With the desire for fame and a supposed talent in the field of psychotherapy, Jackie Beat is finally taking center stage with her very own show!
Titled Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist, the six-part series shows Jackie hard at work in her newfound profession of providing mental health advice to some of her dearest celebrity “friends.” The line-up includes stars like Margaret Cho and Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, along with fellow drag queens like Alaska Thunderfuck and Monét X Change. New episodes of the show air Mondays on OUTtv, and it is sure to leave audiences giggling!
Along with her own TV series, Jackie Beat is also starring in Hulu’s upcoming special, the Huluween Dragstravaganza! Premiering October 1, one can watch a gloriously spooky musical production put on by some of the world’s most talented drag queens! Joining Jackie Beat, the cast will include drag performers like Ginger Minj, Manila Luzon, Mo Heart, Lady Bunny, and more!
Pop Crave had the pleasure of chatting with Jackie Beat about her new show, Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist, upcoming special, the Huluween Dragstravaganza, and which celebrity she’d like to take out on a romantic weekend. Keep reading for the full interview!
In five words, how would you describe Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist?
My last chance for fame?
The concept of Dr. Jackie is hilarious! How did the idea for the show come about?
I was trying to come up with a way to showcase all my very talented, funny friends while essentially playing myself: a self-centered bitch who is completely unqualified to give advice to anyone.
Your assistant, Sherry Vine, is so much fun on the show. What was it like getting to work with her on this project?
I’ve known and worked with Sherry for over three decades, so my chemistry with her is like my cholesterol: off-the-charts. We know exactly where the other one is going. It’s like a dance.
You get to provide therapy sessions to some iconic celebrities, with the show including special guests like Margaret Cho, Cassandra “Elvira” Peterson, and drag queens like Alaska Thunderfuck and Monét X Change. Who else do you think is in desperate need of a trip to Dr. Jackie’s office?
Honestly? Kanye. But that’s way too serious, so let me think of someone a little more lighthearted and fun. I’m really hoping Lady Bunny can appear in Season 2. She obviously needs help. She’s a mess.
What was one of your favorite segments to shoot from Dr. Jackie?
They were all fun, but Bianca Del Rio and I were cracking up so much that we could barely get through the scene. And the session where Nadya Ginsburg plays Cher and Daniele Gaither plays the ghost of Whitney Houston was just so crazy and fun.
Not only do you have an incredible show airing weekly on OUTtv, but you’re also starring in the Huluween Dragstravaganza special on Hulu, streaming October 1! How fun was that to shoot, and what can fans expect from the special?
It was a blast! The guy at Hulu who came up with the idea said he did it because he wanted to see more than just drag queens competing against each other or helping small town folks come out of their shell. Not to throw those shows under the bus, but he really wanted to see queens singing, dancing, and being funny. I’m very proud of the show. Everyone did a great job, and I think people are really going to love it.
You’re not only appearing in the special, but you also helped write it! Talk about talent! What was the process of writing the special like?
It was surprisingly stress-free and easy, which is not always the case when you’re writing for TV… trust me. We just approached it as fun, and I think it shows in the final product. It’s glamorous and goofy and joyous and spooky!
What’s your favorite outfit you got to wear for the Huluween Dragstravaganza?
I did a sexy vampire look for a song I wrote called “Dating A Vampire Sucks,” and I did a glamorous ancient mummy look for a duet I wrote for me and Lady Bunny. When it was time to pick a costume for the big finale, I wanted to do something campy and colorful. I felt I had nailed the horror thing twice already, so I put together this Pebbles Flintstone meets Jem and The Holograms look in the colors of the Trans flag.
Is Halloween your favorite holiday? And on that note, do you have a favorite Halloween movie?
Of course it is, henny! And my favorite movie is the original Carrie from 1976 because the message of the movie is, “Don’t mess with the freak!”
You’ve done so much in your career! The list is lengthy! Is there something you haven’t done yet within the entertainment industry that you’d like to give a try at?
A romantic weekend with Jake Gyllenhaal?
You’ve been entertaining audiences for over 25 years now. Out of all the things you’ve accomplished, what’s a favorite moment from your career so far that stands out to you?
Definitely answering these interview questions!
Jackie Beat’s new show, Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist, is streaming now on OUTtv.
