Meet Freddy Prinze Charming

We had the good fortune of connecting with Freddy Prinze Charming and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Freddy Prinze, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
There are so many lessons I’ve learned over the years, but one of the biggest has to be “it’s not personal, it’s business”. When you’re a creator or small business owner, it can be easy to want to bring your friends into that circle so they can benefit when you benefit. However, that’s not always the best choice. You need the best person for the job, whether it’s a performer, accountant, or dog groomer, and that person may not be your bestie. There can be a struggle when maintaining that professionalism when you have to tell your friend “no”, but they think they’re entitled to the position just because they’re your friend. When it comes to business, the success of that business needs to be a priority and that may mean setting boundaries with your friends. It really isn’t personal, it’s business.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been performing as Freddy Prinze Charming since 2005, so I’m creeping up on twenty years as a drag artist. Since then I have garnered more than 45 awards, titles, and accolades, including state, regional, and national titles. I have headlined and been featured at the Austin International Drag Festival, and I currently produce shows at two of the largest cons in Arizona – Phoenix Fan Fusion, and Wild Wild West Con. I’ve performed around the country, and emceed events and shows large and small, from corporate events to burlesque shows, and everything in between.

Within the drag and LGBTQ+ communities there is still an incredible amount of misogyny, which means any AFAB (assigned female at birth) individual needs to work twice as hard to succeed as a drag artist. Most laypeople see drag as a cisgender, gay man performing as a woman, but it is so much more than that! As a transgender man, who also happens to be a drag artist, I’ve had to find ways to tackle that misogyny head-on and help prove that AFAB drag artists are just as deserving as recognition as AMAB (assigned male at birth) queens and artists. Over the years I have had to create my own opportunities to shine, find ways to feature other artists like myself, whether that meant producing my own shows or putting myself out there as much as possible. I like to think the work paid off, though!

Drag, like any artform, is constantly evolving. One of the biggest things I learned early on is that if I wanted to continue to be successful I needed to adapt and evolve as well, or get left behind. I’ve worked hard to elevate my makeup and costume game. I often use prosthetics, and I’m constantly trying new things, new makeup techniques, new costume concepts, to stand out and keep my looks versatile. It’s not easy, being forty-five, and trying to keep up with all the younger drag artists who are bursting on to the scene with incredible skills!

I like to think that all the effort has paid off over the years. I love what I do! I love performing and producing, I love emceeing, and running bingo and trivia nights! I get to mentor newer artists, and provide some incredible opportunities for folks to perform. I learn new things all the time from the newer (often younger) artists that help me improve my craft.

I’ll keep doing what I’m doing, and I’ll keep learning and growing while I’m doing it. I’m sure I’ll retire as a performer eventually, but it’s not going to happen any time soon.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Growing up in SE Asia, I have an affinity for Asian cuisine so of course I’d have to take a visitor to the Asian District in Mesa for dumplings at Happy Bao’s and quick and easy Korean food at the H Mart food court. If you’re looking for a fun bar with good drinks, and probably a drag show, I’d recommend The Rock. La Santisima is a great way to introduce folks to real Mexican food, and you can’t beat their salsa bar! A fan of music and history? Go check out the MIM! If you’re a big ol’ nerd, and plan it right, you might be here for Phoenix Fan Fusion, which is where all us nerds gather once a year to be big ol’ nerds together! Celebrities, panels, games, an amazing drag show (produced by yours truly), burlesque… it’s one of Phoenix’s best yearly events! Want to be a nerd, but don’t like the heat? Come during Feb-March and go to the Renaissance Festival! Still a great way to spend a day eating, drinking, and people watching.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There isn’t just one person who has helped me get to where I am today; Freddy’s success is a result of the support of producers both at home and around the country, and other artists who continue to inspire me to push my art to new levels.

Website: freddyprinzecharming.com

Instagram: @freddypcharming

Other: TikTok: @freddypcharming

Image Credits
Bearded Gonzo, Bearded Gonzo, Pete Mecozzi, 48th&Pixel, Holly Shoemaker, 48th&Pixel, Scotty Kirby