Alaska Thunderfuck
{{short description|American drag performer and recording artist}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2017}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2017}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Alaska Thunderfuck 5000
| image = File:Alaska Thunderfuck DragCon2024 @DVSROSS (16).jpg
| caption = Alaska at RuPaul's DragCon LA in 2024
| birth_name = Justin Andrew Honard
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1985|3|6}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ancestry.com/search/?name=Justin+Andrew_Honard&event=_pittsburgh-allegheny-pennsylvania-usa_12524&birth=1985_erie-erie-pennsylvania-usa_13849&successSource=Search&queryId=030d2b2d7c21fb29757a2916beefbb75 |title=Justin A Honard |website=Ancestry Institute |publisher=Ancestry |access-date=November 12, 2022 }}
| birth_place = Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.{{Cite web|date=2013-03-29|title=Interview: Alaska From RuPaul's Drag Race Talks About Life Post-Show and Her Love Affair with Sharon Needles {{!}} G Philly|url=https://www.phillymag.com/2013/03/29/girl-talk-gabbing-alaska-rupauls-drag-race/|access-date=2022-02-14|website=Philadelphia Magazine|language=en-US|archive-date=February 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220214202128/https://www.phillymag.com/2013/03/29/girl-talk-gabbing-alaska-rupauls-drag-race/|url-status=live}}
| other_names = {{hlist|Alaska|Alaska 5000}}
| alma_mater = University of Pittsburgh (BA)
| occupation = {{hlist|Drag queen|recording artist}}
| television = RuPaul's Drag Race (season 5){{Cite news|url=https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/EntertainmentBlog/archives/2013/05/07/rupauls-drag-race-season-5-reunion-the-winner-revealed|title='RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 5 Reunion: The winner revealed!|last=Rezsnyak|first=Eric|work=City Newspaper|location= Rochester, New York|access-date=November 13, 2017|language=en|archive-date=November 14, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171114040820/https://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/EntertainmentBlog/archives/2013/05/07/rupauls-drag-race-season-5-reunion-the-winner-revealed|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.men.com/model/4331/alaska-thunderfuck/|title=Alaska Thunderfuck – Official Pornstar Profile on Men|website=www.men.com|access-date=2018-09-06|archive-date=September 6, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180906090334/https://www.men.com/model/4331/alaska-thunderfuck/|url-status=live}}
RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 2){{Cite news|url=http://people.com/tv/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-2-winner-exclusive/amp/|title='RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars 2' Winner on Snatching the Crown, Her Haters and Who She Wanted To Win|date=2016-10-14|work=People|access-date=November 13, 2017|language=en-US|archive-date=November 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114040453/http://people.com/tv/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-2-winner-exclusive/amp/|url-status=live}}
| years_active = 2006–present
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| genre = {{flatlist|
| instrument = Vocals
| origin = Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| label = {{flatlist|
}}
| current_member_of = The AAA Girls
| website = {{URL|alaskathunderfuck.com}}
}}
}}
Justin Andrew Honard (born March 6, 1985), best known by the stage name Alaska Thunderfuck 5000 or Alaska Thunderfuck and mononymously as Alaska, is an American drag queen and singer from Erie, Pennsylvania. She is best known as a runner-up on the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the winner of the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.
Alaska co-hosts the web series Bro'Laska alongside her brother, Cory Binney. Her first studio album, Anus, was released in 2015, followed by her second album, Poundcake, in 2016, and her third album, Vagina, in 2019. Her fourth album, Red 4 Filth, was released in 2022. Alaska is also a part of The AAA Girls, a drag group with Willam and Courtney Act and hosts the podcast Race Chaser with Willam.
Early life
Honard was born to Andrew and Pam Honard,{{Cite tweet |user=Alaska5000 |number=336694477378965505 |title=That's so insane because that's my Mom's name. And her's is applied RIGHT}} and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Fort LeBoeuf High School in 2003.{{cite web|last=McCracken |first=Sean |title=High school friend on national reality competition |url=http://goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20130313%2FOPINION07%2F303139967 |work=Erie Times-News |access-date=March 20, 2013 |date=March 13, 2013 |archive-date=April 7, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407081445/http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=%2F20130313%2FOPINION07%2F303139967 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|last=Nunn |first=Jerry |title=Alaska from RuPaul's Drag Race dishes with Jerry Nunn |url=http://chicago.gopride.com/news/interview.cfm/articleid/480625 |publisher=ChicagoPride.com |access-date=April 19, 2013 |date=April 18, 2013 |archive-date=May 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518031656/http://chicago.gopride.com/news/interview.cfm/articleid/480625 |url-status=dead }} Honard has a brother, Cory.{{Cite tweet |user=Alaska5000 |number=1160002734667358208 |title=#BroLaska-ing about with my brother. We chat about our highly public twitter beef, we call our mom on the phone, and discuss how we managed to get into the same room.}} He studied theater at the University of Pittsburgh.{{cite web|last=Sciullo|first=Maria|title=Pittsburgh's 'Alaska' takes a turn on 'Drag Race'|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/tv-radio/pittsburghs-alaska-takes-a-turn-on-drag-race-672321/|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette|access-date=March 20, 2013|date=January 28, 2013|archive-date=February 24, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224071839/http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/ae/tv-radio/pittsburghs-alaska-takes-a-turn-on-drag-race-672321/|url-status=live}}
Career
= 2007–2012: Career beginnings =
