Symone

Early life Born Reggie Gavin, Symone was raised in Conway, Arkansas, as the youngest of three children, with two siblings who are significantly older. While a student at University of Arkansas at Little Rock, she began to build a following as a performer at Discovery and The Factory, and later changed her stage name to Symone, after a character in a play she wrote in high school. Vanderbilt is Symone's drag mother.

2021–present: RuPaul's Drag Race success

In 2021, Symone gained wider prominence as a contestant on season 13 of RuPaul's Drag Race, where she became the show's first Arkansas contestant. Rihanna sent Symone an Instagram DM after seeing her on the show: "You soooo EVERYTHING! Nasty Lil bitch! I live for every second of it! You're a true joy to watch!" Symone ultimately won the season in the grand finale that aired on April 23, 2021.

In August 2021, Symone was a featured performer in Drag Fest, a live music festival. Symone was featured on the cover of the September 2021 issue of Interview. That same month, Symone attended the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, the 2021 Met Gala, and walked the red carpet at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards.

Awards and nominations

RuPaul's Drag Race People's Choice Award for The Competition Contestant of 2021

Herself Queerty Award for Drag Royalty

Filmography Film YearTitleRoleNotes 2021Star-Crossed: The Film Heist Girl 22022BrosMartyFeature film 2026 Stop! That! Train! Ayshleiygh

Television

Music videos Featured and cameo roles +YearTitleArtistRole 2021"Simple Times"Kacey MusgravesFeatured

Web series

Discography As part of the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race, Season 13 As lead artist Title Year "Condragulations" (cast version) 2021 "Social Media: The Unverified Rusical"

As featured artist Title Year "Lucky" 2021