{"id":2340928,"date":"2026-03-22T14:11:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-22T14:11:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2340928"},"modified":"2026-03-22T14:11:31","modified_gmt":"2026-03-22T14:11:31","slug":"columbus-drag-queen-nina-west-shares-fun-facts-about-her-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/columbus-drag-queen-nina-west-shares-fun-facts-about-her-life\/","title":{"rendered":"Columbus drag queen Nina West shares fun facts about her life"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<div id=\"videoWrap\" class=\"spacer-large videoWrap\" style=\"position:relative\"><media-video video-id=\"84208431007\" title=\"2025 Pride in Columbus: Stonewall March and Festival fill downtown\" poster=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/videos\/wochit\/thumbnails\/84208431007.jpg\" util-module-path=\"elements\/media\" placement=\"snow-video-story-priority\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"uwVideoPlaceholder\" slot=\"placeholder\" style=\"z-index:19;width:100%;padding-bottom:56.25%;position:relative\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"vidplaybtn\" style=\"display:-moz-box;display:-ms-flexbox;display:-webkit-flex;display:flex;background-color:rgba(0,0,0,.4);border:2px solid #fff;border-radius:80px;cursor:pointer;height:80px;width:80px;position:absolute;top:50%;left:50%;transform:translate(-50%,-50%);z-index:10\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"vidplayicon\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/appservices\/universal-web\/universal\/icons\/icon-play-alt-white.svg\" alt=\"play\" style=\"height:40px;margin:auto 18px auto 27px;width:40px\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div slot=\"videoDetails\" id=\"videoDetails\" class=\"videoDetails\" style=\"padding-top:8px;padding-bottom:8px\">\n<div id=\"videoDetailsContainer\" class=\"videoDetailsContainer\" hidden=\"\">\n<p>2025 Pride in Columbus: Stonewall March and Festival fill downtown<\/p>\n<p>Take a walk through the 2025 Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and March as it filled downtown Columbus and the Short North with color and celebration.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/media-video><\/div>\n<p>It tracks that when <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dispatch.com\/story\/entertainment\/local-celebrity\/2020\/04\/27\/nina-west-grapples-with-stardom\/1285594007\/\">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<partner-banner util-module-path=\"elements\/partner\" class=\"spacer-large\" min-height=\"600\" fluid=\"\" outstream=\"\" momentum=\"\"\/>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ninawest.com\/\">Nina West<\/a>, whose appellation pays homage to legendary singer Nina Simone, is also a <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dispatch.com\/story\/entertainment\/theater\/2025\/03\/06\/nina-west-to-perform-in-into-the-woods-in-columbus\/79218091007\/\">dynamic performer<\/a>, <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/columbusfdn.fcsuite.com\/erp\/donate\/create\/fund?funit_id=4117\">philanthropist<\/a> and ardent activist who has <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/deadline.com\/2019\/09\/rupauls-drag-race-nina-west-emmys-history-purple-carpet-1202741117\/\">paved a few paths<\/a> of her own.<\/p>\n<p>West has shared her name\u2019s origin before, but a question remains: Why Nina Simone?<\/p>\n<p>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<p>In our Q&amp;A session below, you can enjoy some fun facts about the Columbus drag darling and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dispatch.com\/story\/entertainment\/theater\/2022\/11\/03\/hairspray-revival-running-nov-8-13-in-columbus-starring-nina-west\/69595945007\/\">national sensation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<partner-banner util-module-path=\"elements\/partner\" fluid=\"\" bottom=\"\" lazy=\"\" class=\"spacer-large\" min-height=\"390\" outstream=\"\"\/><media-image image-set=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/03\/16\/NCOD\/89184501007-as-9-entrance-3.jpeg bestCrop, https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/03\/16\/NCOD\/89184501007-as-9-entrance-3.jpeg?crop=2663,1997,x336,y0 4:3, https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/03\/16\/NCOD\/89184501007-as-9-entrance-3.jpeg?crop=1498,1997,x900,y0 3:4, https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/03\/16\/NCOD\/89184501007-as-9-entrance-3.jpeg?crop=2999,1687,x0,y155 16:9\" image-alt=\"\" credit=\"Provided by Nina West\" caption=\"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.\" orientation=\"horizontal\" class=\"spacer-large\" util-module-path=\"elements\/media\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">Why is Nina Simone your namesake?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>West<\/strong>: I fell in love with her voice pretty immediately. And it just felt like the name &#8220;NINA&#8221; fit me \u2013 like, it just felt right!<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">What did you want to be when you grew up?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>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 <em>only<\/em> dogs.<\/p>\n<p><cta-atoms-container-inline util-module-path=\"elements\/cta\" class=\"spacer-large\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">Who would play you in your biopic?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>West<\/strong>: Meryl Streep. Why not? And if she is busy, Miss Piggy.<\/p>\n<p><media-gallery-promo asset-id=\"68046580007\" class=\"column ten-column no-gutter spacer-large\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">What superpower would you choose?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>West<\/strong>: Whoa! I mean, it would be pretty cool to fly!