Brian Firkus

Brian Firkus, best known by his drag persona Trixie Mattel, is an American drag queen, podcaster, singer-songwriter, comedian, and entrepreneur. Born on August 23, 1989, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Firkus gained international prominence through his appearances on reality television, digital content creation, and successful audio production. Celebrated for his exaggerated doll-inspired drag aesthetic and sharp comedic wit, Firkus has established himself as one of the most prominent media figures within modern drag culture and digital entertainment.

About

Firkus grew up in Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. While performing in local theatre productions, he was introduced to the drag performance scene and developed his stage persona, Trixie Mattel. His drag style combines 1960s Barbie-inspired fashion, heavy graphic makeup, and acoustic music performances featuring the guitar and autoharp.

Career and Content

Firkus reached a mainstream audience when he competed on the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2015. He later returned to win the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2018. Following his television appearances, Firkus expanded into digital broadcasting and podcasting. Alongside long-time collaborator Katya Zamolodchikova, he co-hosts the hit web series UNHhhh and the popular podcast The Bald and the Beautiful, which launched in 2020. The duo also hosted Netflix's YouTube reaction series I Like to Watch and released co-authored comedy books. Beyond comedy, Firkus is an accomplished musician, releasing country and folk-pop albums including Two Birds, One Stone, and Barbara.

Business Ventures

In addition to his entertainment career, Firkus is an active entrepreneur. In 2019, he launched Trixie Cosmetics, a cosmetics line featuring vibrant makeup products styled around his signature aesthetic. In 2021, Firkus became a co-owner of This Is It!, Wisconsin's oldest continuously operating gay bar. He further expanded his business portfolio by purchasing and renovating a boutique hotel in Palm Springs, California, a project documented in the reality television series Trixie Motel.

Personal Life

Firkus is based in Los Angeles, California, where he continues to create digital content, host podcasts, and manage his commercial ventures. He previously spent eight years in a relationship with filmmaker David Silver, with whom he collaborated on various hospitality and television projects before their separation.