated from Pasadena High School and Aurelia High School, respectively, and wed in 1968.[2] They resided in Olivenhain, Encinitas, California, at the time of his birth before they moved to Los Angeles, and then again to San Diego, where he was raised.[3][1] He originally went by the drag name "Brigitte Love." Michaels chose to perform under his own name after working at "An Evening at La Cage" in Las Vegas, which required the drag queens to use masculine stage names.[3] Michaels is married to Adam Magee.[4]

Career

[edit]
Michaels is well known for impersonating Cher.

Michaels began his career as a celebrity impersonator, being especially known for his Cher impressions.

After his run on Drag Race, Chad continued to perform as Cher.[5]

Michaels produces and performs with the Dreamgirls Revue, a drag show in California.[6] Performers in the Dreamgirls Revue have included RuPaul's Drag Race contestants Delta Work, Raven, Detox, Morgan McMichaels, Raja, Shannel, and Venus D-Lite.[7]

Morgan McMichaels is Michaels' drag daughter.[8]

Michaels started touring with Farrah Moan in 2019 for the Burlesque tour, based on the 2010 film of the same name starring Cher and Christina Aguilera.[9]

In 2010, Michaels competed in the first California Entertainer of the Year pageant, becoming first alternate to winner Shangela.[10]

RuPaul's Drag Race

[edit]

Season 4

[edit]

In 2011, Michaels was announced as one of the 13 queens competing on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012.

The season began with a design challenge, which Michaels performed adequately in, but the episode 2, Chad won his first challenge alongside Madame LaQueer, the "WTF!: Wrestling's Trashiest Fighters", where the contestants had to play wrestlers. Chad continued performing well, getting good critiques for the advertisement challenge in episode 3 and the acting challenge in episode 4.

Chad won his second challenge in Episode 5, the Snatch Game, where he impersonated Cher. His performance has been regarded as one of the best performances in the challenge's history.[11] Chad performed solidly in the remaining challenges, not winning any but doing well enough to be safe. This ended in episode 11, where Chad performed poorly in a ball challenge and was put into the bottom two against Latrice Royale. The two lip-synced to "No One Else on Earth" by Wynona Judd. Latrice was eliminated, and Chad won and gained a spot in the finale.

Michaels impersonating Cher in Austin, Texas.

At the grand finale, it was revealed that Chad had lost the season to Sharon Needles, tying for second with Phi Phi O'Hara.

All Stars 1

[edit]

Shortly after his run on season 4, Chad was announced as a contestant on the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.[12]

During the season, a twist was incorporated where the twelve contestants had to pair up with a fellow contestant to run the season with. Chad picked season 1 contestant, Shannel and the pair were given the name "Team Shad". The first challenge was a photo shoot where contestants had to take "half-baked" and "opposites attract" photos. Shad performed weakly, landing in the bottom two in episode 1 beside Team Mandora (Mimi Imfurst and Pandora Boxx). Chad lip-synced against Mimi to Opposites Attract by Paula Abdul and won, sending Mimi and Pandora home first.

In episode 2, team Shad survived the "gaff-in" challenge, followed by the team winning all three of the final challenges in episodes 3, 4, and 5, a pranks challenge, girl group/makeover challenge, and a ball challenge, which took both Chad and Shannel to the final 4.

In the finale, Shannel and Jujubee were eliminated, leaving Chad and season 2 finalist, Raven as the final two. After they lip-synced to Responsitrannity by RuPaul, it was announced that Chad had won All Stars 1. This secured his spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.

Discography

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Year Song Ref
2013 "Tragic Girl" [13]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2011 Bamboo Shark Cher [14]
2021 The Bitch Who Stole Christmas Cher [15]
TBA Maybe This Time Stephen Pre-production [16][17]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2002 MADtv Cher impersonator at gay bar Season 7, Episode 15
2003 E! True Hollywood Story: Cher Himself
2007 Women's Murder Club Glenn Whitney Episode 9: "To Drag and to Hold"
2009 Kath & Kim Cher Episode 16: "Bachelorette" [18]
2011 Top Gear Cher impersonator Series 17, Episode 3
2012–24 RuPaul's Drag Race Himself Contestant (Season 4) – Runner-Up
Guest Star (Season 8, Episode 1: "Keeping It 100!")
Guest Star (Season 10, Episode 1 and 8)
Guest Star (Season 16, Episode 8: "Snatch Game") 		[19]
2012 RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked
NewNowNext Awards
RuPaul's Drag U
2012–19 RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Contestant (Season 1) - Winner
Guest Star (Seasons 2–4) 		[20]
2015 Jane the Virgin Cher impersonator [21]
2 Broke Girls [22]
2019 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Cher Guest [23]
2020 AJ and the Queen Brian Gerrity/Cher Guest appearance [24]

