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Top 10 Drag Performances on TV Sitcoms & Dramas

Anne Gould Northgraves - January 28, 2013

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Article originally published on February 1, 2010 and recently updated.

 

 
 

 

Tonight, you'll be seeing double drag! First, RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE has its 5th season premiere at 9pm ET on Logo. Then, UNTUCKED: RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE opens its new season at 12:30am late night, giving viewers a glimpse at all the tantrums and drama that DIDN'T appear in the first episode.



What better way to celebrate the occasion than by looking back at some of the most memorable drag performances on TV sitcoms and dramas?

 

 


Tom Hanks as Kip Wilson/Buffy

 

Series: BOSOM BUDDIES


Episode(s): Multiple


Tom Hanks has shown amazing range in films, such as "Big," "Forrest Gump," and "Philadelphia," and it all started with this transformative role as one of two pals who must disguise themselves as women to rent an apartment.


David Cross as Tobias Fünke/Mrs. Featherbottom

 

Series: ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT


Episode(s): Multiple


Tobias takes a positive goal — remaining close to his daughter — coupled with an ill-attempt at his atrocious acting and failed Britishisms such as "Who wants a banger in the mouth" and creates a scene for the ages.


Jamie Farr as Maxwell Klinger

 

Series: M*A*S*H


Episode(s): Multiple


Max Klinger is most remembered for his endearing and repeated attempts to be discharged from the Army for mental instability, which he tried to prove by constantly wearing elaborate women's clothing. As usual, M*A*S*H takes a serious look at the lengths people will go to leave the service AND is still genuinely funny.


Martin Lawrence as Sheneneh Jenkins

 

Series: MARTIN


Episode(s): Multiple


Martin Payne's neighbor, Sheneneh, is a sassy, fun, and hilarious woman. The character is simultaneously a send-up of stereotypes and an homage to strong-willed women who own themselves and their image.


Max Baer, Jr. as Jethrine Bodine

 

Series: THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES


Episode(s): Multiple


The show's lovable lug, Jethro Bodine, dressed in women's clothing to play his sister, Jethrine. Besides the comedy, Jethrine's appearance is memorable for two reasons: her voice is dubbed by an actual women (making it all the funnier) and Baer looks pretty darn good as a woman.




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Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson

 

Series: HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER


Episode(s): I Heart NJ


Always the ladies' man, Barney has never shied away from a challenge. Even his biggest challenge of all: getting a lesbian to be interested in him. The show implies he has tried before, and will try again. Lucky for us, the sight of a lipstick-wearing Barney is too good to wish him much success.



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John Ritter as Jack Tripper/Grandma Tripper

 

Series: THREE'S COMPANY


Episode(s): Grandma Jack


Tripper was good at playing pretend, just like Ritter himself. From acting like a gay man around their landlord to dressing as his grandmother to win a female-only baking contest, Ritter's go-for-broke comic chops are in full effect.

 

Bonus Drag Appearance: John Ritter also appeared in drag on The Love Boat in the 1st season.



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Gary Anthony Williams as Clarence "Clarice" Bell

 

Series: BOSTON LEGAL


Episode(s): multiple episodes


Clarice, the cross-dressing alter-ego of Clarence Bell, was supposedly fired for requesting maternity leave and told Alan "They don't let me take maternity, they stare at my knockers. Know what I'm sayin'?" Spoken like a truly ticked-off transvestite!



Video clip not currently available.

Tracy Morgan as Tracy Jordan


Series: 30 ROCK


Episode(s): Believe in the Stars


While attempting to prove that white women have it easier then black men in the US, Tracy ups his speaking by an octave, puts on whiteface, and dresses like a woman. And Lobster hands. Because he ran out of makeup. Yeah, it's ludicrous. And hilarious. Just ask Oprah!


Alexander Skarsgard as Eric

 

Series: TRUE BLOOD


Episode(s): Frenzy


A traumatized Lafayette imagines a yelling Lettie Mae Thornton as the vampire who tortured him. Plus, how could we pass up the sight of Alexander Skarsgard in a dress?


And what about one of the best performances by a woman dressed as a man in a TV sitcom?