Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Trixie Mattel
August 23, 1989
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, US
36 Years Old
Virgo
Who Is Trixie Mattel?
Trixie Mattel is an American drag queen, television personality, and singer-songwriter, instantly recognizable for her exaggerated, Barbie-inspired aesthetic and sharp comedic timing. She has cultivated a unique brand that blends camp performance with acoustic pop and folk-country music.
Her breakout moment arrived when she won the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, solidifying her status as a global drag superstar. Mattel’s consistent appeal across various media platforms has cemented her widespread popularity.
Early Life and Education
Family roots in Marinette County, Wisconsin, shaped Brian Michael Firkus’s early years, where his Ojibwe heritage was part of his upbringing. His abusive stepfather’s derogatory use of “Trixie” later inspired his iconic drag name, and he moved in with his grandfather at 15, learning guitar.
He honed his performance skills at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater. It was during his college years that he first explored drag at LaCage NiteClub, laying the groundwork for his future career.
Notable Relationships
An eight-year relationship with filmmaker and collaborator David Silver was a significant part of Trixie Mattel’s public life, with the pair often collaborating on projects like the Trixie Motel. They began dating in 2016 and shared many creative ventures.
Mattel publicly confirmed her separation from Silver in early 2025, noting that the split had occurred some time prior. She has no children.
Career Highlights
Trixie Mattel cemented her drag icon status by winning the third season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, overcoming a previous sixth-place finish. Her music career also flourished, with albums like *Two Birds* and *One Stone* charting on Billboard’s Folk Albums.
She expanded her empire by launching Trixie Cosmetics, a successful beauty brand, and co-hosts the acclaimed web series UNHhhh and the podcast The Bald and the Beautiful with Katya Zamolodchikova. Mattel also co-authored the *New York Times* bestseller *Trixie and Katya’s Guide to Modern Womanhood*.
Her ventures include the renovation docuseries *Trixie Motel* and a co-ownership stake in the Milwaukee gay bar This Is It!, further solidifying her influence across entertainment and business. She was ranked fourth on *New York Magazine’s* list of “The Most Powerful Drag Queens in America.”
Signature Quote
“Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission to shine. Take the spotlight and own it.”
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