Music Videos

[edit]
Year Title Artist Ref.
2012 "Glamazon" RuPaul [25]
2013 "Woman's World" (Remix) Cher [26]
"Tragic Girl" Chad Michaels & Liquid360 [27]

Web series

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2013 WOW Shopping Network Herself Guest [28]
Ring My Bell [29]
RuPaul Drives [30]
Transformations [31]
It Gets Better [32]
2014-2016 Cher Tweets Host [33]
2014 Raja Drawja Guest [34]
Bestie$ For Ca$h Guest, with Morgan McMichaels [35]
2016 Eat It! Guest [36]
2018 The Pit Stop Episode: "A Jury of Their Queers" [37]
2020 The Vivienne Takes Hollywood Guest [38]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Chad Michaels

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Chad Michaels (born Chad Michael Storbeck; March 20, 1971) is an American drag performer and professional celebrity impersonator specializing in portrayals of Cher. Michaels began his career over two decades ago, building a reputation through live performances that meticulously replicate Cher's appearance, voice, and mannerisms, earning international acclaim for authenticity. His breakthrough in mainstream drag competition came as runner-up on the fourth season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2012, followed by victory in the inaugural season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars later that year, solidifying his status within the drag community. Beyond television, he has performed on platforms such as The Talk, including a notable appearance impersonating Cher in the presence of the icon herself. Michaels continues to tour as a headlining act, leveraging his Cher tribute to draw audiences seeking high-fidelity entertainment.

Early Life

Upbringing and Initial Influences

Chad Michael Storbeck was born on March 20, 1971, in the Los Angeles area of California to Jerry Michael Storbeck, a former high school football player from Aurelia, Iowa, and Linda Storbeck Olson, a salon worker. The family relocated to the San Diego region, where Storbeck spent much of his formative years. His parents divorced when he was 15, after which he was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother in a household centered around women. As a child of the 1970s, Storbeck's early environment included frequent exposure to his parents' viewing of The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, which aired regularly on television and featured Cher's musical performances. Songs such as "I Got You Babe" and "The Beat Goes On" played often in the home, embedding these tracks in his childhood soundscape. He also grew up listening to recordings by female artists including Cher, Madonna, and Barbra Streisand. Storbeck developed an obsession with from an early age, reflecting an initial draw to the performative and vocal elements of icons. These household influences—rooted in familial and audio exposure—provided the cultural backdrop for his developing appreciation of artistry and techniques, distinct from later professional pursuits.

Pre-Drag Race Career

Development as a Performer

Chad Michaels began his entry into drag performance in San Diego, California, during the late 1980s, initially encountering the local scene while employed as a bartender in a nightclub following junior college. In 1986, he was introduced to structured drag entertainment through The Dreamgirls Revue in the Hillcrest neighborhood, where he connected with mentor and "drag mother" Hunter, who guided his foundational steps. By 1993, Michaels had joined The Dreamgirls Revue as a performer, staging shows in San Diego venues and expanding to West Hollywood, marking his transition from observer to active participant in regional drag circuits. Early gigs focused on general drag acts in local bars and clubs, building audience recognition through consistent appearances that emphasized technical proficiency in stage presence and basic impersonation of pop culture figures. Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, Michaels dedicated over two decades to refining his craft prior to national exposure, progressing from hobbyist performances to professional commitments that involved iterative practice in costume assembly, makeup application, and vocal modulation for character embodiment. This period established regional acclaim in the U.S. West Coast drag community, particularly San Diego's club scene, where sustained gigs at establishments like those hosting Dreamgirls honed his ability to replicate celebrity mannerisms as a core skill set.

