Jinkx_Monsoon

Jinkx Monsoon

Jinkx Monsoon

American drag queen


Hera Hoffer (born September 18, 1987), best known under the stage name Jinkx Monsoon, is an American drag queen, actor, singer and comedian. Named the "Queen of All Queens", she has been noted for her celebrity impersonations and quick wit.[1]

Quick Facts Born, Education ...

In 2013, she won the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race. In 2022, with an all-winners cast, she later won the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, becoming the first two-time winner of the show across its iterations. She made her Broadway debut in 2023.[2]

She has also pursued a career in music, releasing two studio albums titled The Inevitable Album (2014) and The Ginger Snapped (2018). In film, Monsoon appeared with her collaborative partner BenDeLaCreme in the holiday film The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special (2021) which was later released on Hulu. In television, Monsoon appears in the WOW Presents Plus original Sketchy Queens, a series she created alongside Liam Krug.

Early life

Hoffer was born in Portland, Oregon, and first performed in drag at age 15 at the all-ages Escape Nightclub.[3][4] Her original drag name was going to be "Heidi Destruction" before settling on Jinkx Monsoon.[5] She attended da Vinci Arts Middle School and Grant High School.[6][7] Hoffer was raised Catholic, and discovered Russian-Jewish ancestry on her mother's side at the age of 18.[8] Her drag character, Jinkx, is characterized as Jewish as a way of reconnecting with this part of her heritage.[9]

Hoffer worked as a custodian through college and graduated with a BFA in theater from Cornish College of the Arts in 2010.[10][11][12] She has lived in Seattle, Washington since 2006.[13] By October 2018, she moved back to Portland and currently lives in a house named Monsoon Manor.[14]

Career

2011-2012: Career beginnings and Drag Becomes Him

After moving to Seattle from Portland, Hoffer and creative partner Nick Sahoyah wrote and starred in multiple Funny or Die webisodes titled Monsoon Season in which she played Jinkx Monsoon as an overbearing, substance addled, near-psychotic mother to Sahoyah's character, Kamikaze Monsoon.[15] In 2011, Hoffer appeared in the Wes Hurley film Waxie Moon in Fallen Jewel.[16]

In June 2011, Hoffer became the subject of a YouTube docu-series by Alex Berry, a Seattle videographer. Named after Death Becomes Her, one of Jinkx's favorite movies, Drag Becomes Him explores Hoffer's life in and out of drag.[17] The series has continued with a full length documentary film also called "Drag Becomes Him'. In October 2013 it was turned into a feature-length film with Seattle-based producer Basil Shadid on board. A Kickstarter campaign in March 2014 successfully raised funds to complete the project, and it premiered at April 29, 2015 at Seattle's Cinerama.

In January 2012, Hoffer appeared as Moritz in the rock musical Spring Awakening at the Balagan Theater in Seattle. Controversy arose from The Seattle Times review by Misha Berson, who said that she was "overly flamboyant" for the role.[18][19] Dan Savage defended Hoffer's portrayal of Moritz.[20] From July 21 to August 19, she starred as Angel in the 5th Avenue Theatre's production of the musical RENT.[12][21]

2012–2017: RuPaul's Drag Race and The Inevitable Album

Jinkx Monsoon at Pride 2013
Jinkx Monsoon, 2014

In November 2012, Logo announced that Jinkx Monsoon was among fourteen drag queens who would be competing on the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race.[22] Monsoon was inspired to audition after seeing Sharon Needles on the fourth season of the show.[4] Monsoon won the main-challenges for the episodes "Snatch Game" and "Drama Queens".[23][24] For the "Snatch Game", Monsoon impersonated Edith Bouvier Beale, nicknamed as "Little Edie."[3][25] Monsoon also impersonated third-season contestant Mimi Imfurst in the episode "Lip Synch Extravaganza Eleganza".[26] Monsoon later won the season, with two maxi-challenge wins.

