Ever seen someone completely shed a skin? Not in a creepy, reptile sort of way, but in that "I’m a totally different human now" way. That’s the vibe when you look at Jinkx Monsoon out of drag. Most fans know the "Queen of All Queens" as the ginger-haired, narcoleptic comedy legend who basically steamrolled two seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race. But behind the corsets and the "water off a duck’s back" mantra is a person named Hera Hoffer.
And honestly? Hera is having a much bigger moment than Jinkx right now.
For years, we knew the person behind the makeup as Jerick. But things change. People grow. By early 2026, the narrative around Hera’s identity has become just as celebrated as her Broadway runs. She’s been open about being trans-femme and non-binary, and she’s recently shared that she’s undergone facial feminization surgery (FFS) to align her physical self with how she’s felt since her teens. It’s not just about the look; it’s about the peace.
Jinkx Monsoon out of drag: More than just a name change
If you’re looking for "Jerick," you’re looking at the past. Hera Lilith Hoffer is the name now. She’s been pretty clear that while Jinkx is the character—the "failed Jewish actress" who conquered the world—Hera is the one living the life.
It’s kinda wild to think about the trajectory. From a janitor working her way through Cornish College of the Arts to a record-breaking Broadway star.
Hera’s transition hasn't been some secret "reveal." It’s been a conversation. She’s talked about how drag was always a way to explore the feminine, but eventually, the feminine didn’t want to stay in the dressing room. She uses she/her pronouns both in and out of drag these days, though she’s famously chill about people making mistakes as long as it’s not malicious.
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The Broadway takeover and "Mama" Morton
You can't talk about Hera’s life out of the wig without talking about the theater. Broadway isn't just a side quest for her; it’s the main mission. In 2023, she stepped into the role of Matron "Mama" Morton in Chicago.
People didn't just come to see a drag queen. They came to see an actress.
She broke box office records. Like, actually shattered them. The "Jinkx effect" was real, leading to an extended 10-week run. Then came Little Shop of Horrors as Audrey, and her first Tony-eligible role as Ruth in Pirates! The Penzance Musical in 2025. By the time she returned to play Mary Todd Lincoln in Oh, Mary! in early 2026, the industry stopped calling her a "drag performer" and started calling her a "powerhouse."
Sobriety, video games, and mental health
Let's get real for a second. Success is heavy. Hera has been incredibly vocal about her journey with sobriety.
She’s been sober from alcohol for years now, and the way she stays on track is actually super relatable. Instead of hitting the bar after a grueling Broadway show, she hits the PlayStation. No, seriously.
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- She travels with a PS5 in a dedicated carrying case.
- She’s been known to unmount hotel TVs just to get her HDMI cables in.
- Fantasy RPGs like Horizon Forbidden West are her "ritual" for winding down.
It’s a specific kind of discipline. She’s mentioned in interviews that if she wasn't playing Overwatch or Baldur's Gate, she might be reaching for a vodka. Choosing the controller over the bottle is a huge part of what keeps her "out of drag" life stable while her career is basically exploding into the stratosphere.
Personal life: Marriage and Michael Abbott
Hera’s life at home is surprisingly low-key compared to the Maestro from Doctor Who. She married Michael Abbott in January 2021. It was a Zoom wedding because, well, 2021. Michael isn't just a supportive spouse; he’s an English musician and producer who often plays in her touring band.
They met at a club in Manchester while Hera was on tour. She was supposed to go out with a friend, got ghosted, went out alone, and met her future husband. Talk about a "sliding doors" moment.
Their relationship seems to be the anchor. While Hera is out there playing deities and Disney-style villains, Michael is the one providing that "emotional steadiness." It’s a partnership built on music, humor, and a shared love for the unconventional.
Why the "out of drag" identity matters in 2026
In the current climate, seeing a trans-femme person thrive in mainstream spaces—without having to hide or apologize—is massive. Hera doesn't just "do drag." She’s an advocate. She’s spoken about the "witch hunt" the LGBTQ+ community faces and uses her platform to remind people that trans folks have existed since "carved in marble" times (her words, and they're iconic).
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She’s also been open about the costs. Transitioning in the public eye isn't cheap or easy. She’s discussed her jaw reduction, brow reduction, and hair transplants with a level of honesty that most celebrities would never touch. It’s that lack of "gatekeeping" that makes her so magnetic to fans.
What’s next for Hera?
The momentum isn't slowing down. With a return to Oh, Mary! and more voice acting roles on the horizon (we’re still obsessed with her as Emerald in Steven Universe), the distinction between the performer and the person is becoming more nuanced.
If you want to support or follow this journey more closely, here’s how to stay in the loop:
- Watch the "Drag Becomes Him" documentary. It’s an older look, but it captures the raw beginnings of her journey from Portland to the global stage.
- Catch her live. Whether it’s the Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show or a solo tour like "Everything at Stake," seeing the musicality she shares with Michael and Major Scales is the best way to see the "real" her.
- Follow her social updates. She’s active on Instagram and Twitter (X), where she often shares the more personal side of her transition and her life as Hera.
Hera Hoffer has proven that you don't need a wig to be legendary. Jinkx might be the one winning the crowns, but Hera is the one winning at life.