Rise as Cher Impersonator

Chad Michaels specialized in Cher impersonation starting in the mid-1990s, establishing it as the foundation of his performance career through meticulous replication of the singer's vocal timbre, stage presence, and visual style. Cher's sustained popularity, fueled by decades-spanning hits like "Believe" from 1998 and her Las Vegas residencies, created strong market demand for tribute acts that captured her essence without original material. By the 2000s, Michaels' act gained significant traction, leading to regular bookings in entertainment hubs and international venues where audiences sought authentic recreations of Cher's performances. His rise was marked by technical accuracy that distinguished him among impersonators, including live singing in Cher's contralto range and costume fidelity, which built a dedicated fanbase prioritizing precision over innovation. Notable pre-2012 achievements included Las Vegas residencies and collaborations with high-profile events, contributing to his reputation as a premier tribute artist and generating steady income from repeat engagements rather than diverse drag formats. This focus on faithful mimicry yielded economic stability, with performances drawing crowds enticed by the illusion of experiencing Cher's iconic shows at accessible prices. The impersonation's acclaim extended to endorsements from herself by 2012, validating Michaels' prowess and enhancing his marketability, though his core success stemmed from audience validation through sold-out shows worldwide. This specialization positioned him as a commercial success in the niche of celebrity , where Cher's timeless appeal ensured ongoing viability.

RuPaul's Drag Race Participation

Season 4 Performance

Chad Michaels entered RuPaul's Drag Race Season 4 as an experienced performer specializing in Cher impersonation, with prior appearances including The Jay Leno Show. The season premiered on January 30, 2012. Early episodes saw Michaels perform adequately in a design challenge and secure a maxi-challenge win in Episode 2 alongside teammates. Judges frequently praised her polished presentation and professionalism, though she avoided the bottom placements until later. In Episode 5's Snatch Game, Michaels won the maxi-challenge portraying Cher, earning acclaim for quick costume changes and character commitment, with judges highlighting her as a standout. She also triumphed in a lip-sync against Latrice Royale in Episode 11's "Fabulous B*tch Ball" to Wynonna Judd's "No One Else on Earth," advancing after negative critiques in the dog-themed runway. Contemporary viewer discussions noted her consistent elegance but debated her reliance on the Cher persona as potentially limiting versatility. Behind-the-scenes, an unaired confrontation occurred with Phi Phi O'Hara during extra wig preparation time, escalating when O'Hara mocked Michaels' Leno appearance as "a joke," prompting Michaels to defend her credentials; participants later described it as rivaling on-air tensions like the Party City incident. Michaels reached the finale as one of three remaining contestants, lip-syncing against O'Hara and Sharon Needles, but placed as runner-up to Needles on April 30, 2012.

All Stars 1 Victory

Chad Michaels returned for the first season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which aired in 2012, seeking redemption after placing as runner-up in Season 4 to Sharon Needles amid fan debates over the outcome favoring performance style over polished impersonation. She was paired with Shannel to form "Team Shad" in the season's distinctive team-based format, where duos competed collaboratively across challenges and shared elimination risks via lip-sync duels. This setup emphasized partnership synergy, with teams selected by production and featuring mechanics like "lip-sync assassins" who could save or eliminate based on performance votes. Team Shad excelled in multiple maxi challenges, securing three wins that showcased Michaels' precise Cher impersonation techniques—such as vocal mimicry and costuming accuracy—over more conceptual or comedic entries from rivals like Team Rujubee (Raven and Jujubee). Critiques from judges, including guest panelists, frequently praised the duo's polished execution in tasks like group performances and design elements, attributing their edge to Michaels' established performer metrics rather than popularity polls or alliances. The format's team reliance drew retrospective commentary on potential production favoritism in pairings, as noted in entertainment analyses, though outcomes aligned with on-screen challenge results without verified interference. In the November 26, 2012 finale, Michaels outlasted remaining competitors, including runner-up Raven, through a crowning lip-sync, earning the $100,000 cash prize from Alibris and induction as the inaugural member of the Drag Race Hall of Fame. This victory immediately elevated her profile, with reports of heightened media appearances and performance demands tied to the win's validation of her craft-focused approach.