In January 2013, Hoffer played Hedwig in the Moore Theatre's production of the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.[27] Balagan reprised the production in December 2013 for a week long run with Hoffer and the original cast/production team. In June 2013, she played Velma Von Tussle in the Seattle Men's Chorus/5th Avenue Theatre's production of the musical Hairspray.[28]

Hoffer also performed as Jinkx Monsoon in the original one act cabaret musical The Vaudevillians under the name "Kitty Witless." She was accompanied by musical partner and co-creator Richard Andriessen who performs under the name "Dr. Dan Von Dandy." The Vaudevillians performed at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City from July to November 2013.[3][29][30] After touring Australia with The Vaudevillians, she received a nomination for the Helpmann Award for Best Cabaret Performer.[31] In 2013, Hoffer was chosen as one of the Artists of the Year by City Arts magazine along with Megan Griffiths, Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Wes Hurley.[32] She played Tallulah/Dennis, the owner of Lipstick Lounge in an episode of Blue Bloods entitled "Manhattan Queens", which aired on January 31, 2014. In 2015, Hoffer joined the cast of Wes Hurley's comedy series Capitol Hill.[33]

On May 6, 2014, Monsoon released her debut studio album The Inevitable Album through Sidecar Records. The album is a blend of blues, jazz, traditional pop, and cabaret, and was inspired by artists like Bette Midler, Marlene Dietrich, Peggy Lee, Amanda Palmer, and Regina Spektor.[34] The song "The Bacon Shake" features Fred Schneider of The B-52s, and tells of "a bawdy, after-hours gentleman's club and this woman is 'getting the boys thirsty,' and it turns into a big dance that everyone joins."[35]

In May 2017, Monsoon appeared in the celebrity roast of Michael Musto alongside Bianca Del Rio, Orfeh, Michael Riedel, Randy Rainbow, Crystal Demure, Countess Luann de Lesseps, Judy Gold, and Randy Jones. The roast which was produced by Daniel DeMello and directed by Rachel Klein, was hosted by Bruce Vilanch and introduced by Rosie O'Donnell. [36] [37] [38]

2018–2021: The Ginger Snapped and The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special

On January 12, 2018, Monsoon released her second studio album The Ginger Snapped through Producer Entertainment Group. The album is inspired by 90s grunge, garage rock, and ska, and features appearances from Amanda Palmer, Fred Schneider, and Lady Rizo.[39] She released an animated music video for the song "Cartoons and Vodka", which sees Monsoon transform into various cartoon styles, including Betty Boop, The Jetsons, Sailor Moon, Doug, Dragon Ball Z, Steven Universe, Beavis and Butt-Head, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, Peanuts, Dexter's Laboratory, The Powerpuff Girls, and The Fairly OddParents.[40] The same month, Hoffer voiced the character Emerald on Steven Universe in the episode "Lars of the Stars".[41]

In 2019, Hoffer was cast as Calliope in a North American tour of the musical Xanadu, though the tour was later cancelled.[42] In June 2019, a panel of judges from New York magazine placed Monsoon 18th on their list of "the most powerful drag queens in America", a ranking of 100 former Drag Race contestants.[43] In 2020, Hoffer appeared in the Hulu original Christmas film Happiest Season.[44] The same year she starred in and co-wrote The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special, a feature-length holiday film with fellow Seattle drag queen BenDeLaCreme based on their various Christmas shows over the years. The duo toured the show around the world in 2021.[45] The tour was renewed in 2022 and 2023.[46]

2022–present: RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, Broadway debut, and Doctor Who

Jinkx Monsoon with her All Stars 7 castmates, minus Jaida Essence Hall and Yvie Oddly

In April 2022, it was announced that Monsoon would be competing on the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, the first all-winners edition of the franchise. She won the Snatch Game in the second episode with her impressions of Natasha Lyonne and Judy Garland.[47] She also won the fourth, fifth, ninth, and tenth episodes. On July 29, 2022, she was crowned the winner and anointed with the title "Queen of All Queens" with a cash prize of $200,000.

In November 2022, it was announced that Hoffer would join the Broadway company of the musical Chicago, playing the role of Mama Morton for eight weeks, becoming the first drag queen to perform in a major Broadway musical.[48] In April 2023, it was announced that Monsoon would be joining the cast of the fourteenth series of Doctor Who, playing a "major role".[49]

As of April 2, 2024, Monsoon stars as Audrey in an Off-Broadway production of Little Shop of Horrors, opposite Corbin Bleu reprising the role of Seymour.[50]

Personal life

Hoffer identified as "non-gendered" or non-binary,[51][52] and went by singular they pronouns when not in drag. In an April 2017 interview, Monsoon stated, "I've never identified as fully male. I've always identified as more gender fluid or gender ambiguous, but I never knew the vocabulary to explain it for myself."[53] In a 2024 interview, Monsoon stated that she identifies as trans-femme and uses she/her pronouns.[54]

Hoffer has narcolepsy, a fact that she revealed in the season five premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race.[55]

In January 2021, Hoffer married her partner Michael Abbott in a small ceremony at home with their friends and family witnessing through video call. The marriage was officiated by comedian Deven Green.[56] In February 2024, Abbott announced his separation from Hoffer.[57]

In April 2024, Hoffer legally changed her name to Hera Hoffer, but still kept her stage name of Jinkx Monsoon.[58]

Politics

Hoffer is very outspoken on her Instagram and Twitter about former US President Donald Trump and LGBT equality. She is a Democratic Party supporter and donated to both Elizabeth Warren's and Bernie Sanders's campaigns to be the Democratic nominee for president in 2020.[59] She is a public supporter of trans rights and frequently makes posts on social media advocating for trans people.

