Plasma[2] is the stage name of Taylor Ratliff (born November 6, 1998),[3] an American drag performer, actor, and singer. Plasma is best known for competing on season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race.[4]

Plasma
Plasma at RuPaul's DragCon LA 2024
Born
Taylor Ratliff

(1998-11-06) November 6, 1998 (age 26)[1]
Other namesPlasma LaRose
EducationUniversity of Oklahoma (BFA)
Occupations
TelevisionRuPaul's Drag Race (season 16)
RelativesBill Ratliff (grandfather)
Bennett Ratliff (uncle)

Early life and education

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Ratliff was born in Austin, Texas and grew up in a small rural town in the northeast area called Mount Pleasant, Texas.[5][6] After listening to singers like Julie Andrews, Judy Garland, and Barbra Streisand, and participating in junior high theatrical plays, he developed a love of theatre.[7] Ratliff earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre performance from the University of Oklahoma.[7][3]

Career

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After graduating, Ratliff moved to New York City in June of 2021 to start a career in theatre before deciding to engage with the city's resurgent drag scene.[8]

Plasma started her New York City drag career at the Lady Liberty pageant hosted by RuPaul's Drag Race alum Brita Filter.[9] Her drag is heavily inspired by the actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood and seeks to unite vintage and modern American pop culture. [6]

Plasma competed on season 16 of RuPaul's Drag Race. She won two "maxi challenges" before being eliminated from the competition in the season's ninth episode after a lip-sync contest loss to fellow contestant Mhi'ya Iman Le'Paige to a remix of "Bloody Mary" by Lady Gaga.[10] She holds the series record for lowest placement by anyone with at least two solo "maxi challenge" wins.

Personal life

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Ratliff is based in New York City.[11] His father is a Republican lobbyist in Texas,[12] who has fought against anti-drag legislation.[13] His grandfather is Bill Ratliff, former lieutenant governor of Texas.[citation needed]

Filmography

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Music videos

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "✨25✨". Instagram. 2023-11-06.
  2. ^ "On Point With: Plasma". Thotyssey. 2022-10-18. Archived from the original on 2024-01-14. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  3. ^ a b Jensen, Maggie (30 March 2021). "Plasma LaRose". oudaily.com. OU Daily. Archived from the original on 14 January 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  4. ^ "Plasma is 'crawling tooth and nail' out of her 'Drag Race' elimination". www.out.com. Retrieved 2024-03-08.
  5. ^ "Whatcha Packin' 🌟 S16 E09 | RuPaul's Drag Race Season 16 👠✨". YouTube. March 2024.
  6. ^ a b RuPaul's Drag Race (2023-12-06). MEET THE QUEENS OF SEASON 16! 👑 📺 | RuPaul's Drag Race 👠✨. Retrieved 2024-07-25 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ a b "'RuPaul's Drag Race' season 16 cast revealed: Meet the new queens". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on 2023-12-06. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  8. ^ Rosky, Nicole. "Interview: Meet the New Broadway Baby of RuPaul's Drag Race- Plasma". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 2024-07-25.
  9. ^ Entertainment Weekly (2023-12-17). Plasma Recalls Epic Marilyn Monroe Gag | RuPaul's Drag Race | Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved 2024-07-25 – via YouTube.
  10. ^ "Plasma is 'crawling tooth and nail' out of her 'Drag Race' elimination". www.out.com. Retrieved 2024-04-20.
  11. ^ "Plasma teases werkroom drama from the gagworthy twist on 'Drag Race's season 16 premiere". Yahoo News. 2024-01-02. Archived from the original on 2024-01-14. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  12. ^ Ratliff, Thomas (2023-10-06). "Quorum Report: Ratliff: The Untold History of School Vouchers in Texas". U.S Representative Lloyd Doggett. Retrieved 2024-05-13.
  13. ^ Trainor, Daniel (2024-01-04). "How the Family of a 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Star Is Fighting Anti-Drag Legislation in Texas (Exclusive)". The Messenger. Archived from the original on 2024-01-05. Retrieved 2024-01-14.
  14. ^ Plasma - Don't Rain On My Parade on YouTube
  15. ^ Plasma - Bloody Mary on YouTube
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