Shangela Net Worth

Net Worth and Salary

Shangela Laquifa Wadley, popularly known as Shangela, is an American drag queen, actor, and reality television personality. As of 2023, her estimated net worth is $4 million. This figure encompasses her earnings from various ventures, including her drag performances, television appearances, film roles, and brand endorsements.

Shangela rose to fame as a contestant on the Emmy-winning reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race. She has competed in three seasons of the show (‘Season 2’, ‘Season 3’, and ‘All Stars 3’) and is considered one of the most formidable queens in the show’s history. Her salary for appearing on the show is undisclosed, but some estimates suggest that the contestants earn $400-$500 per episode.

Apart from her reality television gigs, Shangela has ventured into mainstream acting, with appearances in movies like “A Star Is Born” and “Hurricane Bianca.” She has also partnered with several brands, notably MAC Cosmetics, AT&T, and Toyota, to promote their products and services.

Early Life and Education

Shangela was born on November 22, 1981, in Paris, Texas, to parents who were both teachers. She grew up in a sheltered home environment and started performing drag after moving to Los Angeles to pursue her dreams.

Shangela has a Bachelor’s degree in Corporate Communications from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. Before her rise to fame, she worked as a corporate event planner, an experience that she credits for honing her performance and public speaking skills.

Career

Shangela’s career took off after her appearance on “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Despite being eliminated early in “Season 2,” she returned in “Season 3” and won several challenges, becoming a fan favorite in the process. She was eliminated again, but she made a comeback on “All Stars 3” and finished in second place.

Alongside her television appearances, Shangela has toured internationally and performed at several high-profile events. She has also released several successful singles, including “Werqin’ Girl,” “Uptown Fish,” and “Pay Me.”

In Hollywood, Shangela has landed supporting roles in movies such as “A Star Is Born,” “Hurricane Bianca,” and “Dumplin’.” She has also guest-starred on popular television shows like “Glee,” “2 Broke Girls,” and “Community.”

Personal Life

Shangela has been private about her personal life and has not publicly disclosed details about her romantic relationships. She has, however, revealed that she is a Godmother to actress Jenifer Lewis’ grandchild.

Shangela is an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has actively supported organizations that champion the cause. She has notably been involved with the LA LGBT Center and the Ali Forney Center, which provides shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

Real Estate

Shangela has not publicly disclosed information about her real estate ventures and property ownership.

Legacy

Shangela’s contribution to the world of drag and LGBTQ+ representation has been immense. She has been celebrated for her talent, wit, and resilience, and has inspired and uplifted countless people with her story of pursuing her dreams in a challenging industry.

Apart from her entertainment ventures, Shangela has used her platform to advocate for better representation and opportunity for marginalized communities.

FAQs

1. How did Shangela get into drag?

Shangela started performing drag after moving to Los Angeles to pursue acting. She was introduced to the drag scene by a friend and soon started performing in clubs and bars, eventually gaining recognition for her talent.

2. What has been Shangela’s most notable role?

Shangela’s most notable role has been in the 2018 movie “A Star Is Born,” where she portrayed the character of drag performer, “DJ.”

3. How much does Shangela charge for performances?

Shangela’s performance fees vary. However, it is estimated that she charges between $5,000 to $25,000 per appearance.

4. Is Shangela in a relationship?

Shangela has kept her romantic life private and has not publicly disclosed information about her relationships.

5. What is Shangela’s advice to aspiring drag queens?

Shangela advises aspiring drag queens to stay true to themselves, put in the work, develop their craft, and never give up on their dreams.

6. What inspired Shangela’s drag persona?

Shangela’s drag persona, Laquifa Wadley, was inspired by a character she portrayed in college. She decided to incorporate the character into her drag persona and has since become one of the most iconic characters in drag history.

7. What is Shangela’s biggest accomplishment?

Shangela’s biggest accomplishment is the impact that she has had on the world of drag and LGBTQ+ representation. She has inspired and uplifted countless people and has made significant contributions to the community.

8. What is the origin of Shangela’s name?

Shangela’s name is a combination of the words “shameless” and “angela.” She chose the name to pay homage to fellow drag performer, Angela St. Johnson, whom she credits with helping her get started in the industry.

9. What charities does Shangela support?

Shangela supports organizations that champion LGBTQ+ rights, such as the LA LGBT Center and the Ali Forney Center, which provides shelter for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

10. Has Shangela won any awards?

Shangela has not won any major awards, but she has been nominated for several, including the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Reality Program.

11. What was Shangela’s experience like on “RuPaul’s Drag Race”?

Shangela’s experience on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” was challenging, but ultimately rewarding. She faced several setbacks and setbacks but remained resilient and determined, ultimately becoming one of the most successful contestants in the show’s history.

12. Why did Shangela return to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” after being eliminated twice?

Shangela returned to “RuPaul’s Drag Race” to prove that she had what it takes to win. She believed that her previous eliminations were based on circumstances beyond her control and that she had the talent and skills to ultimately come out on top.

13. What is Shangela’s relationship with RuPaul like?

Shangela has a close relationship with RuPaul and has credited him with being supportive of her throughout her career. RuPaul has referred to Shangela as a “drag daughter.”

14. What is Shangela’s message to her fans?

Shangela’s message to her fans is to believe in themselves and their dreams, work hard, and never give up. She encourages her fans to embrace who they are and celebrate their uniqueness.

15. How has Shangela impacted the world of drag?

Shangela has impacted the world of drag by bringing visibility and representation to the LGBTQ+ community. She has inspired and uplifted countless people with her talent, resilience, and inspiring story of rising to prominence in a challenging industry.