Post-Drag Race Career

Continued Performances and Hosting

Following her victory on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 1 in 2012, Chad Michaels sustained her career through consistent local performances and hosting in San Diego, California, demonstrating the viability of drag as a niche profession reliant on regular venue bookings. Michaels produces and hosts the Dreamgirls Revue, a weekly drag show at Urban Mo's Bar & Grill, featuring rotating casts of performers impersonating iconic female entertainers. This recurring production, ongoing since before her Drag Race appearance, provides a stable income stream via ticketed events held every Wednesday, with shows continuing into 2025. Post-win adaptations included heightened visibility leading to expanded event participation, though Michaels emphasized maintaining her San Diego base for frequent, localized gigs over widespread touring. She hosted the Red Ribbon Gala for World AIDS Day on December 1, 2024, organized by Impulse San Diego, blending performance with community fundraising. Occasional appearances beyond San Diego, such as at Jamul Casino Resort's Drag It Out event, supplemented her schedule, replicating Cher impersonation acts for audiences. These efforts underscore a career trajectory focused on reliable, event-driven revenue rather than transient fame, with weekly hosting duties ensuring ongoing fan engagement through live shows.

Media and Entertainment Ventures

Following her victory on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 1 in 2012, Chad Michaels expanded into television and film roles that primarily featured her Cher impersonation persona, serving as extensions of her drag specialty rather than ventures into unrelated acting characters. These appearances capitalized on her post-competition visibility within drag and entertainment circles, often limited to brief cameos or guest spots emphasizing vocal and visual mimicry of Cher. In 2014, Michaels appeared as a Cher impersonator in the CW comedy-drama series Jane the Virgin, specifically in the episode "Chapter Twenty-Two" (season 1, episode 22), where her performance contributed to a themed event scene highlighting celebrity tributes. The role aligned with her established act, receiving incidental notice among Drag Race alumni crossovers but no standout critical acclaim for dramatic range. Michaels reprised a Cher portrayal in the 2021 holiday film The Bitch Who Stole Christmas, a drag-centric production featuring RuPaul's Drag Race contestants, where she embodied the icon in a supporting capacity amid ensemble antics. This role, like prior ones, leaned on her impersonation expertise for comedic effect within a niche audience familiar with her tribute work, underscoring continuity in her media output rather than reinvention. Additional guest appearances include a spot on Netflix's AJ and the Queen (2020), where Michaels appeared as herself in a drag revue context, further tying into alumni networks without branching into scripted narrative depth. Such ventures, while adding to her resume, have remained sporadic and impersonation-focused, reflecting opportunistic alignments with projects seeking authentic Cher likenesses over broader entertainment diversification.

Artistic Style and Public Persona

Impersonation Techniques

Chad Michaels employs a methodical approach to impersonating Cher, prioritizing visual and performative accuracy through elements such as makeup, costuming, and behavioral mimicry, refined over more than 20 years of professional experience. His makeup technique centers on replicating Cher's signature facial features, particularly the eyes, lips, and cheeks, via rigorous practice in adapting these onto his own visage after conducting thorough character research. Custom wigs styled to match Cher's evolving hairstyles, alongside period-accurate gowns, form the foundation of his visual transformation, contributing to the precision that has garnered acclaim for spot-on illusion. Vocal imitation and mannerisms are achieved through character study, involving analysis of Cher's speech patterns, gestures, and stage presence to convey authenticity beyond mere appearance. Michaels replicates Cher's singing voice and intonations in live performances of her discography, drawing from decades of honing these traits to emphasize genuine stage energy rather than exaggeration. This focus on empirical replication distinguishes his work from original drag creation, as it leverages Cher's pre-established iconography—her visual motifs, vocal timbre, and mannerisms—for immediate audience accessibility and commercial viability, rather than inventing novel personas. Post-RuPaul's Drag Race, Michaels has maintained this core technique without significant evolution, continuing residencies and tours that build on pre-existing refinement, as evidenced by sustained performances in Las Vegas and international venues. The enduring precision in these elements underscores the impersonation's reliance on craft, with no shift toward diversified acts, affirming its market fit through consistent delivery of Cher's essence.

