Sissy That Talk with Bruno Alcantara

As viewers of RuPaul’s Drace, we see the handsome men of the Pit Crew every episode but we know nothing about them. Of course everyone is content with just seeing them because they are super cute and in underwear! However, the CLOSET team wanted to find out more about the men in the underwear on a personal level. We got a chance to shoot and interview one the cutest members of the Pit Crew, Bruno Alcantarta!

How did you become a part of the Pit Crew on RuPaul’s Drag Race? 

Bruno: I think I was good for the part and met the right people. A friend of mine, Jaime Laurita, who I worked with on Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour, is a close friend of Michelle Visage and he made the connection. That’s how everything started. I am grateful for both of them. 

How did the audition process go and did you leave the audition feeling confident that you got it? 

Bruno: After I was introduced, I spoke to the production over the phone a few times, I sent them a few pictures and we agreed to work together as a test to see how it would go. My first job with them was a music video for the song “The Bitch is Back” for Elton John, used on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. I knew it was a test but I had so much fun. Then, I finally signed up to do Drag Race. We were talking about one or two episodes at first, I am happy it became much more than that. 

What does a standard day on the RuPaul’s Drag Race set look like for the Pit crew? 

Bruno: It depends on what we are shooting, but usually we get there in the morning, receive the briefing of the episode, sometimes have a quick rehearsal, change and we are ready to go. It can be as quick as a few hours on set or it can take all day. Everybody involved is so nice and professional that it makes the whole experience really enjoyable.

What is it like being in underwear in front of the legendary RuPaul everyday? 

Bruno: It definitely pushes me to take some extra care with my body and health. But not only that, he is such an inspiration, so accessible, friendly and wise, is always motivating and sharing funny stories in the quick chats we have right before shooting a scene. He totally influenced me in a good way as a gay man, with his messages of love and self acceptance. 

Do you ever get nervous being in the acting challenges with the queens? 

Bruno: Not really, I love acting. I did two years of acting training that was incredible. I try to be open, present and enjoy the ride, there is always a surprise, we don’t know exactly what is coming until we start doing it. It’ s nice to be part of the process and watch them coming up with these funny and crazy ideas. I am ready for more. 

What are some of your favorite moments or memories while working on set with the queens? 

Bruno: I am always impressed how they can handle all the makeup and high heels, many layers of clothes and need to be funny, natural and entertaining. It’s nice to see that even though it is a competition, they help each other, and the whole casting and team behind the scenes work like a big family. I am happy to be part of it. 

What is it like being around so many drag queens everyday? Have you learned anything from being around them? 

Bruno: Being on the show changed my perception of the Drag world for sure, it's a beautiful platform of art, entertainment and self expression,that brings people together, rich in diversity with this amazing message of believing in yourself and overcoming your own limitations. It’s great to see how much love and energy they put into it. Even better to see how well the audience receives it and have fun with it. 

You spend a lot of time with the other pit crew members. How do you guys get along? Have you guys ever had any backstage fights or drama? 

Bruno: Bryce and Jason were always so nice and welcomed me with open arms. I was pretty nervous and lost when I first started and they gave me tips and showed me around. We also have great talks about life, dreams, problems. No drama at all. 

Do you guys ever get cold being in underwear during the challenges? 

Bruno: Does it look cold? Yes, it is freezing. We try to keep warm with our robes until it’s time to show off. Luckily we have all the support we need to help with this too. 

Are your feet ever dirty after shooting from not wearing shoes? 

Bruno: It probably gets a little dirty, but no big deal, it's part of the job, we gotta get our hands dirty sometimes right? Or feet, Haha. I am brazilian, I am used to walking barefoot in my underwear... But I bring my flip-flops with me and I keep them on until right before my scenes. 

What’s your favorite part about being on RuPaul’s Drag Race? 

Bruno: It’s amazing to receive all the love from Brazil and all around the world. I feel lucky for the opportunity to work with someone so inspiring like RuPaul. I am happy to be in a show that is so successful, entertaining, big in the gay community and that on top of that delivers a great message. I like what the show stands for and I am proud to be part of it. 

Is it weird seeing yourself on tv? 

Bruno: In the beginning it made me nervous, I was more critical with myself, now I like it and I am used to it. My mom always said I am perfect just as I am, so believe her, Haha. I like the attention too, so it works well. 

You must get recognized constantly by RuPaul’s Drag Race fans! Do you have any interesting or funny fan stories? 

Bruno: I do receive so much love. Mostly people telling me how happy they are to see me on the show. Recently I received a big message from someone with all the points that she wanted me to tell Rupaul, like her name, what she does, where she is and why she loved him so much. A lot of people want to send him a message. He really touches so many lives. 

Who is your favorite queen from season 12? 

Bruno: I don’t have one favorite, I appreciate all of them in their uniqueness and talent. It’s exciting to see how each of them face the challenges. “May the best woman win”. 

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

Bruno: I was born in Brazil in a small town called Ilheus/Bahia. I was raised with so much love and my whole life my mom told me that in order to be successful you gotta be happy. When I was 7, I told her, I need to study english because when I grow up I will travel the world and I will talk to everybody. I moved to LA six years ago from Brazil with the dream of being fluent in English, the plan was to stay for 3 months and go back but life is full of surprises and gifts. I consider myself a big dreamer and as such, I learned that we gotta be able to love, accept, and support ourselves in this journey. I like people and I am really curious to understand other perspectives. I am passionate about the things I do, I really enjoy life, and the freedom we have to choose, change and grow. I am a happy person who is learning everyday about myself and trying to bring a good energy and smiles around me. 

What is your ethnicity? 

Bruno: I am 100% Brazilian. 

You have a life coach business. Can you tell us how and why you got you into life coaching? 

Bruno: A few years ago I started asking myself how I could be in service and help people around me. Looking back into my life, I realized all the ups and downs, all the changes I went through and the amount of energy, confidence, persistence that I needed to make things happen and I noticed how many people are actually struggling with that. So I decided to become a Life Coach to have the skills and tools to empower people to believe in themselves and realized that we have everything that it takes to make changes and have a happier life. As a coach, I am dedicated to help gay men to increase self love and make positive changes in their lives. Self love is life changing. 

What’s the most rewarding thing about being a life coach? 

Bruno: It’s just so nice to see people shifting their energy, changing their perceptions, finding new ways to think that are more empowering and more positive for their lives. Whatever the goal is, I feel happy to see people succeeding in life, letting go of things that no longer works for them and in their own timing, loving themselves more and embracing who they are by becoming happier and at peace. That is really rewarding for me. You are supporting someone in their personal growth. This kind of work affects not only the individual but the community as a whole, raising awareness, one by one. 

How do you maintain your amazing Pit Crew body?

Bruno: I like the label “Pit Crew body,” Haha. I try to keep balance and consistency in my life. Exercising for sure and a diet that includes greens, vegetables but is not too strict, so I can still have things that I like and make me happy, like cake and pizza. We gotta find what works best for us. I’ve been trying intermittent fasting lately, It’s really good. We gotta invest in ourselves, inside and out. 

What do you like to do for fun? 

Bruno: I love being by the beach, I like dancing, cooking, going out with friends but I also appreciate my meditations, spirituality and self growth books and shows. Recently I subscribed to Gaia Tv and I am enjoying it a lot. Traveling is always nice to see new places, meeting new people and trying different foods. Ah, the older I get, the more I enjoy my sleep, being in bed never felt so good. 

What 5 words would you use to describe Bruno Alcantara? 

Bruno: Positive, Passionate, Intuitive, Audacious, Fun