After dabbling in various jobs and projects in Pittsburgh, Honard eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. After discovering that he disliked the process of trying to land acting jobs, he conceived the concept and personality of her drag persona while smoking marijuana. Honard had previously done drag as a hobby, but the conception of "Alaska" fueled an intent to turn it into a career, and she eventually landed a job at the West Hollywood club Fubar.{{cite web|last=Middleton|first=Josh|title=Interview: Alaska From RuPaul's Drag Race Talks About Life Post-Show and Her Love Affair with Sharon Needles|url=http://blogs.phillymag.com/gphilly/2013/03/29/girl-talk-gabbing-alaska-rupauls-drag-race/|work=Philadelphia|access-date=April 19, 2013|date=March 29, 2013|archive-date=June 30, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130630031807/http://blogs.phillymag.com/gphilly/2013/03/29/girl-talk-gabbing-alaska-rupauls-drag-race/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=ALASKA: EXPOSED (The Full Interview) |website=YouTube |url=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gT7acHEvIWA&feature=youtu.be |language=en |date=May 10, 2019 |access-date=July 13, 2023 |url-status=live |archive-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906142235/https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=gT7acHEvIWA&feature=youtu.be }} Honard frequently performed as Alaska in the Trannyshack shows in Los Angeles.{{cite web|last=Lucid|first=Michael|title= Daily Freak Show: James Goes to Trannyshack |url= http://worldofwonder.net/2009/07/23/THE_DAILY_FREAK_SHOW_JAMES_GOES/|publisher=World of Wonder|access-date=April 20, 2013|date=July 23, 2009|archive-date= November 13, 2017|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112747/http://worldofwonder.net/daily-freak-show-james-goes-to-trannyshack/|url-status=live}} In 2009, she performed in Palm Springs Gay Pride with Tammie Brown and Jer Ber Jones.{{cite web|last=Lucid |first=Michael |title=James St. James Goes to the Ace Hotel |url= http://worldofwonder.net/2009/11/18/THE_DAILY_FREAK_SHOW_JAMES_GOES/ |work=World of Wonder |access-date=April 20, 2013 |date=November 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130207135121/http://worldofwonder.net/2009/11/18/THE_DAILY_FREAK_SHOW_JAMES_GOES/ |archive-date= February 7, 2013 }}
Alaska met future boyfriend Sharon Needles (stage name of Aaron Coady) through Myspace via an introduction from Pittsburgh drag queen Veruca la'Piranha in December 2009, and eventually moved back to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to live with him in 2010. She has said that she found Sharon Needles "fascinating", and, even after their breakup, "still does". Along with Sharon Needles and Cherri Baum, she formed the band Haus of Haunt, which later evolved into a drag troupe based out of Pittsburgh bar The Blue Moon. As part of the Haus of Haunt, she helped present the Pittsburgh debut of fellow drag queen and recording artist Christeene Vale in 2013. Alaska later impersonated Vale for the music video "RuPaulogize" by Willam Belli.{{cite web|last=Higbee|first=Jonathan|title=Willam's Back With Brand New Video, "RuPaulogize"|url=http://instinctmagazine.com/blogs/blog/willam-s-back-with-brand-new-video-rupaulogize?directory=100011|work=IInstinct|access-date=April 27, 2013|date=April 22, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=October 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The couple had friction between them after Sharon Needles' casting on season four of Drag Race, as Alaska had auditioned for every season of the show previous, and Sharon Needles had been cast on her first attempt at auditioning. Sharon Needles later went on to win the season in April 2012, beating fellow finalists Chad Michaels and Phi Phi O'Hara.
= 2013–2015: ''RuPaul's Drag Race'' and ''Anus'' =
Alaska competed on the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, under the mononym Alaska instead of her full drag name Alaska Thunderfuck.{{cite web|last=Coughlan|first=Maggie|title=RuPaul's Drag Race Season 5 Contestants Announced|url=http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20649306,00.html|work=People|access-date=March 23, 2013|date=November 19, 2012|archive-date=March 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160331030546/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20649306,00.html|url-status=dead}} She had previously auditioned for every season of the show, and filmed her audition tape for the fifth season while on a cruise paid for by Sharon Needles' Drag Race winnings. She prepared for the season with the help of Baum, la'Piranha, and New York City-based drag queen Miles De Niro. Sharon Needles was not present for the preparation, as she was touring at the time. Alaska won the fragrance commercial-themed main challenge in the episode "Scent of a Drag Queen" and the main challenge for "Sugar Ball".{{cite web|last=Sava|first=Oliver|title=Scent of a Drag Queen|url=https://www.avclub.com/rupauls-drag-race-scent-of-a-drag-queen-1798176182|work=The A.V. Club|access-date=March 23, 2013|date=March 19, 2013|archive-date=March 22, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130322070303/http://www.avclub.com/articles/scent-of-a-drag-queen%2C93723/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Sava|first=Oliver|title=Sugar Ball|url=https://www.avclub.com/rupauls-drag-race-sugar-ball-1798176604|work=The A.V. Club|access-date=April 19, 2013|date=April 16, 2013|archive-date=April 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419034522/http://www.avclub.com/articles/sugar-ball%2C96212/|url-status=live}} As part of the show, Alaska sang on the "We Are the World"-inspired song "Can I Get an Amen?". The song's proceeds helped benefit the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.{{cite web|last=Parker|first=Lyndsey|title=Great Musical Moments In Reality TV: RuPaul's "Can I Get An Amen"|url=http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/reality-rocks/great-musical-moments-reality-tv-rupaul-amen-195952955.html|work=Yahoo! Music|access-date=March 23, 2013|date=March 5, 2013|archive-date=October 5, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005012854/http://music.yahoo.com/blogs/reality-rocks/great-musical-moments-reality-tv-rupaul-amen-195952955.html|url-status=live}} At the season finale in May 2013, Alaska was declared the runner-up along with fellow competitor Roxxxy Andrews. Jinkx Monsoon was the winner of the season.{{Cite web|url=http://flavorwire.com/389913/rupauls-drag-race-season-5-finale-recap-last-nights-10-best-moments|title='RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 5 Finale Recap: Last Night's 10 Best Moments|date=2013-05-07|website=Flavorwire|language=en|access-date=2019-05-07|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507190942/http://flavorwire.com/389913/rupauls-drag-race-season-5-finale-recap-last-nights-10-best-moments|url-status=live}} Due to her substantial gain in wealth after Drag Race and subsequent ability to purchase the item, she later fell into a cocaine addiction, which Alaska has described as "kinda ugly, gross, and kinda sad".