Drag Philosophy and Criticisms

Chad Michaels views drag primarily as a form of designed to uplift audiences and provide momentary escape from everyday stresses, likening performers to clowns who celebrate through skilled and variety. In a July 2025 interview, she stated, "The thing I enjoy most about performing is making people happy. That’s the bottom line for me. Making people forget, if only for five minutes, about the problems and woes in their lives," emphasizing variety to prevent audience boredom rather than ideological or gender-exploratory narratives. Her career trajectory, beginning with a Halloween fluke inspired by and evolving into Cher tribute work, underscores drag as accessible fun rooted in obsession with icons, not inherent self-expression. This philosophy positions impersonation as professional tribute art demanding technical proficiency, such as replicating defining features like Cher's eyes, lips, and cheeks, while delivering expected characters alongside diverse "tricks" for engagement. Michaels highlights maturity and skill—honed over two decades—as keys to success, advising aspiring performers to embrace drag fully for its entertainment value without presuming guarantees. Such an approach counters portrayals of drag as primarily activist or transformative, focusing instead on spectacle that honors originals through precise replication. Critiques from drag enthusiasts question this mimicry-heavy style for potentially stifling innovation, with online discussions noting her pre-Drag Race establishment in Cher routines as reliable but one-dimensional compared to original concepts. These perspectives, often voiced in forums, contrast her technical acclaim with calls for broader creativity, though supporters affirm her role in sustaining drag's pre-television professionalism. Empirical patterns in drag attendance reinforce its causal draw as escapism and spectacle: surveys of events reveal audiences predominantly young, white, straight females attending for celebrations like birthdays, immersing in performances for relief from routine rather than political alignment. This demographic skew aligns with Michaels' upliftment focus, suggesting drag's enduring appeal lies in diversionary entertainment over identity-driven agendas.

Reception and Controversies

Acclaim and Achievements

Chad Michaels secured the win in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 1 on November 26, 2012, becoming the inaugural champion of the all-stars format and earning placement in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. During the competition, Michaels accomplished the unprecedented feat of winning three maxi challenges consecutively, highlighting exceptional performance consistency in a field of seasoned contestants. This success stemmed from refined mastery of Cher impersonation, distinguishing Michaels amid the show's emphasis on versatility and spectacle. Michaels' Cher tribute has received international recognition, with engagements spanning over two decades and endorsements from cultural institutions affirming its polish and appeal. Media outlets have praised the impersonation's fidelity, noting Cher's personal approval and Michaels' status as a leading practitioner in the niche. Post-competition, sustained bookings worldwide underscore economic viability derived from specialized expertise rather than broad fame.

Criticisms and Debates

Chad Michaels' victory in RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 1 on November 26, 2012, sparked debates over the competition's format and perceived favoritism. The season's elimination twist, where previously eliminated contestants voted for the winner between the top two finalists—Chad and Alaska—led to accusations that the structure favored safer, polished performers like Chad over more innovative ones. Fans on platforms like Reddit argued the spin-off was engineered to crown Chad after her runner-up finish in season 4, citing RuPaul's prior comments on her consistency as evidence of production bias. Critics within the drag community have questioned Michaels' artistic range, pointing to her heavy reliance on Cher impersonation as limiting originality. Detractors contend that her act, while technically proficient, prioritizes tribute over unique drag creation, echoing broader discussions on whether celebrity mimicry constitutes authentic performance art or mere facsimile. This view gained traction post-win, with some fans expressing disappointment in her perceived one-note evolution, as her tours and appearances from 2014 onward predominantly featured Cher routines rather than diversified personas. Season 4 footage omissions fueled speculation of edited narratives favoring Michaels. In a 2020 interview, she disclosed an unaired confrontation with Mimi Imfurst during the "Float Your Fanny Down the Rhine" challenge, describing it as explosive enough to rival later infamous on-screen drama, which fans claimed could have altered perceptions of her interpersonal dynamics if aired. Persistent online discourse from 2017 to 2025 highlights sourness over her post-All Stars visibility, with queries about her current activities suggesting a fade from the franchise's spotlight compared to peers, attributed by some to the niche appeal of her Cher focus amid evolving drag trends. External critiques extend to drag's societal normalization, where Michaels' high-profile Cher emulation has been cited in conservative commentary as emblematic of performative excess over substance, though such views often conflate individual acts with cultural debates rather than targeting her specifically. These discussions underscore tensions between drag's entertainment value and authenticity claims, with Michaels defending her precision against charges of being "too perfect" and unspontaneous.

