Why Does Chappell Roan Wear White Makeup?

After Chappell Roan’s appearance at the Grammy’s, many people were asking about Chappell Roan’s white makeup, which has become her signature look for stage makeup. There’s actually a deeper meaning to this look, based on a powerful statement of self-acceptance and defiance against derogatory labels.

The Meaning Behind Chappell Roan’s White Makeup

Growing up in her small hometown of Willard, Missouri, she observed that some individuals referred to gay people as “clowns.” In response, Roan embraced this term, stating, “If you’re going to call me a clown, I’m going to be the best clown you’ve ever seen.”

As a side note, even my own husband asked, “What’s with the clown makeup?” when seeing her for the first time.

By adopting the white face makeup, Roan not only reclaims a term meant to demean but also celebrates her identity and the LGBTQ+ community. Her makeup choices are influenced by drag culture and iconic performers like Lady Gaga and Nicki Minaj, reflecting her commitment to authentic self-expression and queer representation.

Through this distinctive look, Roan transforms a symbol of ridicule into one of empowerment.

White Makeup’s Colorful History

White makeup has a long and colorful history in performance art, theater, and drag culture. Its use dates back centuries, evolving from traditional stage performances to a powerful form of self-expression in modern drag.

In Japanese Kabuki and Noh theater, actors would wear white face paint, known as oshiroi, to enhance their expressions and make their features stand out under the dim stage lighting. Meanwhile, in 16th-century Italy, performers in commedia dell’arte adopted exaggerated white makeup to define their characters—one of the most famous being Pierrot, the sad clown, a look that still influences performers today.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, white makeup had become a staple in European theater and pantomime, often used to give actors a more artificial, doll-like appearance. This theatrical tradition carried over into early drag performances, where men playing comedic female roles, known as pantomime dames, embraced exaggerated makeup, including white powder, to create an over-the-top, otherworldly look.

The underground drag scene of the 1980s and 1990s took this theatricality to new levels. Avant-garde performers like Leigh Bowery pushed the boundaries of makeup, using stark white faces to create surreal and dramatic personas. The club kids of this era, known for their bold and unconventional looks, also played with white makeup as a way to blur gender norms and turn their faces into living works of art.

It’s All About Self-Expression

Today, white makeup remains a striking element in drag and queer performance art. It’s no longer just about visibility on stage—it has become a statement.

Artists like Chappell Roan use it to reclaim labels, challenge societal expectations, and fully embrace their creative identities. Whether inspired by theater, clowns, or past drag icons, white makeup continues to be a bold symbol of self-expression.