Person
Varla Jean Merman
Acting
Biography
Varla Jean Merman is the drag persona of American drag performer, actor and singer Jeffery Roberson. Varla's fictitious pedigree boasts that Ernest Borgnine is her father and Ethel Merman is her mother. Along with her co-stars, Roberson shared the 'Best Actor Grand Jury Award' at Outfest 2003 and 'Best Actress' honors at both the 2003 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival and the 2003 Aspen HBO Film Festival for his role as Varla/Marla in the film 'Girls Will Be Girls'.
Known for
Project Runway
Self
Ugly Betty
Self
Stars in the House
Self
The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Special
Nanog (voice)
Lady Champagne
2026
The Sherry Vine Variety Show
Varla Jean Merman
She's Living for This
Varla Jean Merman / Various Characters
Dragtime
Self
BearCity 2: The Proposal
Varla Jean Merman
Girls Will Be Girls
Varla / Marla
Filmography
- 2026Lady Champagne
- 2024Bear Week Diaries
- 2023Big Easy QueensIrlene / Amos
- 2021The Sherry Vine Variety ShowVarla Jean Merman
- 2020The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday SpecialNanog (voice)
- 2020Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging QueensRoscoe
- 2020Stars in the HouseSelf
- 2019WigSelf
- 2015Hush Up Sweet CharlotteMelanie, Stan
- 2012BearCity 2: The ProposalVarla Jean Merman
- 2012She's Living for ThisVarla Jean Merman / Various Characters
- 2010Dragtastic
- 2006Ugly BettySelf
- 2004Project RunwaySelf
- 2003Girls Will Be GirlsVarla / Marla
- 1998Franchesca PageRita Page
- 1997DragtimeSelf
- 1996Mardi Gras CowboyMrs. Goose
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