Tyra Sanchez, famously known as the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 2, captivated audiences with a bold personality and undeniable talent.
Born James William Ross IV on April 22, 1988, in Gainesville, Florida, Tyra’s journey in the drag world has been both celebrated and controversial. After achieving international fame, Tyra’s career took unexpected turns, marked by public criticism and personal challenges.
In 2020, Tyra Sanchez announced the retirement of his drag persona, leaving fans puzzled about the sudden decision. While his retirement initially signaled a step away from the spotlight, it didn’t take long before Tyra made headlines again.
Rebranding himself as King Tyra in 2022, he returned to drag under a new moniker but faced continued scrutiny for his actions both on and off the stage.
From controversial social media posts to legal troubles, including arrests for vandalism, assault, and public disturbances, Tyra’s name frequently appeared in the news.
Most recently, his response to the tragic death of fellow drag queen The Vivienne sparked widespread backlash, raising questions about his place in the drag community.
The decision to retire as Tyra Sanchez reflects personal struggles and a shifting relationship with the art of drag and its audience. For many, the question remains: what led Tyra to leave behind the persona that brought him fame and accolades?
This article delves into the reasons behind his retirement, shedding light on his life and career complexities. In addition to that, keep on reading to know about his comeback.
Why Tyra Sanchez Retire Drag And What Made Him Comeback!
Tyra Sanchez, the winner of season two of RuPaul’s Drag Race, surprised fans in 2020 by announcing his retirement from the drag scene. The decision was deeply personal, rooted in struggles with mental health and a desire to redefine his identity.
Sanchez revealed that the daily criticism and judgment he faced took a significant toll on his mental well-being. The relentless scrutiny left him on an emotional roller coaster, prompting him to step away from the drag world as a necessary measure to prioritize his mental health.
In addition to these challenges, Sanchez sought to distance himself from the Drag Race franchise. While he wished the show continued success, he made it clear that he wanted to carve out a life separate from its influence.
Around this time, Sanchez also announced his preference for he/him pronouns, marking a pivotal step in his journey of personal self-discovery.
Despite ending the Tyra Sanchez character, Ross came back to drag in 2022 with a new name: King Tyra. He started by doing shows on OnlyFans then moved his drag content to Instagram in 2023.
This change aimed to leave behind the problems linked to his old character and make a new beginning. By taking on a new identity, Ross wanted to get close to his fans again and grow as a person.
While he chose the name King Tyra, he said he was okay with people calling him Tyra Sanchez showing a complex view of his past and future. In a daring step, King Tyra started a comeback tour called Club Tyra, with shows in 19 cities across the United States.
This move tried to take back his place in the spotlight, fix his image, and connect with fans in a better way. But he ran into trouble again when people got angry at him for making jokes about Drag Race star The Vivienne’s death.