In October 2013, Alaska performed as Dr. Frank N. Furter in Woodlawn Theatre's production of The Rocky Horror Show in San Antonio, Texas. RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage and season four contestant Willam Belli also starred in the musical.{{cite web|last=Shorey|first=Eric|title=Willam, Alaska And Michelle Visage Get Ready To Rock "Rocky Horror Show": PHOTOS|url=http://www.newnownext.com/willam-alaska-and-michelle-visage-get-ready-to-rock-rocky-horror-show-photos/10/2013/|work=New Now Next|access-date=11 November 2013|date=8 October 2013|archive-date=January 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128212417/http://www.newnownext.com/willam-alaska-and-michelle-visage-get-ready-to-rock-rocky-horror-show-photos/10/2013/|url-status=live}}
Since appearing on RuPaul's Drag Race, Alaska has toured and performed, appearing in RuPaul's Drag Race Battle of the Seasons shows, the Drag Stars at Sea cruises, custom one-woman shows such as a Stevie Nicks tribute called "Stevie Forever", a cabaret show called "Red for Filth", and a holiday show called "Blue Christmas".{{cite web|url=http://www.theatreinnewyork.com/alaska-stevie-forever/368/|title=Alaska: Stevie Forever-The Laurie Beechman Theatre In New York|access-date=November 17, 2014|archive-date=March 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160318163835/http://www.theatreinnewyork.com/alaska-stevie-forever/368/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/alaska-opens-new-show-red-for-filth-in-nyc/08/2013/|title=Alaska Opens New Show, "Red For Filth," In NYC //|work=NewNowNext|access-date=November 17, 2014|archive-date=June 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629052929/http://www.newnownext.com/alaska-opens-new-show-red-for-filth-in-nyc/08/2013/|url-status=live}} An animated version of Alaska appeared in the "RuPaul's Drag Race: Dragopolis 2.0" mobile app.{{Cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/dragopolis-2-0-has-arrived/12/2014/|title=Dragopolis 2.0 Has Arrived! {{!}} NewNowNext|website=www.newnownext.com|access-date=2019-01-02|archive-date=January 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116084729/http://www.newnownext.com/dragopolis-2-0-has-arrived/12/2014/|url-status=live}} During the summer of 2014, she starred in a stage production of Sex and the City.{{cite web|url=http://www.goldstar.com/events/san-francisco-ca/sex-and-the-city-live-1|title=Sex and the City Live! San Francisco Tickets – $15.00 at Victoria Theatre.|publisher=Goldstar.com|access-date=November 17, 2014|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305162022/https://www.goldstar.com/events/san-francisco-ca/sex-and-the-city-live-1|url-status=live}} With her brother, Cory Binney, Alaska has a web series sponsored by World of Wonder, called Bro'Laska.{{cite web|url=http://worldofwonder.net/brolaska-starring-alaska-thunderfuck-cory-binney/|title=BroLaska Starring Alaska Thunderfuck and Cory Binney|date=January 30, 2015|publisher=World of Wonder|access-date=November 17, 2014|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113060058/http://worldofwonder.net/brolaska-starring-alaska-thunderfuck-cory-binney/|url-status=live}} In 2014, Alaska became a spokesmodel for American Apparel alongside Willam Belli and Courtney Act.{{cite web|url=http://www.out.com/fashion/truman-says/2014/09/11/alaska-courtney-act-and-willam-belli-american-apparel|title=Exclusive: Alaska, Courtney Act, and Willam Belli Team Up With American Apparel|work=Out Magazine|date=September 11, 2014|access-date=November 17, 2014|archive-date=August 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807025851/https://www.out.com/fashion/truman-says/2014/09/11/alaska-courtney-act-and-willam-belli-american-apparel|url-status=live}}
Alaska has since released a string of singles, namely "Ru Girl", "Your Makeup Is Terrible", and "Nails". In June 2015, Alaska's debut album, Anus, was released to positive reviews. Singles from the album included "Hieeee" and "This Is My Hair".{{cite web|url=http://www.themagiccritique.com/2015/06/anus-by-alaska-thunderfuck-album-review.html|title=The Magic Critique: 'Anus' by Alaska Thunderfuck Album Review|work=themagiccritique.com|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150728173934/http://www.themagiccritique.com/2015/06/anus-by-alaska-thunderfuck-album-review.html|archive-date=July 28, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}{{cite web|url=http://noisey.vice.com/blog/alaska-thunderfuck-anus-interview-2015|title=Alaska Thunderfuck Makes Better Dance Music Than Your Vanilla Garbage|work=NOISEY|date=June 24, 2015|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-date=August 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831135745/http://noisey.vice.com/blog/alaska-thunderfuck-anus-interview-2015|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2015/06/24/why-alaska-thunderfuck-titled-her-new-album-anus|title=Why Alaska Thunderfuck Titled Her New Album 'Anus'|first=Daniel|last=Reynolds|work=The Advocate|date=June 24, 2015|access-date=June 26, 2015|archive-date=September 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912102403/https://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/music/2015/06/24/why-alaska-thunderfuck-titled-her-new-album-anus|url-status=live}}
= 2016–2017: ''RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars'' and ''Poundcake'' =
