You know her as the "Clown in a Gown." The insults fly, the eyelashes are long enough to cause a breeze, and the white eyeliner is basically visible from space. But honestly, seeing Bianca Del Rio out of drag is a total trip for most fans. It’s like seeing a magician’s assistant without the sequins—you realize there’s a whole lot of technical skill and a regular human being under all that "Rolodex of Hate."
The man behind the mascara is Roy Haylock. And if you think he’s just sitting around waiting for the next wig to arrive, you’re dead wrong. Roy has been a powerhouse in the entertainment industry since before some of the newer Drag Race queens were even born.
Who is Roy Haylock?
Basically, Roy Haylock is a 50-year-old guy from Louisiana who happens to be one of the most successful comedians on the planet. He was born on June 27, 1975, in Gretna, Louisiana. He’s of Cuban and Honduran descent, which he occasionally mentions when he’s tearing into someone on stage.
Growing up, Roy wasn't exactly looking to be a drag superstar. He was a theater kid through and through. But not just the "jazz hands" kind—he was the kid in the back room with a sewing machine.
The Costume Design Legend You Didn't Know About
Before he was Bianca, Roy was an award-winning costume designer. This isn't just a hobby. At 17, he won a Big Easy Entertainment Award for Best Costume Design. Think about that. Most 17-year-olds are struggling to match their socks, and Roy was out here winning professional awards for theatrical costuming.
He spent years working in the New Orleans Opera and later in New York City. When he moved to NYC after Hurricane Katrina, he worked at Barbara Matera, Ltd., a legendary costume house. He’s sewn for Broadway. He’s worked on ballets.
When you see Bianca Del Rio out of drag, you’re often seeing a guy who is probably judging the stitching on your shirt. He knows how clothes are built. That’s why his drag looks so polished—he literally makes most of it himself. He’s a craftsman first.
What Does Bianca Del Rio Out of Drag Actually Look Like?
If you’ve only seen the "clown" version, the real Roy Haylock might surprise you. He’s got these deep dimples—which he actually incorporates into his drag makeup—and a very distinct, sharp look. He often wears glasses, simple button-downs, or t-shirts.
He’s a small guy, but he’s got a huge presence. Honestly, the biggest difference isn't even the face; it's the energy. In drag, she’s a hurricane. Out of drag, Roy is famously professional, punctual, and surprisingly low-key.
- The Hair: No, he isn't naturally rocking a four-foot-tall beehive. He has short, dark hair.
- The Voice: It’s still that same gravelly, New Orleans-inflected rasp. It’s unmistakable.
- The Attitude: He’s still funny as hell, but there’s a level of "working professional" that comes out when he’s Roy.
Why He Doesn't Do "Boy Drag" on TV
A lot of fans wondered why we didn't see much of Roy on Season 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race compared to other queens who might use their "out of drag" time for more screen time. Roy has said in interviews that he views drag as a job. When he’s working, he’s Bianca. When he’s not, he’s Roy.
He’s not trying to be a "pretty boy" or a heartthrob. He’s a comedian. This distinction is probably why he won his season without ever being in the bottom two. He stayed focused. He wasn't there to show off his cheekbones as Roy; he was there to win as Bianca.
Acting Out of Drag: Hurricane Bianca and Beyond
While we mostly see him in the dress, Roy has actually performed as a man in several projects. In his movie Hurricane Bianca, he plays Richard Martinez, a teacher who gets fired for being gay and returns to the school in drag to get revenge.
Watching him transition between Richard and Bianca on screen is a masterclass in character acting. As Richard, he’s vulnerable and a bit of an underdog. As Bianca... well, we know how that goes. She eats people for breakfast.
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He also played the role of Hugo in the West End production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie. Hugo is an old-school drag queen (Loco Chanelle) who mentors the main character. For a large portion of the show, Roy is on stage out of drag as Hugo.
The Reality of the "Clown" Lifestyle
Roy is very open about the fact that drag is exhausting. In a 2024 interview with AnOther Magazine, he mentioned that as soon as he gets off stage, the shoes and the wig are the first things to go. He’s "dead on the inside" (his words!) until he gets that makeup off and has a drink.
He’s been doing this for over 25 years. Most people can't stay in a high-intensity job for that long, let alone one that requires three hours of prep and twenty pounds of padding.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re a fan of Roy Haylock or an aspiring performer, there are a few things you can learn from how he handles his career:
- Master a Skill: Roy didn't just "become" a drag queen. He learned how to sew, how to act, and how to write jokes. He has a foundation in costume design that makes him indispensable.
- Separate the Art from the Artist: Roy is a great example of maintaining a professional boundary. You don't have to be "on" 24/7. Having a clear persona (Bianca) allows the real person (Roy) to have a life.
- Work Ethic Matters: In an industry known for "diva" behavior, Roy is notoriously reliable. He shows up. He does the work. He leaves. That’s how you build a 25-year career that includes selling out Wembley Arena and Carnegie Hall.
If you want to see more of Roy’s work behind the scenes, look into his older theatrical credits in New Orleans or check out his costume design history. It gives you a much deeper appreciation for the "clown" when you realize the man underneath is a genuine artisan of the theater.