Christopher Caldwell, professionally known as Bob the Drag Queen, is an artist through-and-through. His timeline reads as an Oscar worthy script. Propelled into fame after Winning season 8 of RuPaul’s Drag Race in 2016 and has stayed in the spotlight since. From growing up in the South to touring with Madonna; from drag to stand-up, podcasts and music, there is not a stone unturned in Bob’s path. He co-founded his make-up brand with fellow drag queen, Monet X Change and also has a clothing brand, House of Bob which exemplifies androgyny. His success is because of his authenticity and brilliance. Bob the Drag Queen is incredibly talented and a powerful presence. His This is Wild! World Tour this fall offers life advice and a good time on the road.

“Tickets for Bob’s tour “this is wild” are available now at SeeTheDragQueen.Com”

You went on tour with Madonna and have released your own music. What music did you grow up listening to and what music do you listen to now?
I grew up listening to Lauryn Hill, Kid 'n Play, MC Hammer, Aretha Franklin, and now I'm listening to Doechii, Doja Cat, still listening to Gaga, Madonna. But I also listen to a lot of queer rappers like Ocean Kelly and Camera Time.

You have a lot of creative endeavors. What keeps you going?
I just have a lot of ideas and I want to do them all before I die. So, I'm just trying to crank them out with my limited time.

Do you have a best fan encounter?
I mean, most of my best fan encounters are probably all from Grindr, to be honest.

What got you into standup?
I grew up watching Chris Rock and Bernie Mac, Miss Laura, Cedric the Entertainer on ComicView. I used to watch that show every night on BET. I was just obsessed. I know Chris Rock wasn't on ComicView, but I was obsessed with comedians and stand-up and the idea of getting a room full of people to feel good, laugh, and have fun.

You were almost a theater teacher. Is there anything from your education that you still use in your many professions today?
I think the stuff I learned... I guess I learned grammar, and I talk every day, so I guess I use that. Honestly, I learned more in high school drama than I did in college, if that makes any sense. I did three years of college and four years of high school, but I only did drama for three years. I learned a lot from Miss Baker at Morrow High School.

Anything you carry with you specifically?
When I'm on stage, speak clearly, speak loudly. I know that sounds simple, but it really goes far. That was the first advice she gave me—to speak loudly and clearly.

You've jokingly said drag is children's theater for adults. Do you think there is an innocent sort of magic that being a drag queen brings out of an audience?
There is magic, but it’s not innocent. It’s the raunchy version of children's theater for adults. The audience is very submissive to the person on stage, and a drag queen is demanding and powerful. The audience wants to be subs to the person holding the mic, knowing they’re in the hands of someone who controls the room. Just like Steve from Blue's Clues.

**Left:**
Dress by Patrick Howell
**Right:**
Outfit by Domino Couture
Hair by Tyler Funicelli

What do you mean by that? Does Steve control the room or is he a sub?
Steve is a dom. Steve controls the room. I'm not saying Steve is a dom to kids, but the audience is submissive to the person on stage. People want to know you have power and control over them. And I call it children's theater because it's like, "Everyone clap, say this, here are the rules, repeat after me, bright colors, sparkles." It’s literally children’s theater for adults.

Gotcha. How did you get into stand-up comedy? Which came first, drag or stand-up?
I actually did drag and stand-up on the same day at the New York Comedy Club. My first performance was a stand-up comedy set in full drag. I had been writing comedy for a few years before I got the courage to get on stage. I did drag a little bit in college, but I didn't really start until I moved to New York in my 20s.

You have your own cosmetic company with Monet X Change. Do you remember the first time you put on makeup?
The first time I really put on makeup was in my theater makeup class, where we had different projects like grotesque, old age, and opposite sex. That was the first time I really dabbled in makeup, not just with one of those Halloween paint kits.

Red Dress by Dallas Coulter
Hair by Wigs & Grace

Your fashion company, House of Bob, gives André Leon Talley fabulous vibes. What was the inspiration for the silhouette?
I like to feel comfortable, flowy, elegant, and elevated. That’s how I feel when I’m wearing a lot of fabric—very André Leon Talley. I love the idea of wearing something comfortable that also looks great, no matter your gender. Anyone can wear it, and it doesn't make you more or less manly or feminine. It just brings out the essence of who you are.

What did you dream of being as a child? Did those dreams appear at a moment's notice?
I had a lot of dreams. I wanted to be an accountant because my mom was one. For a while, I wanted to be a civil rights leader like Martin Luther King. I'm from Atlanta, so we take MLK seriously there. I really wanted to be like him for a long time. Then I wanted to be an actor once I joined the theater program in 10th grade. My first year of high school, I actually did shop.

Did you make anything?
I can’t remember what I made. I must have made something, but I really don’t recall.

What are your goals for 2025?
I’m trying to do more writing. I'm working on a script right now, finishing up my book Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert. I want to get more into writing because my art isn't just about dressing up in drag. It's about what I say when I'm in drag. It’s always been about my writing as a stand-up comedian.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Bob The Drag Queen
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Jacob Ritts
Fashion Stylist: Robert Bryan
Makeup: Bob The Drag Queen
Photography Assistant: De'Vaughn Williams
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Seana Watson