RuPaul's Drag Race Star Unveiled at Emmys: The Unexpected NBA Connection!
DRAG QUEEN ROYALTY: Meet Sam Star, The Stunning Reality TV Personality Who Left Fans Gobsmacked on RuPaul's Drag Race
In a shocking twist that left fans of RuPaul's Drag Race speechless, contestant Sam Star revealed a jaw-dropping connection to NBA legend Charles Barkley. As the cameras rolled, Sam spilled the tea about her godfather, the Hall of Famer, who has been a constant presence in her life.
Sam, 25, made headlines earlier this month as she sashayed onto the red carpet at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, turning heads with her daring bedazzled white gown and bouffant blonde wig. But it's not just her fierce fashion sense that has been making waves – it's also the stunning news about her godfather.
As we dug deeper into Sam's fascinating past, we discovered a tale of love, support, and a dash of celebrity glamour. Born in Alabama as Sam Purkey, she rose to fame after competing on the 17th season of RuPaul's Drag Race, where she made it to the top four.
In a revealing conversation with RuPaul himself, Sam opened up about her connection to Charles Barkley, who just so happens to be her godfather. The NBA legend, known for his time playing for teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns, has been a constant presence in Sam's life, supporting her every step of the way.
When asked by RuPaul if she had any connections to notable figures, Sam matter-of-factly replied, "I do! Charles Barkley is my godfather." She went on to explain that he met her mom in high school and has been a close friend ever since. The basketball legend's influence was evident as Sam grew up, with him playing a significant role in her life.
But here's the juicy part: Charles Barkley not only attended one of Sam's drag shows – he even tipped her after she performed! When asked by RuPaul if he had, indeed, given her a tip, Sam cheekily replied, "Of course, he did!"
In an exclusive interview with People in February, Sam gushed about her godfather's unwavering support. "My mom's name is Leslie Blair, and she met Charles in high school," she revealed. "They were actually really close."
She went on to express her gratitude towards Barkley, saying, "He was always someone that my mom could look to for help whenever we needed it." With a hint of pride, Sam confessed, "I owe a lot to him – us being able to keep our house and all these fabulous things."
This isn't the first time Sam has spoken about her godfather's influence. In an earlier interview, she shared how she vowed to make a name for herself so that her mom wouldn't have to work as hard. It seems like Sam is well on her way to achieving just that!
While competing on RuPaul's Drag Race, Sam showcased her talents and charisma, making a lasting impression on fans worldwide. Now, with her godfather Charles Barkley cheering her on from the sidelines, who knows what the future holds for this talented drag queen?
THE 77th PRIMETIME EMMY AWARDS: All the Winners
As if competing on RuPaul's Drag Race wasn't enough, Sam Star has been making waves in the entertainment industry with her recent appearances at major awards shows. And speaking of awards, The Scholarly Note is bringing you all the juicy details from the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards.
From shocking wins to heartfelt speeches, we've got it all covered. So grab your popcorn and get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the world of television's biggest night!
In the drama series category, Andor took home the top prize, beating out stiff competition from The Last of Us, Paradise, and more.
Severance, on the other hand, dominated the supporting actor categories, with Britt Lower taking home the award for Best Actress in a Drama Series. But the real star of the night was Tramell Tillman, who won Best Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Helly.
In the limited or anthology series category, Adolescence stole the show with its impressive four wins, including Best Directing and Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie. Meanwhile, The Penguin took home two awards, solidifying its place as one of this year's standout shows.
And let's not forget about the comedy series! Hacks won big in several categories, including Best Actress in a Comedy Series for Jean Smart and Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for Hannah Einbinder. But the real surprise was The Studio, which took home three awards, including Best Actor in a Comedy Series for Seth Rogen.
In other news, RuPaul Charles hosted the reality competition program category, where The Traitors emerged as the big winner. Meanwhile, Shark Tank and Queer Eye took home awards for Structured Reality Program and Unstructured Reality Program, respectively.
Finally, in the variety special categories, Beyonce Bowl, The Oscars, and SNL 50: The Anniversary Special all walked away with awards. But the real surprise was Adam Sandler: Love You, which took home the award for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded).
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