In 2016, Alaska returned to Drag Race for the second season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars.{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/06/17/rupauls-all-stars-drag-race-season-2-cast|title='RuPaul's All Stars Drag Race' season 2 cast revealed — exclusive|magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=2016-09-12}} She won 4 challenges (Snatch Game, Acting, Stand Up, Advert) and was in the bottom for a makeover challenge. She received some backlash due to some of her choices of eliminations and her behavior toward the end of the competition. In response, Alaska donated $5,000 to the charity Trans Kids Purple Rainbow and posted an apology video online. In the final five of the competition, when she landed in the bottom, Alaska famously offered competitor Detox $10,000 to vote for her to stay in the competition, of which Alaska revealed years later that she donated the amount to a snake sanctuary instead. In the season finale, she was crowned the second winner of All Stars.{{cite news|last1=Shah|first1=Karim|title=Alaska Responds To 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Fan Uproar|url=http://instinctmagazine.com/post/alaska-responds-rupauls-drag-race-fan-uproar|access-date=October 13, 2016|publisher=Instinct Magazine|date=October 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161012153421/http://instinctmagazine.com/post/alaska-responds-rupauls-drag-race-fan-uproar|archive-date=October 12, 2016|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Alaska Responds to 'Drag Race' Backlash via Video, Snake References Abound|url=http://popcrush.com/rupauls-drag-race-alaska-backlash-snake-video/|access-date=October 13, 2016|publisher=Pop Crush|date=October 11, 2016|archive-date=May 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190528190650/http://popcrush.com/rupauls-drag-race-alaska-backlash-snake-video/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|last1=Morgan|first1=Joe|title=RuPaul's Drag Race stars Alaska and Detox are donating $10,000 via Paypal before taxes to charity|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/rupauls-drag-race-stars-alaska-detox-donating-10000-via-paypal-taxes-charity/|access-date=October 13, 2016|publisher=Gay Star News|date=October 11, 2016|archive-date=October 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171004090349/https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/rupauls-drag-race-stars-alaska-detox-donating-10000-via-paypal-taxes-charity/|url-status=dead}} Due to the stress sustained while filming the season, she has said that she preferred the experience she had while filming Season 5 of Drag Race over All Stars 2.
In the same year, Alaska released her second album, titled Poundcake.{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3125826/alaska-thunderfuck-interview-queens-safe-spaces/|title=HOW ALASKA THUNDERFUCK IS CREATING SAFE SPACES FOR QUEENS, FEMMES, AND EVERYONE|last=Ross Katz|first=Evan|publisher=MTV|date=2019-05-20|access-date=2020-08-20|archive-date=December 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191214004544/http://www.mtv.com/news/3125826/alaska-thunderfuck-interview-queens-safe-spaces/|url-status=dead}} Three singles from the album have been released: "The T",{{Cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-t-feat-adore-delano-single/1165288299|title=The T (feat. Adore Delano) – Single by Alaska Thunderfuck on Apple Music|website=iTunes|date=October 14, 2016|language=en-us|access-date=2017-11-12|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113183721/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-t-feat-adore-delano-single/1165288299|url-status=dead}} "Stun",{{Cite news|url=http://www.newnownext.com/alaska-gia-gunn-stun-music-video/02/2017/|title=Watch Alaska And Gia Gunn "Stun" In Fierce New Music Video|work=LOGO News|access-date=2017-11-12|archive-date=November 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171113112820/http://www.newnownext.com/alaska-gia-gunn-stun-music-video/02/2017/|url-status=live}} and "Puppet". The album is named after the puppet challenge on RuPaul's Drag Race where Alaska and fellow contestant Lineysha Sparx created a rebellious puppet called Lil' Poundcake.{{cite magazine|last1=Crowley|first1=Patrick|title='RuPaul's Drag Race' All-Star Alaska Drops New Music Video for 'Puppet'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7511203/alaska-puppet-video-rupauls-drag-race|magazine=Billboard|access-date=16 September 2016}} On the seventh episode of the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, the main challenge of the episode was for the contestants to act in a true crime spoof entitled "Forensic Queens: Wha-Ha-Happened to Lil' Poundcake?", depicting a fictional All Stars season where Lil' Poundcake, slated to make her Drag Race comeback, suddenly disappears.{{cite episode|title=Forensic Queens|series=RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars|series-link=RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars|air-date=June 16, 2023|season=8|number=7|network=Paramount+ / WOW Presents Plus}}