Personal Life

Relationships and Identity

Chad Michaels, legally Chad Michael Storbeck, separates his drag career from his personal identity, viewing performance as a vocational pursuit begun in 1992 rather than an extension of self. In out-of-drag contexts, he leads a private life centered on long-term partnership, with drag serving as a professional outlet informed by early influences like familial athletic background rather than intrinsic personal traits. Storbeck married Adam Magee in 2015, after meeting in 2002 through early online personal ads predating modern apps. Magee collaborates on crafting costumes and looks for Michaels' shows, blending domestic support with professional elements while maintaining boundaries between personas. No public records indicate children or prior marriages, reflecting a focus on relational stability over expansive family disclosure. This arrangement underscores a pragmatic causality in Storbeck's life: drag as elective craft enabling financial and expressive independence, not definitional to relational or self-conception, with marital partnership predating intensified fame from reality television. Public commentary on identity remains limited to performance contexts, prioritizing empirical privacy over narrative elaboration.

Views on Broader Cultural Issues

Chad Michaels has described drag primarily as a form of entertainment and artistic expression within the gay community, serving as a "staple form of entertainment" that provides inspiration through unapologetic living and performance. In interviews, he emphasizes drag queens' role in offering "commentary on life" via their personas, positioning the art as uplifting and clown-like in its intent to celebrate and help audiences temporarily escape problems. This aligns with a view of drag's appeal rooted in mimicry and spectacle, as seen in his Cher impersonation, rather than explicit political activism, though he acknowledges its potential for broader inspiration. Regarding cultural shifts, Michaels views increased mainstream accessibility of drag—accelerated by shows like RuPaul's Drag Race—as a "natural progression" that amplifies the art without altering its core, leading to greater opportunities and inspiration across society. He has advocated for respect toward drag performers in the LGBTQ community for their contributions, stating they "deserve respect" for enhancing community dynamics through diverse, family-like structures in various cities. On the evolution of Drag Race, Michaels sees participation or returns as pragmatic, leveraging experience for competitive edge while adapting to the show's moment-to-moment demands, and he praises recent seasons for strong competitors and showmanship over drama. Michaels advises avoiding unnecessary controversies, urging focus on performance tasks with the mantra "skip the drama, Mama," reflecting a pragmatic emphasis on entertainment value amid drag's growing visibility. He has not publicly addressed specific debates like child exposure to drag performances, prioritizing instead drag's role in building lasting legacies through business and artistry, as exemplified by peers' ventures. This perspective underscores empirical benefits of drag's expansion, such as amplified inspiration, while maintaining a focus on its foundational entertainment ethos over politicized framings.

Discography

Released Singles

Chad Michaels's recorded musical output as a solo artist remains limited, with his primary release being the 2013 single "Tragic Girl," a collaboration with producer Liquid360 issued under the Tunecuts label. The track, accompanied by a , marked his debut foray into original music production following appearances on , though it achieved no notable chart positions or widespread commercial metrics. This single underscores Michaels's ancillary emphasis on drag performance and live Cher impersonations over extensive studio recordings, with no subsequent singles documented in major discographies.