Artistry

Hoffer's drag persona is inspired by her mother and the comedians Lucille Ball, Maria Bamford, Deven Green, and Sarah Silverman. Her drag persona's last name, Monsoon, is derived from the character Edina Monsoon from the British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous.[4] Hoffer also performs as the drag character Deirdre A. Irwin, who is a Southern medium.[13]

Discography

Albums

Studio albums

More information Title, Details ...

Live albums

More information Title, Details ...

Soundtrack albums

More information Title, Details ...

Remix albums

More information Title, Details ...

Commentary albums

More information Title, Details ...

Extended plays

More information Title, Details ...

Singles

More information Song, Year ...
More information Song, Year ...

Other appearances

More information Song, Year ...

Music videos

More information Song, Year ...

Filmography

Film

More information Year, Title ...

Television

Key
Denotes works that have not yet been released
More information Year, Title ...

Music videos

More information Year, Title ...

Web series

More information Year, Title ...

Theatre

More information Year, Title ...

Awards and nominations

More information Year, Award ...

See also


References

  1. Wratten, Marcus (January 20, 2023). "Jinkx Monsoon nails Jennifer Coolidge impression – and we need it on Snatch Game". PinkNews. Retrieved April 6, 2023. The RuPaul's Drag Race legend, who made her debut on Broadway this week as Chicago's Matron 'Mama' Morton, flexed her legendary imitation skills during an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers.
  2. Smith, Paul Art (February 27, 2023). "Jinkx Monsoon Extends Run in Chicago on Broadway". BroadwayDirect. Jinkx made her Broadway debut in the role of "Matron 'Mama' Morton" on Monday, January 16, 2023, making history by becoming the first drag queen to play the role on Broadway.
  3. Scott, Aaron (April 18, 2013). "Q&A: Jinkx Monsoon from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'". Portland Monthly. Archived from the original on April 11, 2019. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  4. Spencer, Aaron (January 30, 2013). "Interview: Drag Queen Jinkx Monsoon". Willamette Week. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  5. Andrews-Katz, Eric (June 14, 2013). "Jinkxies! It's Hairspray! - Seattle's drag superstar is Velma in a special 10th anniversary edition of the musical". Seattle Gay News. Vol. 41, no. 24. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  6. "Meet Jinkx Monsoon, the Narcoleptic Jewish Drag Queen". Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved May 30, 2013.
  7. Rachel Solomon (August 15, 2013). "Drag star's got Jewish roots under that blonde hair". The Times of Israel.
  8. Normal, Abby (pseudonym) (March 10, 2013). "Jinkx Monsoon Will Not Put You to Sleep". Yahoo! Voices. Archived from the original on March 18, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  9. Baltus, Leah (December 31, 2012). "The Revolutionary: Jerick Hoffer aka Jinkx Monsoon". City Arts Magazine. Archived from the original on January 6, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. "Cornish Graduette Monsoon Storms RuPaul's Drag Race". Cornish College of the Arts. January 5, 2013. Archived from the original on August 12, 2018. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  11. Jankowski, Andrew (October 5, 2018). "Portlanders Can Now Book a Stay at the Home of Drag Superstar Jinkx Monsoon". Willamette Week. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  12. "Monsoon Season". Funny or Die. June 2011. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  13. "Waxie Moon in Fallen Jewel". RadioTimes. Retrieved October 6, 2022.
  14. Kiley, Brendan (January 10, 2012). "Gay Actors, Straight Parts, and the "Flamboyance" Factor". The Stranger. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  15. Berson, Misha (January 11, 2012). "'Spring Awakening': powerful passion at Balagan". The Seattle Times. Archived from the original on March 11, 2014. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  16. "RENT – 5th Avenue". 5th Avenue Theatre. Archived from the original on February 22, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  17. Coughlan, Maggie (November 19, 2012). "RuPaul's Drag Race Season 5 Contestants Announced". People. Archived from the original on March 31, 2016. Retrieved April 1, 2013.
