Shea Couleé
Biography
Shea Couleé is the professional name of Jaren Kyei Merrell, an American non-binary drag queen, singer, rapper, actor, podcaster, and Chicago nightlife fixture born on February 8, 1989, in Warsaw, Indiana. Beginning their drag career in 2012, Shea Couleé achieved international fame in 2017 after competing on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and placing in the top four. In 2020, Shea Couleé won the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Shea Couleé later returned to compete on the seventh season all-winners edition of RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars in 2022, once again placing in the top four. In 2016, Shea Couleé co-produced, directed, wrote, and starred in Lipstick City.
Career overview
Jaren Kyei Merrell, known professionally as Shea Couleé, is an American drag queen, singer, rapper, actor, podcaster, and fixture of the Chicago nightlife scene. Born in Warsaw, Indiana, on February 8, 1989, they began their drag career in 2012.
In 2016, Shea Couleé co-produced, directed, wrote, and starred in Lipstick City. In 2017, Shea Couleé achieved international fame after competing in season nine of RuPaul's Drag Race, placing in the top four. Later, in 2020, Shea Couleé won the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Shea Couleé subsequently returned to compete on the all-winners seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars in 2022, once again placing in the top four.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
37 titles- Ironheart (2025) as Slug
- A Deeper Love: The Story of Miss Peppermint (2025) as Self
- Drag Me to the Movies (2024) as Clarissa Imastarlet
- Drag Me to the Movies (2024) as Petra Packer / Spider Lady
- It's Ok to Ask Questions (2023) as Self
- Abbott Elementary (2021) as Lisa Condo
- Dragging the Classics: The Brady Bunch (2021) as Marcia Brady
- Chicago Drag Execellence (2021) as Self (voice)
- Canada's Drag Race (2020) as Self - Guest Judge
- Served! With Jade Thirlwall (2020) as Self
- Savage X Fenty Show Vol. 2 (2020) as Self - Model
- All In: The Fight for Democracy (2020) as Self
- Drag Queen Christmas 2020 (2020)
- Nubia Amplified (2020) as Shea Couleé
- NightGowns FOREVER (2020) as Self
- The Kelly Clarkson Show (2019) as Self
- Haters Roast RAW (2019) as Self
- Couleé-D (2017)
- Portrait Of A Queen (2017) as Self
- The Pit Stop (2016) as Self
- Lipstick City (2016) as Shea / Mrs. Couleé
- Lipstick City (2016) Creator
- Lipstick City (2016) Writer
- Lipstick City (2016) Director
- Lipstick City (2016) Executive Producer
- Whatcha Packin' (2014) as Self
- Fashion Photo RuView (2014) as Self
- Hey Qween! (2014)
- RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (2012) as Self - Special Guest
- RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (2012) as Self - Contestant
- RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars: UNTUCKED (2012) as Self - Contestant
- RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked (2010) as Self - Contestant
- Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen (2009) as Self - Guest
- RuPaul's Drag Race (2009) as Self - Contestant
- The Streamy Awards (2009) as Self
- The Bachelorette (2003) as Self
- The View (1997) as Self - Guest
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Shea Couleé best known for?
Shea Couleé is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Ironheart (2025), Abbott Elementary (2021), The Kelly Clarkson Show (2019), The Pit Stop (2016).
When and where was Shea Couleé born?
Shea Couleé was born on February 8, 1989 in Warsaw, Indiana, USA.
How many credits does Shea Couleé have?
Shea Couleé has accumulated over 37 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1997 to 2025.
What is Shea Couleé's background in cinema and television?
Shea Couleé is the professional name of Jaren Kyei Merrell, an American non-binary drag queen, singer, rapper, actor, podcaster, and Chicago nightlife fixture born on February 8, 1989, in Warsaw, Indiana. Beginning their drag career in 2012, Shea Couleé achieved international fame in 2017 after competing on the ninth s...