RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant Shangela may no longer be in the running to become America’s Next Drag Superstar after getting booted last night. (Although there’s some possibility she could return in Monday’s episode, since RuPaul promised to bring back a queen who was already eliminated this season.) But Drag Race fans, don’t fret! You may not have seen the last of the show’s loved and hated Post-Modern Pimp Ho: Shangie Pants has been cast alongside Don Johnson in TV pilot drama A Mann’s World that, if it gets picked up to series, will air on NBC this fall.
Huh? That’s right. I recently found myself perusing a list of potential pilots for the fall and stumbled upon a familiar name: D.J. Pierce, which — true Shangie fans will realize — is Shangela’s real name. I confirmed, and this Pierce listed is indeed the Shangela we all know — and either love or hate.
So what’s the deal with the show — and Shangela’s role on it? Here’s what’s what. A Mann’s World centers on Johnson, who plays Allan Mann, a Beverly Hills hairdresser (yes, really) who is having trouble staying relevant. And this is where Shangela comes into play: In the pilot, Shangela — err, D.J. Pierce — is set to play Snip, one of three fabulous, top-tiered stylists who come into Mann’s salon. (One-third of the trio will be played by none other than viral video celebrity Chris Crocker, who became famous after releasing a crying jag about Britney Spears’ infamously botched performance of “Gimme More” at the 2007 VMAs.) Also starring in the show are Sex and the City‘s Mario Cantone and Ellen Barkin. Sex and the City‘s Michael Patrick King is set to produce. Not a shabby cast or creative team, to say the least!
Maybe this news (or is it news? realization?) isn’t that shocking since Shangela did appear on an episode of FX’s Terriers in November, as well as an episode of ABC’s Detroit 1-8-7 in February. But the fact that it’s a series-regular role and on NBC is pretty major. One day her bio will read: “From RuPaul’s Drag Race… to television star!”
Shangela’s final quote from last night’s episode, which I quoted in my recap of the hour, seems especially poignant when you consider this news: “It’s a sad feeling because I definitely came back into this competition wanting to win. And it’s not been easy, but I’m leaving a winner,” Shangela said. “And it’s just a lesson for everyone who’s ever wanted to pursue a dream they’ve had. Live your passion, and live it to the fullest. Halle-lou!” Shangela certainly seems to be doing that.
What do you all think? Excited to see Shangela in a series-regular role? Alongside Don Johnson and Ellen Barkin? And (possibly, maybe, hopefully!) sparring with Chris Crocker? Sound off below!
Tanner on Twitter: @EWTanStransky
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Chris Crocker?!?! Is this an early April Fools joke? Love Shangela, though.
shangela is a piece of black no talented bottom feading suck the life out of you.. better off back in the projects. May the gays stand together and keep him in his place.
is this Raja?
And i’m sure that all the conservatives will stand together and make sure you get called a f@ggot when you walk down the street, be called a disgrace to G-d, and never be able to marry your partner. You wanna dish it out? Well here is hoping you get it back every way possible jerk.
I watch the show! Love it! bren you are too funny…….is this Raja? Hilarious! If one watches the show then one will realize how funny that is….three words…..LOL! LOVE IT!
Must be Raja or Delta No Work!
Not happy about the Crocker but Shangela yeah
LOVE Shangela! I would watch any show were she is acting in an important role.
I’ve read the pilot. It’s awful and the character Shangela is playing is nothing more than a walking stereotype. She’ll be perfect.
Will he be playing Shangela on the show?
Yay! Love you Shangie and glad that you will be back on TV!!
Good for her.I saw the episode of terriers she was in.I thought she was great.
Chris Crocker? Really Really?!
How the hell is the the “underdog” if she already has Hollywood connections and being in tv shows? Just another reason I’m glad she’s off the show.
And Chris Crocker??? Seriously??? Lol, too funny.
Are you a Raja fan?
Having Hollywood connections and being on a television show is no new thing to contestants of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Raja is a “make up artist to the stars” who also happens to be a regular on another hit tv show, “America’s Next Top Model.” He has been a personal buddy of Rupaul’s for 15 years (some say Rupaul is his “Drag Mother.”) One could argue that he should not have been allowed to compete. Rumor has it that Raja won. If so, I will always believe he won because of his association with Rupaul – too big a conflict of interest there.
Orrrr because Raja has been trouncing the competition week after week. One or the other.
Raja is cross-eyed and ugly to be honest.
Raja should win because he’s old. Cmon let the old people win.
By far, Raja has been the MOST creative and dynamic queen compared to all this season’s competition. If Raja wins (which I believe it likely) it is because she IS worthy of the title based on genuine merit.
the real rumour is that Ru already chose Raja to win before the show was even cast
kind of makes me not want to watch the show and if it happens and the rumour is true ill never wath another season
as for teh don johnson show it sounds like good camp and will love to see it air
I completely agree. Not even knowing their connection, I could see the favoritism. It was sickening to watch. HATE RAJA…
Well we know DJ has no real interest in drag performing it was just a way of fame ho’ing since as a man he got nowhere. So hooray for him. NBC? He belongs there. Haven’t watched network broadcast for years.
what makes on think like you<educate yourself before you speak ill,it is what is,drag is dressing and performance!and that is what "shangela is all about
I don’t know what else to say other than I am so happy for DJ Pierce aka Shangela! It’s nice to see a person rise above it all and succeed at making thier dreams come true!
Don Johnson must be truly desperate to sign up for this dreck.
I expect this type of pandering from Shangie and Crocker as they have both been nothing but bottom feeders all along.
Whatever. It’s always the least deserving people who get plucked from reality shows.
LOL @ the haters who constantly put Shangela down. For a guy who’s only been doing this for a few years, he has a lot of people knocking on his door. Good for him! And halleloo!
Halle loo! Shangela ftw!
Hey haters choke on it.
I love Shangela – great spirit and full of talent!
I’m glad I’ll she her/him again.
who the hell are you.. Shangela.. She is a shigging looser.. You must be black
you are a moron, and yes I am white