To be a reality TV success story these days, people are willing to put a lot of their lives on display. Interestingly, RuPaul Andre Charles (known almost exclusively by his first name, or the Queen of Drag), has managed to build a cultural empire while maintaining strong boundaries with the public. This is, in part, thanks to the vivacious persona he presents to the world; while they share a moniker, the RuPaul we see on television is a feminized version of the entertainer. She usually sports a blonde wig teased to the high heavens and a curve-hugging gown, asserting herself as the best-dressed and most fabulous within a 10-mile radius.

Audiences have gotten to know RuPaul the Drag Queen throughout her decades-spanning career, but much less is discussed about the private life of the man behind the brilliant costumes. In 2023, Ru invited Architectural Digest into the Beverly Hills mansion he shares with his husband, George LeBar; the couple conceptualized the home in tandem with longtime friend and interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. It’s the perfect sanctuary for a public figure like RuPaul, though it’s a far cry from the family home he grew up in.

RuPaul Spent His Younger Years in San Diego and Atlanta

Ru was born on Nov. 17, 1960 in San Diego to Ernestine and Irving Andrew Charles (originally from Louisiana). When he was just a boy, the future star’s parents went their separate ways; RuPaul and his three sisters stayed with their mother, who raised them in the Catholic faith. As a teenager, the West Coast native relocated to Atlanta where he studied performing arts before feeling the call to move again – this time to New York City. Ever the creative visionary, Ru found success in the Big Apple’s LGBTQ+ club scene, where he eventually met his future husband.

Having established himself as the Queen of Drag, the multi-talent launched RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2009 to help others follow his path to success. Elsewhere, you might’ve seen him in Netflix’s AJ and the Queen, But I’m a Cheerleader, Hurricane Bianca, The Brady Bunch Movie or Broad City. While he stays booked and busy, it’s no surprise that RuPaul loves spending time at home in Beverly Hills.

Queen of Drag Now Shares a Fabulous Beverly Hills Mansion With His Husband

In 2019, the “Kitty Girl” artist moved into his current abode. “This is the house of Ru, a mansion of style designed as the center stage… I could not imagine a more appropriate place for the universe’s drag mother to hold court,” Bullard told AD, noting his friend’s limitless vision. Architect Christopher Hatch McLean came on board to help LeBar and his partner build the home of their dreams.

“The house is a touchstone to remind me to inspire people to feel the magic that’s seemingly so elusive these days,” RuPaul told the outlet. “It’s meant to be whimsical and fun. None of it is to be taken too seriously.” The mansion mixes elements of neoclassicism combined with maximalism and bold colors to perfectly personify its owners. A soft-pink foyer and marble staircase sit near the front door, but beyond that lies an elegant outdoor dining space and pool that’s reminiscent of an Italian summer house. Throughout each room, bold, black and white wallpapers draw in the eye, radiating luxury along with custom fireplaces and crystal chandeliers.

Ru Rarely Uses His Home To Entertain

RuPaul’s grand-floor ballroom is one of his mansion’s many highlights; hanging disco balls shine light on photos of Black icons like Billie Holiday, Grace Jones and Diana Ross. Much to his delight, Ru is also the proud owner of two walk-in closets – one dedicated exclusively to his drag looks. “It feels like you’re skipping into Bergdorf’s” Ru joked about his style sanctuary. “The chicest boutique you could dream of.”

During the interview for his AD cover, RuPaul admitted that he rarely opens his home up to outsiders. “I entertain on television, not at my house. When you live such a public life, you need boundaries,” the 64-year-old explained. When he’s not living lavishly at his Beverly Hills property, you can catch Ru on new episodes of Drag Race every Friday at 8 PM ET. The hit reality show’s 17th season premiered early this month, introducing fans to a cast of queens almost as colorful as their hero’s walk-in closet.