RuPaul speaks exclusively to the WOW Report about working on the new Netflix series Girlboss – based on Sophia Amoruso‘s autobiography of the same name – and his character Lionel.
Girlboss is based off of Nasty Gal’s ex-CEO Sophia Amoruso’s best-selling book of the same name. Did you know a lot about Sophia before the project?
RuPaul: You know, before I got the role as Lionel on Girlboss, I had heard of Sophia Amoruso’s story, and I knew of her book. I was so excited because I love the whole concept of sisters who are doing it for themselves, and this is a great example of that.
Did you get to meet and work with her? How involved was she with the project?
Sophia Amoruso, who is the Girlboss, was very involved with the project from beginning to end, although she wasn’t on the set when we were filming. I did eventually get to meet her at the premiere?
Tell us a little bit about your character Lionel.
Lionel is Sophia’s next door neighbor who is sassy and straightforward, but also kooky and fun.
What was your favorite part about shooting?
My favorite part of filming was getting to meet Kay Cannon who was the creator of the show who is so dynamic and so creative. Just being in her presence helped me bring the character to life.
Are you character Lionel on Girlboss and RuPaul two different people?
I am different from Lionel. Lionel will say things that can be interpreted as kind of harsh and cruel. I don’t think I do that in my everyday life. I may think it, but I won’t say it. Lionel would actually say it.
Did you learn any thing new about entrepreneurship from Sophia’s book Girlboss or from working on the show Girlboss?
I didn’t necessarily learn anything about being an entrepreneur, but it did reaffirm what I knew which was find your passion, find a niche or a place where you could be of service, and start there.
What advice do you recommend when interviewing for a job?
When I’m interviewing someone for a job, I’m looking at the details. I’m looking at their fingernails, I’m looking at their ability to put together a story. Even if the story is a simple story. I want to see that there is a consciousness there, and that there is an awareness there. I’m looking for confidence. I’m looking for someone who understands what their own rhythm is.
What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs trying to be successful?
My advice for young entrepreneurs is to follow your bliss. You have to be interested in something. You have to be passionate about something to be able to become a success at it. People can smell a fraud, and you have to find your rhythm. Your passion.
