Pandora Boxx: Drag Race’s Alumni Superstar

Deep in the middle of the 13^th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and with each country apparently getting its own version (cannot wait for Drag Race: Antarctica), the Drag Race alumni newsletter list is getting longer and longer.  Some of the early season Queens have stood the test of time, and others not so much.  And while some of the Queens have remained in the public eye because of social media battles or personal scandals, there are those that have remained in a prominent place for the simple fact that they are talented – they got the goods. 

Enter Entertainment Weekly’s “America’s Next Drag Superstar” and Miss Congeniality of Season 2 of Drag Race, Pandora Olivia Boxx, who not only made her presence known on Drag Race, the first All Stars, and all three seasons of Drag U, but also has made her presence known in the entertainment world at large as a comedian, musician, playwright, and podcaster.   

Her name comes from the Greek goddess Pandora, who was the first woman created and who was also responsible for releasing all kinds of havoc from her infamous box.  Her middle name is an homage to Olivia Newton-John and her last name has an extra ‘x’ in it – why?  Because she’s got that X-factor.  An x-factor that would make her win as Carol Channing in Drag Race’s Snatch Game a pillar of comedic success that many subsequent girls would have difficulty achieving.   

Pandora, also known as boy name Michael Steck, was inspired to do drag by watching Darienne Lake (from Drag Race Season 6) perform, and after a debut performance at Infinity bar in Rochester, New York, Pandora would be born, unleashing her box of talents for the world to see.   

After her premiere season of Drag Race, she would release several singles that include Cooter, Give Me All Your Muff (with Sherry Vine), I Wanna Have Some Fun, and Oops I Think I Pooped (featuring fellow alum Alaska Thunderfuck, Jasmine Masters and Mariah Paris Balenciaga).  Her podcast, the fabulously hilarious The Pandora Boxx Show, ran for several years featuring the sassiest of Drag Race alumni and other comedic personalities from entertainment – no subject was off-limits.  Boxx also wrote the camp murder mystery meets B-movie play, The Lipstick Massacre. 

During the COVID time trend of ripping Drag Race Queens apart, Pandora has used her platform to defend Queens, call out social media haters, and encourage positive thinking – all from behind her Cheshire smile and her comedic, if sometimes acidic, tongue.  She is also a Trekkie, so what’s not to love? 

Pandora stopped by to spill the tea… 

How have you been surviving COVID?  

Vodka and video games. 

Besides doing digital shows, how has your drag changed during COVID?  

Well, there are no jobs. So that is a big thing. It has been tricky to figure out ways to make an income during this past year. It is still tricky, especially in Los Angeles. 

What film/music/show first inspired you as a kid to start paying attention to the entertainment industry?  

It was movies like 9 to 5, The Goonies, Clue, and so many more. I was just entranced by these movies. I really wanted to be an actor from age five. That or a veterinarian. I did not even know dressing up as a fake lady was even an option then. 

What was your first professional gig on stage? 

The first thing I think I got paid for was drag and I think it was about $10. Around the same time, I did get a paid acting gig in a tour of Cinderella where I played the Prince’s Cousin’s sidekick. A star! Ha! 

What did you change from your first audition for Drag Race to get booked?  

Nothing really. I never did a full audition video from the first season, just what was online. The next year I did the whole thing and it worked! 

What was the hardest thing to get used to during your first week of filming Drag Race?  

That there were cameras on you all the time. Also, while you are trying to concentrate on doing the challenge there is a story producer whispering under the table to talk about emotional stuff. 

Looking back, what would you have changed about your first time on Drag Race?  

I would have worked the corner a little more to have more money to spend. But back then there were not all these wig companies selling styled wigs. There also was not a bevy of designers available. We were not even told what to bring. It was very, very vague. 

Do you think Drag is in danger of becoming overexposed?  

Too late! It is. 

What would be your biggest notes to the latest cast of Drag Race?  

Do not be a c*nt. 

What inspired you to write The Lipstick Massacre…what was your experience writing your first play? 

I wrote my first play when I was in the second grade. We put it on for the whole school and why mom directed it. The next year I wrote the sequel and fired my mom so I could direct. I was so Hollywood! I have many plays I had written. I’m sure they are crap if I read them now. The Lipstick Massacre was a bit of a dream project. I had spoken to a friend from college who was directing and producing projects. I said I have this play I started. Then he actually found a place and it was a go!  We had talked about bringing it back and then COVID hit. 

How do you deal with the pressure of being an influencer – do you have to stress over every post and comment, knowing it will be up for scrutiny?  

Therapy. You just have to walk away from it sometimes and not look at it. You also must think someone took the time out of their day to be an ass. That’s on them. 

Many Drag Race queens have benefitted from social media after their appearance on the show, from bookings to endorsement deals…but it seems we have seen a lot of hate on social media as well.  Should Queens be expected to put up with social media drama as part of the job?  

Unfortunately, yes. The block button is my very good friend. Don’t feed the trolls.  

What is your message to people who post hateful comments on social media?  

Get a f*cking life. 

Ok, so we are all jealous of your long-term relationship…what are the keys to maintaining a relationship while being a Drag Superstar?  

Kindness, compassion, and lots and lots of vodka. I kid. But honestly, listen to the other person. Give them space. I think it’s important to be able to stand on your own too.  

What would you say to someone who states that trans performers should not be able to compete in Drag Race? 

I would probably just block them.  

How is Michael the most different from Pandora? 

He doesn’t wear as much makeup.  

Can we expect more music in your near future?  

For sure. *wink* 

What should Queens remember in performing in Snatch Game?  

Just have fun with it. 

In looking back at your life as a kid, after having such success in the entertainment industry, what comes to mind first?  

I would just sing to him “Cheer up Charlie” from Willy Wonka. I could get a bit glum. I would also tell him what homosexuality is, so he would at least understand what those bullies were saying. 

If you had to be quarantined on a deserted island…what are the five items you would pack in your BOXX? (besides survival essentials)  

Sunscreen, vodka, my husband, and two other hot dudes. 

You can follow Pandora on IG: @PandoraBoxx