Alaska competed in the first season of VH1's Scared Famous, which premiered on October 23, 2017, and placed 6th in the competition.{{cite news|last1=Bellino|first1=Damian|title=VH1 Announces Scared Famous Starring Tiffany Pollard, Drita D'Avanzo, Alaska Thunderfuck, and More!|url=https://www.vh1.com/news/6iygcw/scared-famous-tiffany-pollard-erica-mena-drita-davanzo-alaska|publisher=VH1 (Viacom)|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=February 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209103039/http://www.vh1.com/news/324725/scared-famous-tiffany-pollard-erica-mena-drita-davanzo-alaska/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Rawles |first=Timothy |date=2017-10-31 |title=Alaska talks about being 'Scared Famous' on her new reality show |url=https://sdgln.com/entertainment/2017/10/31/alaska-talks-about-being-scared-famous-her-new-reality-show |access-date=2019-05-07 |website=San Diego Gay and Lesbian News |language=en |archive-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507190951/https://sdgln.com/entertainment/2017/10/31/alaska-talks-about-being-scared-famous-her-new-reality-show |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/alaska-scared-famous-vh1-halloween/10/2017/|title=Alaska On Halloween, Horror Movies, And Life In The "Scared Famous" House {{!}} NewNowNext|website=www.newnownext.com|access-date=2019-05-07|archive-date=May 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507190942/http://www.newnownext.com/alaska-scared-famous-vh1-halloween/10/2017/|url-status=live}}
= 2018–2020: ''Race Chaser, Vagina,'' and pageant =
File:Dragcon2-SAT-33 (47937192816) (cropped).jpg, 2019]]
Since 2018, Alaska has hosted the podcast Race Chaser with fellow Drag Race alumna Willam Belli. The podcast is "devoted to the discussion and dissection of every episode" of RuPaul's Drag Race.{{Cite web|url=https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/race-chaser-with-alaska-willam/id1408740329?mt=2|title=Race Chaser with Alaska & Willam by Forever Dog Podcast Network on Apple Podcasts|website=Apple Podcasts|language=en|access-date=2019-01-16|archive-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110194036/https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/race-chaser-with-alaska-willam/id1408740329?mt=2|url-status=live}} Alaska and Jeremy Mikush, performing as Alaska and Jeremy, released their debut album Amethyst Journey in 2018.{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8469640/alaska-thunderfuck-new-group-album-jeremy-mikush|title=Alaska Unveils New Musical Duo Alaska and Jeremy & Album 'Amethyst Journey'|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-03-13}}
In 2019, Alaska released her third album titled Vagina.{{cite news|url=https://www.queerty.com/alaska-drops-surprise-album-just-ahead-debut-drag-pageant-20190524|title=Alaska drops surprise album just ahead of her debut drag pageant|date=May 24, 2019|first=Dan|last=Tracer|website=Queerty|access-date=August 30, 2020|archive-date=May 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504115727/https://www.queerty.com/alaska-drops-surprise-album-just-ahead-debut-drag-pageant-20190524|url-status=live}} Soon after, she created and hosted The Drag Queen of the Year Pageant Competition Award Contest Competition at the Montalban Theater in Hollywood. The event was sold-out and featured eight different drag artists competing for the crown. The eventual winner, decided by Alaska and a panel of judges including Peppermint, Sharon Needles, and Willam, was Abhora, a former contestant on season two of The Boulet Brothers' Dragula. The event has since been hosted annually{{efn|The competition was seemingly not hosted in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.}} by Alaska alongside Lola LeCroix, with a documentary series following the production of the 2022 edition, Behind the Drag Queen of the Year Pageant Competition Award Contest Competition, being released in 2023.{{cite news|url=https://www.out.com/drag/2020/3/08/drag-races-alaska-bringing-her-all-inclusive-drag-pageant-back|title='Drag Race's Alaska Is Bringing Her All-Inclusive Drag Pageant Back|date=March 8, 2020|first=Mikelle|last=Street|website=Out|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=March 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200330170219/https://www.out.com/drag/2020/3/08/drag-races-alaska-bringing-her-all-inclusive-drag-pageant-back|url-status=live}} In June 2023, a panel of judges from New York magazine placed Alaska seventh on their list of "the most powerful drag queens in America", a ranking of 100 former Drag Race contestants.{{cite news |url=https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/most-powerful-drag-queens-in-america-ranked.html# |title=The Most Powerful Drag Queens in America: Ranking the new establishment. |date=June 10, 2019 |access-date=June 10, 2019 |magazine=New York |archive-date=June 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610184458/https://www.vulture.com/2019/06/most-powerful-drag-queens-in-america-ranked.html |url-status=live}}
= 2021–present: ''Red 4 Filth'' and memoir =
Alaska's first comedy special, The Alaska Thunderfuck Extra Special Comedy Special, aired on OutTV in Canada in 2021.{{cite web|url=http://www.newnownext.com/drag-race-comedy-specials-out-tv-trixie-mattel/07/2019/|title="Drag Race" Alums Return to TV in New Documentary, Comedy Specials|last=Rudolph|first=Christopher|publisher=NewNowNext|date=July 24, 2019|access-date=October 1, 2019|archive-date=October 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191001134843/http://www.newnownext.com/drag-race-comedy-specials-out-tv-trixie-mattel/07/2019/|url-status=live}} She is one of the most followed queens from Drag Race, and has accumulated over 1.8 million Instagram followers as of October 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.intomore.com/culture/25-followed-rupauls-drag-race-queens-instagram/|title=Here are the 25 Most-Followed "RuPaul's Drag Race" Queens on Instagram|date=October 15, 2021|first=Konrad|last=Juengling|website=IntoMore|access-date=October 12, 2021|archive-date=October 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015175937/https://www.intomore.com/culture/25-followed-rupauls-drag-race-queens-instagram/|url-status=live}}