Filmography

Television Roles

Chad Michaels has appeared in several television series in guest roles, often embodying his signature Cher impersonation as an extension of his drag persona. These sporadic credits highlight brief, character-specific cameos rather than sustained acting engagements. In the U.S. adaptation of Kath & Kim, Michaels portrayed Cher in the episode "Bachelorette," aired March 5, 2009, during a bachelorette party sequence. The role involved comedic interaction amid the party's chaotic events. Michaels guest-starred as Glenn Whitney in Women's Murder Club in 2007, sharing an episode with fellow drag performer Willam Belli. This early credit predates his RuPaul's Drag Race fame and featured a non-drag character in the crime drama. On 2 Broke Girls, he appeared as a Cher impersonator in season 5, episode 4, "And the Inside-Outside Situation," which aired December 7, 2015. The cameo occurred in a storyline involving diner patrons and impersonators during a boycott subplot. In Jane the Virgin, Michaels played a Cher impersonator officiating a wedding in the season 1 finale, "Chapter Twenty-Two," aired May 11, 2015. The role contributed to the telenovela-style absurdity of the ceremony between characters Xiomara and Rogelio. Michaels featured in AJ and the Queen in the 2020 episode "Louisville," performing "Waterloo" as a drag queen in a traveling show context. The appearance aligned with the series' ensemble of RuPaul's Drag Race alumni in musical segments. A planned role in : Double Feature (2021) involved introducing a character in a drag revue scene, though portions were ultimately cut from the aired episodes.
ShowYearEpisode/DetailsCharacter
Women's Murder Club20071 episodeGlenn Whitney
(US)2009"Bachelorette"
2 Broke Girls2015S5E4 "And the Inside-Outside Situation" Impersonator
2015S1E22 "Chapter Twenty-Two" Impersonator
2020"Louisville"Drag Performer (Brian Gerrity)

Film Appearances

Chad Michaels has made limited appearances in feature films, primarily in cameo roles as the singer Cher that emphasize his drag impersonation for comedic or novelty value rather than substantial character development or billing. These credits stem from independent and drag-centric productions, with his contributions typically confined to short scenes that do not drive the plot. In Bamboo Shark (2011), an independent horror-comedy directed by Dennis Ward, Michaels portrays Cher in a brief appearance amid the film's narrative of a cursed shark tooth terrorizing a group of friends. Released directly to video on October 18, 2011, the low-budget feature utilizes his drag persona for a humorous interlude, with the role lasting approximately 2-3 minutes in the 90-minute runtime, as per cast listings and scene breakdowns. Michaels next appeared in The Bitch Who Stole Christmas (2021), directed by Don Scardino and produced by RuPaul Charles for VH1 (later streamed on Netflix), again as Cher in a supporting cameo. The 85-minute holiday comedy features an ensemble of RuPaul's Drag Race contestants, including RuPaul, Eureka O'Hara, and Pandora Boxx, in a plot involving drag queen Mallory O'Hara's quest for vengeance after a disfiguring attack. Premiering on December 2, 2021, the film earned a 5.6/10 rating on IMDb from under 1,000 votes, with reviewers citing its formulaic script and reliance on celebrity drag cameos like Michaels' for entertainment, though lacking deeper artistic merit. No additional theatrical or major studio film roles have been credited to Michaels as of 2025, with his cinematic work remaining ancillary to his television and live performance career.