  18. Sava, Oliver (February 26, 2013). "Snatch Game". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  19. Sava, Oliver (April 2, 2013). "Drama Queensl". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  20. Sava, Oliver (February 5, 2013). "Lip Synch Eleganza Extravaganza". The A.V. Club. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  21. Sommerfeld, Seth (January 7, 2013). "A Fiendish Conversation with Jerick Hoffer". Seattle Metropolitan. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  22. Hetrick, Adam (April 23, 2013). ""RuPaul's Drag Race" Contestant Jinkx Monsoon Will Star in Seattle Concert Staging of Hairspray". Playbill. Archived from the original on April 26, 2013. Retrieved April 23, 2013.
  23. Wolffe, J (April 19, 2013). ""The Vaudevillains" (Starring Jinkx Monsoon) Sells Out 3x Over!". Lez Get Real. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
  24. Adam, Adam. "The Vaudevillians, Starring "RuPaul's Drag Race" Winner Jinkx Monsoon, Extends for Fifth Time". Playbill. Archived from the original on December 24, 2013. Retrieved December 21, 2013.
  25. "Shine on: 2013 Artists of the Year". November 25, 2013. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  26. "Seattle Soap". March 24, 2015. Archived from the original on March 31, 2015.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  27. Clarke, David (July 29, 2014). "BWW CD Reviews: Jinkx Monsoon's THE INEVITABLE ALBUM is Irresistible". BroadwayWorld. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  28. Portwood, Jerry (September 16, 2014). "Watch Jinkx Monsoon Raise Hell in 'The Bacon Shake' with Fred Schneider". Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  29. Hinzmann, Dennis (January 16, 2018). "Jinkx Monsoon Switches Styles for Her Latest Album". Out. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  30. Rudolph, Christopher (January 23, 2018). "Jinkx Monsoon Gets Animated In New Music Video "Cartoons And Vodka"". NewNowNext. Retrieved May 31, 2022.
  31. "The Most Powerful Drag Queens in America: Ranking the new establishment". New York. June 10, 2019. Archived from the original on June 10, 2019. Retrieved June 10, 2019.
  32. Manzella 11/20/2020, Sam. "How Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme Dragged Up Clea DuVall's "Happiest Season"". LOGO News. Retrieved December 19, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  33. Berkowitz, Joe (December 5, 2020). "How drag stars BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon reinvented the holiday show in 2020". Fast Company. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  34. Nolfi, Joey. "Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme reveal Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show 2023 tour dates". ew.com. Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  35. November 22, Joey Nolfi; EST, 2022 at 09:45 AM. "'Drag Race' winner Jinkx Monsoon joins 'Chicago' on Broadway". EW.com. Retrieved November 22, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  36. Gordon, David (February 28, 2024). "Jinkx Monsoon Is the New Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors Off-Broadway". TheatreMania. Retrieved February 28, 2024.
  37. Monsoon, Jinkx (March 21, 2015). "I just saw this posted somewhere". Facebook. Retrieved April 30, 2017. I, myself do not identify as cis-gendered. I am genderless.
  38. "Drag Race's Jinkx Monsoon Comes Out as Non-Binary". The Gaily Grind. July 25, 2017. Archived from the original on March 2, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2017.
  39. Valdez, Matt (April 25, 2017). "Hey Qween! Jinkx Monsoon talks new album, gender fluidity and "Drag Race"". Queerty. Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  40. "Jinkx Monsoon Goes 'Low-Key' on Wedding Day". New York Times. January 31, 2021. Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  41. "Instagram". www.instagram.com. Retrieved April 18, 2024.
  42. Monsoon, Jinkx (March 11, 2020). "I donated to to [sic] Elizabeth Warren's campaign, then she pulled out, and you know what I did?..." Twitter. Retrieved September 24, 2021.
  43. "The Inevitable Album by Jinkx Monsoon". Apple Music. July 2, 2014. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  44. The Ginger Snapped by Jinkx Monsoon, January 12, 2018, retrieved October 25, 2018
  45. "The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Special". Apple Music. December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  46. "The Jinkx & Dela Holiday Special". Apple Music. December 11, 2020. Retrieved December 19, 2020.