She released her memoir, My Name's Yours, What's Alaska?: A Memoir on November 9, 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwbooks/article/Alaska-Thunderfk-To-Release-Memoir-Nov-9-20210608|title=Alaska Thunderf**k To Release Memoir Nov. 9|last=Criscitiello|first=Alexa|publisher=Broadway World|date=June 8, 2021|access-date=June 9, 2021|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609035901/https://www.broadwayworld.com/bwwbooks/article/Alaska-Thunderfk-To-Release-Memoir-Nov-9-20210608|url-status=live}}
In June 2023, Alaska took up the role of Princess in the Dungeons & Dragons themed show Dungeons and Drag Queens, which was also the 18th season of the actual play anthology series Dimension 20 on Dropout.{{Cite web |last=Meehan |first=Alex |date=2023-06-16 |title=Dimension 20’s newest season celebrates Pride Month with Dungeons and Drag Queens |url=https://www.dicebreaker.com/topics/dimension-20/news/dimension-20-dungeons-drag-queens |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Dicebreaker |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Polo |first=Susana |date=2025-01-23 |title=It’s easy to get into Dimension 20’s popular Dungeons & Dragons actual play show — just pick your genre |url=https://www.polygon.com/actual-play/511823/dimension-20-dropout-where-to-start |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}{{Cite news |last=Weldon |first=Glen |author-link=Glen Weldon |date=2023-06-23 |title=What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend reading, viewing and listening |url=https://www.npr.org/2023/06/23/1184004856/beware-the-woman-dungeons-and-drag-queens-the-last-action-heroes |access-date=2025-04-05 |work=NPR |language=en}} In 2025, she reprised the role in the show's second season.{{Cite web |last=Walker |first=Ian |date=2024-12-18 |title=Dimension 20 announces second season of Dungeons and Drag Queens, premiering Jan. 8 |url=https://www.polygon.com/news/499035/dropout-dimension-20-dungeons-drag-queens-dd-dragons-tabletop-actual-play |access-date=2025-04-05 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}}
Public image and artistry
File:RuPaul DragCon 2022 (52073263861).jpg in 2022]]
She has stated, "I am a huge fan of drag for many reasons; first and foremost being that it is an extremely important form of performance art. Drag uses humor as means of relaying a message, and because humor tends to get overlooked as a valid way to communicate through art, drag tends to get pigeonholed into being something 'less than' when you think about it in terms what you'd see at a museum. I can't think of almost anything more artistically redeeming than a huge museum full of drag queens, but maybe that's just me."{{cite web | title =An Exclusive Interview With Alaska, From RuPaul's Drag Race | work =Thought Catalog | first =Michael | last =Podell | date =February 21, 2014 | url =https://thoughtcatalog.com/michael-podell/2014/02/an-exclusive-interview-with-alaska-from-rupauls-drag-race/ | access-date =February 21, 2014 | archive-date =August 13, 2018 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20180813072714/https://thoughtcatalog.com/michael-podell/2014/02/an-exclusive-interview-with-alaska-from-rupauls-drag-race/ | url-status =live }}{{cite web|url= https://www.thoughtcatalog.com/madison-moore/2015/07/9-fierce-queens-who-should-definitely-be-on-rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-2/|title= 9 Fierce Queens Who Should Definitely Be On "RuPaul's Drag Race" All Stars 2!|author= Madison Moore|access-date= July 23, 2015|date= July 9, 2015|work= Thought Catalog|archive-date= August 13, 2018|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180813072711/https://thoughtcatalog.com/madison-moore/2015/07/9-fierce-queens-who-should-definitely-be-on-rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-2/|url-status= live}}
She has cited Gianni Versace, Lady Gaga and Marc Jacobs as her favorite fashion influences.{{cite web|title=Alaska Thunderfuck Interview – Celebrity Style|url=http://www.teenvogue.com/celebrity-style/2015-07/alaska-thunderfuck-interview|publisher=Teen Vogue|access-date=August 14, 2012|archive-date=September 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200916121826/https://www.teenvogue.com/celebrity-style/2015-07/alaska-thunderfuck-interview/|url-status=dead}} Thought Catalog described her style as "risk-taking" and "creative", with "weird choices";{{cite news|title=Alaska Thunderfuck's Most Memorable Moments|url=https://www.thoughtcatalog.com/madison-moore/2016/08/14-alaska-thunderfuck-most-memorable-moments/|work=Thought Catalog|access-date=August 14, 2016|first=Madison|last=Moore|date=October 5, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=December 2018}} Yahoo! called her Lil Poundcake outfit a "pink nightmare" and "clownish crazy", and explained that "the drag and music world would certainly be very quiet without Ms Thunderfuck".{{cite web|title=Alaska Thunderfuck's fashion extends to Pink-print body... |url=http://uk.omg.yahoo.com/gossip/110--pop/alaska-thunderfuck-fashion-extends-pink-print-body-483920184.html |publisher=Yahoo! UK |access-date=November 13, 2016 }}{{dead link|date=November 2018|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}
