He is known to millions as RuPaul’s fiery right-hand woman on Drag Race – and even runs the show herself Down Under after taking the reins from best friend Ru last year – but, in her personal life, Michelle Visage is a loving wife to husband David Case and mum to children Lillie and Lola.
And the 56-year-old’s marriage hit the headlines last October when she announced she and David, also 56, were in an open relationship.
She said at the time, ‘We live openly, so he would get off knowing that I was so happy no matter what it is that I do, and I’m not just talking sexually, whatever it is.’
Michelle was also brought into public discussion last year after Giovanni Pernice, who she danced with on Strictly in 2019, was axed from the show after complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were made against him by former celebrity partners. Giovanni was later cleared of intimidating or aggressive behaviour following an investigation by the BBC.
But, speaking to Closer, Michelle spills all on how her relationship with David works, her ‘fantastic’ experience with Giovanni and her new career as the producer of a musical.
Hi, Michelle! We were surprised to hear you speak about your open relationship with David last year…
The original quote was sensationalised. He’s the love of my life, I’m the love of his and we’re not looking for anybody else, but we’ve always been very honest. That doesn’t mean we’re out swinging and doing things like that. The headlines I read were like, ‘Having sex with other men is what makes our marriage stronger!’ No, I’ve never had sex with another man. To be honest, I’m not sure we’re meant to be monogamous, but that’s not my decision to make. It’s whatever works for you and your partner.
Does getting older scare you?
[Being] 56 has been a tough year for me, my mother died at 56. She was not my biological mother so that gives me hope, but this is a very poignant year for me. I am so vibrant and full of life, I am doing everything my heart desires, I’m getting to live my life and my mom’s life was cut short. I live my life to the best of my ability and welcome [getting older] with open arms.
Is RuPaul like a part of your family?
He’s my soulmate on a different level and he’s the best thing in the world. He’s somebody I can always depend on, he’s always there, and he gets it. I just look at him and he knows what I’m feeling, it’s magical to have a friend like that.
Is he your children’s godfather?
Not on paper, but if my kids ever needed him, he’s there, but my kids are very independent.
How was your experience dancing with Giovanni on Strictly?
It was fantastic. We argued all the time because we’re fiery Italians, but I wanted him as my partner, and he wanted me. Is he tough? Yeah. Did I want that? Yeah. You know what you’re getting when you get Gio. He’s not for everybody, but he’s definitely for me. I had the best time of my life without any exception. If you’re fragile and you don’t want to put in the graft, it’s not for you. I trusted Giovanni and we looked beautiful together.
Tell us about your new musical, Scissorhandz…
It’s amazing! It’s my first time co-producing – and with Lance Bass from *NSYNC. We all love Edward Scissorhands but there is a melancholy feeling because your heart bleeds for Edward. This is a reinterpretation while staying true to the storyline, it’s got an uplifting and positive ending and it’s suitable for all ages.
Scissorhandz: A Musical Reinvented runs from 23 January until 29 March at Southwark Playhouse Elephant, London, SE11.