<\/p>\n<partner-inline util-module-path=\"elements\/partner\" class=\"spacer-large\" placement=\"native-article_link\" sizes=\"[[300, 250], [3, 3]]\" min-height=\"250\" fluid=\"\" outstream=\"\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">Do you have a celebrity crush?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>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<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">What item(s) can&#8217;t you live without?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>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<partner-banner util-module-path=\"elements\/partner\" fluid=\"\" bottom=\"\" lazy=\"\" class=\"spacer-large\" min-height=\"600\" outstream=\"\" momentum=\"\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">Strangest rumor you&#8217;ve heard about yourself?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>West: <\/strong>That my birthday is on Aug. 4, the same as [former] President Barack Obama. It&#8217;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<p><media-image image-set=\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/03\/16\/NCOD\/89185798007-as-9-entrance-left-p-2.jpeg bestCrop, https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/03\/16\/NCOD\/89185798007-as-9-entrance-left-p-2.jpeg?crop=1997,1499,x0,y249 4:3, https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/03\/16\/NCOD\/89185798007-as-9-entrance-left-p-2.jpeg?crop=1499,1997,x199,y0 3:4, https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/03\/16\/NCOD\/89185798007-as-9-entrance-left-p-2.jpeg?crop=1997,1123,x0,y437 16:9\" image-alt=\"\" credit=\"Provided by Nina West\" caption=\"Nina West recently appeared in the audience of an episode of &quot;The Muppet Show,&quot; quite fitting considering the source of her favorite quote, which she shared with The Columbus Dispatch.\" orientation=\"horizontal\" class=\"spacer-large\" util-module-path=\"elements\/media\"\/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">Favorite quote and why?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>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<p>I also really love, \u201cWocka wocka!\u201d \u2212 Fozzie Bear!<\/p>\n<partner-inline util-module-path=\"elements\/partner\" placement=\"native-article_link\" sizes=\"[[300, 250], [3, 3]]\" min-height=\"250\" fluid=\"\" outstream=\"\"\/>\n<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">Pancakes, waffles, or French toast?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>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<h2 class=\"presto-h2 wp-block-heading\">Worst job you&#8217;ve (or Andrew) ever had?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>West<\/strong>: I was a page in the Ohio Statehouse and \u2013 to be clear \u2013 it wasn&#8217;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. <em>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<partner-banner util-module-path=\"elements\/partner\" fluid=\"\" bottom=\"\" lazy=\"\" class=\"spacer-large\" min-height=\"390\" outstream=\"\"\/>\n<p>West, who sells out monthly drag brunches at Natalie&#8217;s Grandview, keeps busy locally and beyond performing, hosting events, producing nationally touring shows, and many other endeavors \u2013 most of which don&#8217;t require her to get up early in the morning.<\/p>\n<p><em>Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"mailto:bpaschal@dispatch.com\">bpaschal@dispatch.com<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<lit-timestamp class=\"column ten-column no-gutter spacer-small\" slot=\"timestamp\" publishdate=\"2026-03-22 10:01:02.497419179 +0000 UTC\" updatedate=\"2026-03-22 10:01:02.497419179 +0000 UTC\"\/><\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.dispatch.com \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2025 Pride in Columbus: Stonewall March and Festival fill downtown Take a walk through the 2025 Stonewall Columbus Pride Festival and March as it filled downtown Columbus and the Short North with color and celebration. It tracks that when Andrew Levitt adopted his drag persona in the early 2000s, he chose the first name of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2340929,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25172],"tags":[39915,22220,420115,22466,21751,239390,22795,326086,341406,6297,21741,21739,298114,375170,21738,346675,39215,239343,239347,21750,239393,25890,23759,399161,453733,25456,24557,35643,352477,239344],"class_list":["post-2340928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment","tag-affiliate","tag-arts","tag-barack","tag-barack-obama","tag-celebrities","tag-celebrities-u0026-entertainment-news","tag-columbus","tag-drag","tag-drag-performance","tag-eamotion","tag-entertainment","tag-local","tag-local-affiliate-arts-u0026-entertainment","tag-muppets","tag-news","tag-obama","tag-oh","tag-overall","tag-overall-positive","tag-people","tag-people-u0026-society","tag-performance","tag-positive","tag-race","tag-rupauls","tag-rupauls-drag-race","tag-society","tag-the","tag-the-muppets","tag-u0026"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Columbus-drag-queen-Nina-West-shares-fun-facts-about-her.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2340928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2340928"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2340928\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2340930,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2340928\/revisions\/2340930"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2340929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2340928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2340928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2340928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}