References

  1. https://www.kennedy-center.org/artists/m/ma-mn/chad-michaels/
  2. https://artist.degy.com/major-acts/chad-michaels
  3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsuFn7BLHYs
  4. https://www.screamingqueens.com/chad-michaels-as-cher
  5. https://en.kinorium.com/name/1432269/
  6. https://www.facebook.com/rupaulsdragrace/videos/chad-michaels-her-fabulous-drag-garage-s8-e4-rupauls-drag-race-out-of-the-closet/1122810286510882/
  7. https://elzonkeyshow.wordpress.com/2012/02/27/his-fair-cher-san-diego-drag-queen-chad-michaels-out-to-take-reality-tv-with-a-bang-and-a-tuck/
  8. https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/chad-michaels-cher-music-legacy-interview-7800222/
  9. https://socialitelife.com/chad-michaels-socialite-life-interview/
  10. https://www.gaycities.com/articles/63608/chad-michaels-the-worlds-most-famous-cher-impersonator-shares-his-unique-drag-journey/
  11. https://mabumbe.com/people/chad-michaels-age-career-highlights-net-worth-family-timeline/
  12. https://unfspinnaker.com/22810/features/qa-with-rupauls-drag-race-winner-chad-michaels/
  13. https://www.nickiswift.com/915837/what-happened-to-chad-michaels-after-rupauls-drag-race/
  14. https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/chad-michaels-reveals-unaired-drag-race-season-4-argument-that-wouldve-rivaled-the-party-city-scene/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1353056/episodes/?season=4
  16. https://screenrant.com/rupauls-drag-race-maxi-challenge-winners/
  17. https://chadsellcomics.com/blog/2012/02/dragraces04e05
  18. https://squirrelsandfriends.com/episode/rupaul-drag-race-season-4-the-fabulous-bitch-ball
  19. https://www.reddit.com/r/dragrace/comments/15y46u4/thoughts_on_chad_michaels/
  20. https://www.facebook.com/LipSyncRuPaulsDragRace/videos/rpdr-se04-ep12-13-finale-chad-michaels-vs-phi-phi-ohara-vs-sharon-needles/1020916935032429/
  21. https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/television/2012/11/27/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-crowns-winner
  22. https://www.out.com/gay-tv-shows/drag-race-all-stars-winners
  23. https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwtv//article/RUPAULS-ALL-STARS-DRAG-RACE-Announces-Winner-of-Season-One-20121127
  24. https://urbanmos.com/
  25. https://dosd.com/events/2024/5/8/dreamgirls-revue-tickets
  26. https://events.gaymplan.com/san.diego/detail/133/1755133200000
  27. https://sandiegomagazine.com/charitable-sd/san-diego-nonprofit-events-december-2024/
  28. https://www.jamulcasino.com/casino/promotions/drag-it-out/
  29. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2235636/
  30. https://janethevirgin.fandom.com/wiki/Season_1
  31. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1491389-chad-michaels?language=en-US
  32. https://www.gmcw.org/chad-michaels-to-perform-at-spring-a-cher/
  33. https://www.outfrontmagazine.com/oh-my-cher-impersonatior-will-take-main-stage-at-denver-pridefest/
  34. https://www.facebook.com/rupaulsdragrace/videos/chad-michaels-on-cher/10153648856087828/
  35. https://revistas.rcaap.pt/thij/article/download/29743/21220/126730
  36. https://pure.northampton.ac.uk/files/32582458/Published_Paper_Audience_Diversity_and_Wellbeing_at_UK_Drag_Events.pdf
  37. https://slate.com/human-interest/2017/01/why-drag-queens-biggest-fans-are-increasingly-young-women.html
  38. https://www.goldderby.com/gallery/rupauls-drag-race-winners-list-rupaul-charles/
  39. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/11/28/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-winner-chad-michaels-speaks-2/
  40. https://www.reddit.com/r/rupaulsdragrace/comments/1eecn3l/why_do_people_say_as1_was_designed_for_chad/
  41. https://eportfolios.macaulay.cuny.edu/messenger/2020/04/01/drag-race-relations-how-rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-fed-into-their-racist-rumor/
  42. https://www.intomore.com/culture/ginger-minj-chad-michaels-and-dusty-ray-bottoms-talk-about-their-drag-husbands/
  43. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2235636/bio/
  44. https://www.whosdatedwho.com/dating/chad-michaels
  45. https://www.outinperth.com/chad-michaels-drag-queen-stone-age/
  46. https://openupandread.beehiiv.com/p/chad-michaels-cher-interview
  47. https://www.discogs.com/master/1374447-Liquid360-Chad-Michaels-Tragic-Girl
  48. https://www.discogs.com/artist/6521196-Chad-Michaels
  49. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1368476/
  50. https://watch.plex.tv/show/kath-and-kim-us/season/1/episode/16
  51. https://www.reddit.com/r/rupaulsdragrace/comments/3wbk4g/chad_michaels_was_on_tonights_2_broke_girls/
  52. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5126260/
  53. https://2brokegirls.fandom.com/wiki/And_the_Inside_Outside_Situation
  54. https://www.reddit.com/r/rupaulsdragrace/comments/dgvn5x/started_watching_jane_the_virgin_and_to_my/
  55. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9434800/
  56. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmLshw-0r2U
  57. https://ew.com/tv/eureka-american-horror-story-chad-michaels-cut-scene/
  58. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473122/
  59. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0473122/fullcredits/
  60. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15800254/
  61. https://ew.com/tv/rupaul-christmas-movie-drag-race-queens/
  62. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2235636/fullcredits
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