Nina West Talks Friendship With Dolly Parton & a Potential RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Return
Everybody say kindness!
Nina West has created her own path in the entertainment industry following her Miss Congeniality crowning on RuPaul’s Drag Race season 11.
Just in the past month alone, this queen has released a new book, made a cameo in a major movie, and is starring in the national production of Hairspray.
“We need to embrace who we are and celebrate that with the world. At a time when our differeces are being used against us, it’s actually our greatest strength. Our identity and who we are and our individuality is our greatest strength,” West tells Out.
The first of many projects for West is the exciting release of her brand new children’s book, The You Kind of You.
“This is a book all about encouraging little people to go out into the world and find kindness and discover their own kind of kindness that they can give to the world. It’s a message that’s really needed right now.”
As the book neared its release, West even received a blessing from one of the kindest living legends around: Dolly Parton.
“She has been so tremendously supportive and loving and nurturing, especially on this messaging surrounding kindness. To have this book recognized by the world’s nicest person is a true gift.”
Although Dolly Parton is a big name to have in her corner, West has also been hanging out with other A-list celebrities. The queen recently starred alongside Daniel Radcliffe in Weird Al Yankovic’s brand-new biopic Weird.
“This is bananas! I have a very small cameo in this movie. I play drag legend Divine in a scene with Daniel Radcliffe. Best day of my life… sitting and talking with Dan about his life and him asking me about my drag career. He was so interested, charming, and engaging. It’s just everything!”
While she may have graced the screen again with Weird, many fans are curious if West would return to do a season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. After all, the queen has returned to the werkroom as a mentor for RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race.
“I absolutely would return!” she reveals. “It’s the show that gave me every opportunity. Yes. Drag Race has afforded me the opportunity to step into a space and they have supported me. RuPaul and World of Wonder have provided such support for me to actually carve out my own path. I’m turning red right now! I’m already getting nervous over the thought of it.”
West would join quite a few of her season 11 sisters if she were to compete in a future All Stars season. Silky, A’keria, Ra’Jah, Scarlet, and the season’s winner, Yvie Oddly, all returned for All Stars.
“Season 11 has turned out some stars! I don’t care what anybody says. Maybe you didn’t love our season, but come on! Brooke Lynn Hytes, Vanjie, Ra’Jah, Silky Nutmeg Ganache… I mean come on.”
The You Kind of You is available everywhere now and fans can check out Nina West on tour in Hairspray, with all of the info found on her website. To see the full interview, check out the video below.
RELATED | RuPaul Speaks on All Stars 7, Reveals the Real Winner of the Season
