RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 9 winner Sasha Velour portrayed Marlene Dietrich in Snatch Game so it’s absolutely fitting she create the Google Doodle celebrating the German film star’s 116th birthday. Sasha’s art references Dietrich’s Academy Award nominated performance in Morocco. One of her most iconic roles, the film includes a scene of Dietrich in a man’s top hat, tails and white tie, kissing another woman. The look has been referenced throughout popular culture, from Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking collection (see Bianca Jagger’s wedding dress) all the way to Jessica Lange’s Life on Mars performance in American Horror Story Freak Show.
While RuPaul and Michelle Visage weren’t sure if modern audiences would feel enough of a connection to Marlene Dietrich to justify her inclusion in Snatch Game, Sasha Velour (real name: Sasha Steinberg) knew better. Her nuanced, passionate performance brought the famed actress to life for a whole new generation of fans. Sasha lists Dietrich as a major influence in her drag alter ego. “She was a wild original!” Sasha explains. “Despite the pressures of the time, she followed her own course, especially in terms of politics and gender. As a drag queen, that’s particularly inspiring to me. Plus, she just had this power to her…in every role she’s mysterious and strong, brilliant. That’s what I aspire to be when I step on the stage.”
Happy 116th birthday, Marlene. And condragulations, Sasha Velour!
I love the way she incorporated the Google logo so subtly!
After I read this I hopped over to Sahsa’s twitter and say that she wrote, “P.s. I literally drew this in Australian hotels, a Whole Foods in Atlanta, and on the tour bus when I should have been sleeping!! I have been so excited about it…but so hard to keep secret!!”
I can’t imagine running into Sasha Velour in the WHOLE FOODS IN ATLANTA! I would drop my eggs! LOL.
Priceless!
That’s so cool!
Omg. I knew that she was talented and a clear front runner in Season 9 but wow – I had no idea just how much talent. Congratulations Sasha!
Sasha is my favorite drag race contestant of all time and he/she is an amazing graphic artist. I follow his Instagram account and there are many examples in there of his talent and creativity in design. As always the taste level and perfectionism are evident in all he does. Thanks for letting us know about his contribution to google. Congratulations Sasha!