  47. ReAnimated by Jinkx Monsoon, October 13, 2015, retrieved October 25, 2018
  48. The Inevitable Commentary Album by Jinkx Monsoon, July 2, 2014, retrieved October 25, 2018
  49. Coffee & Wine – Single by Jinkx Monsoon, April 22, 2014, retrieved October 25, 2018
  50. The Bacon Shake (feat. Fred Schneider) – Single by Jinkx Monsoon, September 16, 2014, retrieved October 25, 2018
  51. Creep – Single by Jinkx Monsoon, November 11, 2014, retrieved October 25, 2018
  52. Bring It! (feat. Jinkx Monsoon) – Single by Manila Luzon, November 22, 2013, retrieved October 25, 2018
  53. Avery Steck (March 31, 2013), Jinkxalicious, retrieved October 25, 2018
  54. Jinkx Monsoon (April 22, 2014), Jinkx Monsoon – Coffee & Wine, retrieved October 25, 2018
  55. Jinkx Monsoon (September 15, 2014), Jinkx Monsoon – The Bacon Shake (feat. Fred Schneider), retrieved October 25, 2018
  56. Jinkx Monsoon (November 11, 2014), Jinkx Monsoon – Creep (Cover) [Official Video], retrieved October 25, 2018
  57. Jinkx Monsoon (October 12, 2015), Jinkx Monsoon – Hold On JMX GlitterMix [Official Video], retrieved October 25, 2018
  58. Jinkx Monsoon (December 21, 2015), Jinkx Monsoon – Red & Green [Official] from Christmas Queens, retrieved October 25, 2018
  59. Jinkx Monsoon (January 12, 2018), Cartoons and Vodka – Official Music Video – Jinkx Monsoon, retrieved October 25, 2018
  60. Jinkx Monsoon (March 5, 2018), Just Me (The Gender Binary Blues) OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO, retrieved October 25, 2018
  61. Jinkx Monsoon (July 20, 2018), She Evil (ft. Fred Schneider) OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO, retrieved October 25, 2018
  62. Jinkx Monsoon, Jinkx Monsoon - Strange Magic (Official Music Video), retrieved August 4, 2022
  63. Jinkx Monsoon (June 1, 2022), Jinkx Monsoon - Know-It-All (Official Music Video), retrieved June 7, 2022
  64. Guerrero, Desiree (August 30, 2019). "Alaska Shines in New Drag Documentary". Advocate. Retrieved October 25, 2019.
  65. Spencer, Samuel (January 10, 2020). "'AJ AND THE QUEEN' CAST: ALL OF THE 'RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE' CAMEOS IN THE NEW NETFLIX SHOW". Newsweek. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
  66. ROBERTS, KAYLEIGH (May 2, 2022). "How to Watch 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7'". Cosmopolitan. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
  67. "Jinkx Monsoon rocks 'Chicago'". YouTube. February 19, 2023. Retrieved February 19, 2023.
  68. Alaska Thunderfuck - Hieeee [Official]. YouTube. June 8, 2015. Retrieved May 25, 2020.
  69. Munzenrieder, Kyle (May 3, 2019). "How RuPaul's Drag Race Queens Became the Hottest Music Video Accessory". WMagazine.com. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  70. Blair St. Clair - Now or Never. YouTube. April 27, 2018. Retrieved March 25, 2022.
  71. Vivziepop (November 1, 2020). "HELLUVA BOSS - Murder Family // S1: Episode 1". Archived from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved November 1, 2020 via YouTube.
  72. "The Queens Of "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7" Play Who's Who". BuzzFeed Celeb. May 24, 2022. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  73. "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Take a Friendship Test | Glamour". Youtube.com. June 9, 2022. Retrieved June 11, 2022.
  74. "Portrait of a Queen 👑 Jinkx Monsoon | RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 7". Youtube.com. August 9, 2022. Retrieved August 9, 2022.
  75. "You Have 24 Hours Left to Vote for the World of Wonder 2018 WOWIE Awards: VOTE NOW!". World of Wonder. November 28, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  76. "Hold on To Your Wigs! It's the 2018 WOWIE Awards Winners!". World of Wonder. December 7, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  77. "Drag Royalty Winners". The Queerties. Archived from the original on December 3, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  78. "Lockdown LOL Winners". The Queerties. Archived from the original on May 14, 2022. Retrieved May 14, 2022.
  79. "Badass Nominees". The Queerties. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  80. "Podcast Nominees". The Queerties. Retrieved January 25, 2023.
  81. "Live Theater Winners". The Queerties. Retrieved April 3, 2024.
More information Awards and achievements ...

Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Jinkx_Monsoon, and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.