Alaska's drag name is derived from Alaskan Thunderfuck, a strain of cannabis. Alaska counts Divine and Marilyn Monroe as her role models.{{cite web|url=http://www.nakyouout.com/2011/10/the-alaska-thunderfuck-interview/|title=The Alaska Thunderfuck Interview|last=Slice|first=Kymbo|work=Nak You Out|date=October 25, 2011|access-date=20 March 2013|archive-date=December 2, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202225641/http://www.nakyouout.com/2011/10/the-alaska-thunderfuck-interview/|url-status=live}}
Personal life
Alaska was in a relationship with fellow drag queen Sharon Needles for four years before separating in November 2013. She has stated that the pair had a drunken physical fight after a night of doing cocaine, and, later that same night, was said to have checked into a hotel with her belongings while wearing a fur coat stained with Sharon Needles' blood. She has also cited her own affair with a man in Florida as a "symptom" and "one of the causes" of the fight. Alaska was originally angry over the circumstances of their breakup, but, after rekindling their relationship while on tour together, she has said that they are now "really good friends". Sharon Needles appeared in Alaska's music video for "Hieee" in 2015, two years after their breakup.{{Cite web|url=https://huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/19/sharon-alaska-break-up_n_4472895.html|title=It's Over!|website=HuffPost|date=December 19, 2013|access-date=December 12, 2019|archive-date=September 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929050324/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/19/sharon-alaska-break-up_n_4472895.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.dragofficial.com/phil/the-post-breakup-interview-alaska-thunderfuck-discusses-how-it-happened-sobriety-and-her-plans-for-the-future|title=The Post-Breakup Interview: Alaska Thunderfuck Discusses How It Happened, Sobriety, and Her Plans for the Future|access-date=November 12, 2017|archive-date=December 26, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226083228/http://www.dragofficial.com/phil/the-post-breakup-interview-alaska-thunderfuck-discusses-how-it-happened-sobriety-and-her-plans-for-the-future|url-status=live}}
In June 2022, Honard's father was killed in a motorcycle crash.{{cite web |last1=Hahn |first1=Tim |title=Corry motorist cited in crash in Chautauqua County that killed Erie motorcyclist |url=https://www.goerie.com/story/news/2022/06/08/corry-pa-motorist-cited-in-chautauqua-ny-crash-that-killed-erie-motorcyclist/65359713007/ |website=GoErie |access-date=31 October 2023 }} Honard wrote on social media that his father was "kind and loving and hilarious and had a beautiful heart, and had so much love for his family, his wife, my sister and me, and his grandchildren". He also wrote that he was "feeling a lot of pain and grief right now. I'm also feeling compassion for anyone who has ever lost someone they love".{{cite web |last1=Patterson |first1=Chermaine |title=RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Winner Alaska Shares Her Dad Died in a Motorcycle Crash |url=https://people.com/tv/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-winner-alaska-shares-her-dad-died-in-a-motorcycle-crash/ |website=People |access-date=9 June 2022 |archive-date=June 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609162430/https://people.com/tv/rupauls-drag-race-all-stars-winner-alaska-shares-her-dad-died-in-a-motorcycle-crash/ |url-status=live }}
Discography
{{See also|The AAA Girls#Discography}}
{{Infobox artist discography
|Artist=Alaska Thunderfuck
|Studio=4
|Singles=25
|1Option=2
|1Option name = Collaborative albums }}
=Studio albums=
= Collaborative studio albums =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! rowspan="2" style="width:10em;" | Title ! rowspan="2" | Details ! colspan="1" | Peak chart positions |
| scope="col" style="width:3em" |US Cast {{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/cast-albums/2022-05-28/|title=Cast Albums – May 28, 2022|magazine=Billboard|access-date=May 24, 2022}} |
|---|
| scope="row" |Amethyst Journey (with Jeremy Mikush as Alaska and Jeremy)
|
| — |
| scope="row" |Drag: The Musical (The Studio Cast Recording)
|
| 12 |
= Singles =
== As lead artist ==
== As featured artist ==
= Other appearances =
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col" style="width:13em;"| Title ! scope="col"| Year ! scope="col" style="width:13em;"| Other artist(s) ! scope="col" style="width:13em;"| Album |
| scope="row" | "Kai Kai"
|2013 | Sharon Needles, Ana Matronic | PG-13 |
|---|
| scope="row" | "Miss Fame"
|rowspan="2"| 2015 |
| scope="row" | "Everyday Is Christmas"
| N/A |
| scope="row" | "Working Holiday"
|rowspan="2"| 2016 |rowspan="2"| Christmas Queens 2 |
| scope="row" |"Chr!$tm@s $ux!"
|N/A |
| scope="row" |"We Three Queens"
|rowspan="2"| 2017 |Manila Luzon, Peppermint |rowspan="2"| Christmas Queens 3 |
| scope="row" |"Angels We Have Heard on High"
|N/A |
| scope="row" |"All This Body"
|rowspan="3"| 2018 | T.H.O.T. Process |
| scope="row" |"America's Sweetheart" |
| scope="row" |"Santa Baby"
|N/A |
| Scope="row" |"Inspire Me (Reprise)"
| rowspan="2"| 2019 | Rules! |
| Scope="row" |"Where Are the Jokes?"
