It tracks that when Andrew Levitt<\/a> adopted his drag persona in the early 2000s, he chose the first name of a pioneering artist who was an outspoken activist.<\/p>\n Nina West<\/a>, whose appellation pays homage to legendary singer Nina Simone, is also a dynamic performer<\/a>, philanthropist<\/a> and ardent activist who has paved a few paths<\/a> of her own.<\/p>\n West has shared her name\u2019s origin before, but a question remains: Why Nina Simone?<\/p>\n Curiosity got the best of us, so The Columbus Dispatch went to the source. Our single query became an off-kilter interrogation where West told us a few things about herself that you might not know and probably can\u2019t Google.<\/p>\n In our Q&A session below, you can enjoy some fun facts about the Columbus drag darling and national sensation<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nina West had plenty to say during a good-natured grill session that turned up a few fun facts about the Columbus celebrity and national drag sensation.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n West<\/strong>: I fell in love with her voice pretty immediately. And it just felt like the name “NINA” fit me \u2013 like, it just felt right!<\/p>\n West<\/strong>: I wanted to be a paleontologist, and if that didn\u2019t work, I thought I was going to be Indiana Jones. And if that fell through, maybe a doctor to dogs. And only<\/em> dogs.<\/p>\n West<\/strong>: Meryl Streep. Why not? And if she is busy, Miss Piggy.<\/p>\n West<\/strong>: Whoa! I mean, it would be pretty cool to fly!<\/p>\n West<\/strong>: [Actor and singer] Jonathan Groff may be the one. There is something about him. He has such a great sense of humor. He is talented, smart, sexy. Oh, my God \u2013 I feel like I am rambling! (Laughs) Yeah, he makes me giddy.<\/p>\n West:<\/strong> Maybe a notepad and a pen. I love the act of writing. I love writing notes. I love writing letters to people. It is another way to express myself. Sure, I love my phone, but I could gladly give it up \u2013 but I do love how it connects me to people in my life. So, I am opting out for paper.<\/p>\n West: <\/strong>That my birthday is on Aug. 4, the same as [former] President Barack Obama. It’s just weird to have people change your birthday. (For the record, West\u2019s birthday is Aug. 10. Coincidentally, so is Levitt\u2019s.)<\/p>\n Nina West recently appeared in the audience of an episode of “The Muppet Show,” quite fitting considering the source of her favorite quote, which she shared with The Columbus Dispatch.<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n West:<\/strong> \u201cWatch out for each other. Love everyone and forgive everyone, including yourself. Forgive your anger. Forgive your guilt. Your shame. Your sadness. Embrace and open up your love, your joy, your truth, and most especially your heart.\u201d \u2013 Jim Henson. It allows me to check in with myself.<\/p>\n I also really love, \u201cWocka wocka!\u201d \u2212 Fozzie Bear!<\/p>\n West<\/strong>: I won\u2019t \u201cwaffle\u201d on this answer! (Laughs) Waffles for sure! The little nooks that catch all the butter and syrup? I mean, c\u2019mon \u2013 they are perfect!<\/p>\n West<\/strong>: I was a page in the Ohio Statehouse and \u2013 to be clear \u2013 it wasn’t a terrible job, but I had to be there so early in the morning, and I would always fall asleep in the back of the office. Always<\/em>. And I would inevitably snore and then someone would wake me up and I would be busted for falling asleep on the job!<\/p>\n West, who sells out monthly drag brunches at Natalie’s Grandview, keeps busy locally and beyond performing, hosting events, producing nationally touring shows, and many other endeavors \u2013 most of which don’t require her to get up early in the morning.<\/p>\n Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\nWhy is Nina Simone your namesake?<\/h2>\n
What did you want to be when you grew up?<\/h2>\n
Who would play you in your biopic?<\/h2>\n
What superpower would you choose?<\/h2>\n
Do you have a celebrity crush?<\/h2>\n
What item(s) can’t you live without?<\/h2>\n
Strangest rumor you’ve heard about yourself?<\/h2>\n
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Favorite quote and why?<\/h2>\n
Pancakes, waffles, or French toast?<\/h2>\n
Worst job you’ve (or Andrew) ever had?<\/h2>\n