April 19, 2015
'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 7 - Interview With Max
Kilian Melloy READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Week 7 of Season 7 brought my favorite challenge and the challenge we have all been waiting for... Snatch Game. Here were the girls' impersonations: Max was Sharon Needles, Jaidynn was Raven Symone, Katya was Suze Orman, Violet was Alyssa Edwards, Pearl was Big Ang, Miss Fame was Donatella Versace, Kennedy was Little Richard and Ginger was Adele.
The best were Katya, Kennedy and Ginger. The middle of the pack girls were Violet and Pearl, and the bottom three were Miss Fame, Jaidynn and Max, with Max and Jaidynn in the bottom two. After the lip sync it was Max who sashayed away, but there was a twist as RuPaul announced that she would be bringing back one of her girls. We will find out who next week.
At what age did drag become an interest and how did you pick your name?
The first time I saw Mary Poppins I knew I would be doing drag, and my name Max came from there as well. But I have been only really been doing drag consistently for two years.
How many times did you apply to be on RPDR and how did it feel when you found out you were chosen?
This was my first time applying and it felt terrific. My partner Danny worked very hard on the tape and I felt we got really lucky and I felt proud.
Is there additional pressure now that 'RuPaul' has been on for six seasons?
Oh yes, of course. It's become this big phenomenon and you have to work very hard for it.
Tell me about your "RuPaul's Drag Race" experience.
It was crazy, and it happened very fast. You hardly have a moment to catch your breath from the moment you get off the airplane. It forces you outside of your comfort zone and it truly was a drag boot camp.
Why did you pick Sharon Needles to impersonate?
I had a couple of other options, but I felt I would do Sharon Needles best. Unfortunately, I got a bit nervous as you can tell in my performance.
Do you still only wear gray wigs? If so, why?
I do. I just like the color and tone on me. It's a natural color we all end up with and I think it's beautiful.
Who do you want to win?
Violet or Katya. I love them, because they are so savvy, quick and strong.
Tell me about the man behind Max.
The man is very similar to the woman in the foreground. I'm pretty quiet, but I am definitely outspoken when I have the opportunity to be or when I think it's necessary. I am also very collective and confident in my decision making.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
That I used to wear red wigs all the time.
What's ahead for Max?
I plan on winning an Academy Award and a Tony Award. In addition, I want to do editorials and travel the world. All the good stuff!
For more information on Max, go to TheMaxCollective.com or you can catch her on social media at Facebook/TheMaxCollective or Twitter and Instagram/Maxcollective
Kilian Melloy serves as EDGE Media Network's Associate Arts Editor and Staff Contributor. His professional memberships include the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, the Boston Online Film Critics Association, The Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association, and the Boston Theater Critics Association's Elliot Norton Awards Committee.