| Plastic |
| Scope="row" |"Pool Party"{{cite news|url=https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/08/21/ivan-and-peter-alaska-pool-party-new-song/|title=DJs Ivan & Peter Invite You To A 'PoolParty' With 'Drag Race' Icon Alaska 5000On New Wet & Wild Song|date=August 21, 2020|first=Jason|last=Brow|website=Hollywood Life|access-date=August 31, 2020|archive-date=August 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200824080129/https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/08/21/ivan-and-peter-alaska-pool-party-new-song/|url-status=live}}
| rowspan="2"|2020 | Ivan & Peter, DJ Flula | {{N/A|Non-album single}} |
| Scope="row" |"Come in Brazil"
| Katya |
Tours
- Access All Areas Tour (2017){{cite web |url=http://www.tubefilter.com/2017/08/21/willam-alaska-courtney-act-aaa-girls-fullscreen/ |title=Drag Queens Willam, Alaska, Courtney Act Hit The Road For Fullscreen-Produced Tour |last1=Gutelle |first1=Sam |date=August 21, 2017 |website=Tubefilter |access-date=September 30, 2017 |archive-date=July 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704191730/https://www.tubefilter.com/2017/08/21/willam-alaska-courtney-act-aaa-girls-fullscreen/ |url-status=live }}
- An Evening with Alaska (2018){{Cite web|url=https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/rupauls-drag-race-star-alaska-14298434|title=RuPaul's Drag Race Star Alaska announces headline UK tour - how to get tickets|work=MyLondon|last=Yates|first=Jonathan|date=2018-02-16|access-date=2020-08-20|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922173617/https://www.mylondon.news/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/rupauls-drag-race-star-alaska-14298434|url-status=live}}
Filmography
= Film =
= Television =
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Notes ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| 2011
| rowspan="5" | Herself | Cameo; Season 3 – Episode 1: "Casting Extravaganza" | |
| 2012
| RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked | Cameo; Season 4 (1 episode) | |
| rowspan="2" | 2013
| RuPaul's Drag Race | Contestant; Season 5 — Runner-up |
| RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked
| Season 5 | |
| rowspan="2" | 2015
| The Art Of | Episode: "The Art of Drag" | |
| RuPaul's Drag Race
| Season 7 – Episode 1: "Born Naked" | |
| rowspan="2" | 2016
| RuPaul's Drag Race | rowspan="16" | Herself | Guest; Season 8 – Episode 10: "Grand Finale" | |
| RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars
| Contestant; Season 2 — Winner | |
| rowspan="3" | 2017
| The New Celebrity Apprentice | Episode: "Candy for a Billionaire" |
| @midnight
| Episode 580 |
| Scared Famous
| Contestant; season 1 — 6th place |
| 2018
| RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars | Cameo; Season 3 |
| rowspan="2" | 2019
| RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars | Cameo; Season 4 |
| The Bachelorette
| Cameo; season 15 |
| rowspan="2" | 2020
| Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen | Guest; season 17, episode 43 |
| Cooked with Cannabis
| Guest |
| 2021
| The Sherry Vine Show | Guest star; Episode: "Alaska Thunderfuck" | |
| rowspan="2" | 2022
| Queer for Fear: The History of Queer Horror | Guest star; season 1 (4 episodes) | |
| The Boulet Brothers' Dragula: Titans
| Guest judge; episode 3 | |
| rowspan="2" | 2023
| Hulu original reality series | {{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2023/05/drag-me-to-dinner-hulu-premiere-date-neil-patrick-harris-david-burtka-1235351877/|title='Drag Me To Dinner': Hulu Announces Premiere Date For Unscripted Series From Neil Patrick Harris, David Burtka|last=Rice|first=Lynette|date=May 1, 2023|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=May 2, 2023|language=en|archive-date=May 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230520024245/https://deadline.com/2023/05/drag-me-to-dinner-hulu-premiere-date-neil-patrick-harris-david-burtka-1235351877/|url-status=live}} |
| Hell's Kitchen
| Guest diner; Episode: "Citizens of Hell's Kitchen" | |
| 2024
|Guess Judge; Episode 3 | |
= Web series =
= Theatre =
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Title ! Role ! Theatre ! {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference}} |
|---|
| 2013
| Dr. Frank N. Furter |
| 2021
| Queen Gynecia | Pasadena Playhouse |
| 2024
|Kitty Galloway |New World Stages |
= Music videos =
= Podcasts =
Awards and nominations
Notes
{{notelist}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons}}
{{Wikiquote}}
- {{Official website|alaskathunderfuck.com}}
- {{IMDb name|5478619|Alaska Thunderfuck}}
{{s-start}}
{{succession box | title=Winner of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars | before=Chad Michaels| years=US All Stars 2| after=Trixie Mattel}}
{{s-end}}
{{Alaska Thunderfuck}}
{{RuPaul's Drag Race}}
{{RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars}}
{{Authority control}}
Category:20th-century American LGBTQ people
Category:21st-century American LGBTQ people
Category:Actual play performers
Category:American gay musicians
Category:American LGBTQ singers
Category:American film and television podcasters
Category:Drag performers from Los Angeles
Category:LGBTQ people from Pennsylvania
Category:RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars winners
Category:RuPaul's Drag Race contestants