You’ve seen the vermillion finger waves. You’ve heard the rhythmic clack of those tap shoes hitting the main stage. Suzie Toot walked onto RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 and immediately carved out a space as the "cerebral" theater kid who could out-reference almost anyone in the room. But when the eyelashes come off and the 1920s cartoon aesthetic is wiped away, who is the person behind the paint?
Getting to know Suzie Toot out of drag means looking at Benjamin Shaevitz, a 25-year-old artist whose life is just as layered as his drag persona.
Who is Benjamin Shaevitz?
Benjamin Shaevitz was born on April 5, 2000. He’s an Aries, which honestly explains a lot of the tenacity we saw on screen. Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Ben grew up in Wellington, navigating a household that was a mix of Irish Catholic and Russian Jewish traditions. He was raised Jewish, attending Hebrew school and spending summers at a Jewish sleepaway camp in the Pocono Mountains.
It was there, at age eight, that the spark for performing really took hold. His first role? An ensemble member in a camp production of Fiddler on the Roof. It wasn't exactly a starring turn, but for a kid who would later become a drag powerhouse, it was everything.
He wasn't always the polished performer you see now. In middle school, he actually got rejected from an arts program. That kind of sting stays with you, but Ben used it as fuel. By high school, he was the kid doing everyone’s makeup for the school musical and obsessed with anything "weird" in theater, from Little Shop of Horrors to the cult classic Repo! The Genetic Opera.
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The Transition from Ben to Suzie
The name Suzie Toot isn't just a random pairing of words. It’s actually a direct tribute. Suzie (Susan) is his mother’s name, and Toot is her maiden name. While most queens pick names that sound like puns or high-fashion labels, Ben went for something that felt like a family heirloom.
His mom is a huge part of his story. Fans remember the emotional "family resemblance" challenge on Season 17 where Susan appeared on stage. Seeing Suzie Toot out of drag interacting with his mother gave viewers a glimpse into the person Ben is—someone deeply connected to his roots, even when those roots are a bit confused by the "insanity" of the drag world.
Professional Training and the BFA
Ben is a trained musical theater performer. He attended Palm Beach Central High School and eventually pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts. However, in a move that feels very "Suzie," he actually dropped out with only a year left. Why? Because he was already getting booked.
He was working in regional theater, playing roles like Billy in 42nd Street and appearing in productions with the Slow Burn Theater Company. That tap dancing wasn't just a gimmick for the show; it was a skill he honed since his sophomore year of high school after being told he was a "bad dancer." He’s the kind of person who hears "you can't" and decides to become an expert just to prove a point.
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Life After the Show: Brooklyn and Beyond
Since filming wrapped, Ben has made the big move. He’s no longer a Florida boy; he’s officially a Brooklynite. Moving to New York City was a pivot he made almost immediately after production ended, seeking a scene that matched his high-energy, reference-heavy style.
Out of drag, Ben is relatively private but stays active on platforms like Bluesky and Instagram. He recently made headlines for ditching X (formerly Twitter), citing his personal values and a desire for a more authentic digital space.
Key Facts About Benjamin Shaevitz
- Age: 25 (Born 2000)
- Hometown: Fort Lauderdale/Wellington, FL
- Current Base: Brooklyn, NY
- Background: Jewish upbringing, Irish-Russian heritage
- Notable Skill: Expert tap dancer
- Film Credits: Starred in the queer horror film Big Easy Queens (2023)
Why the "Cerebral" Label Matters
On the show, the other queens often teased Suzie for being "too smart" or overthinking things. Ben has admitted in interviews with outlets like Collider and Entertainment Weekly that he does, in fact, think way too much.
This intelligence is what makes Suzie Toot out of drag so compelling. He isn't just putting on a dress; he's constructing a character—a "cross-section between Betty Boop and Lucille Ball." When he’s not in Suzie mode, Ben is a nerd for television production and the mechanics of storytelling. He’s even working on a short film titled La Dichotomie, which is set to hit the festival circuit in 2026.
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What's Next for the Artist?
Benjamin Shaevitz is far from done. While he didn't take home the crown, placing in the Top 5 and winning the "Queen of She Done Already Done Had Herses" title during the LaLaPaRuZa smackdown cemented his status as a fan favorite.
He’s currently building a one-woman show and continues to release music, like his single "Smokin' Suzie." For fans wanting to keep up with the man behind the vermillion wig, following his journey into the New York theater and film scene is the best way to see how he continues to evolve.
How to Support Benjamin Shaevitz
- Follow on Bluesky: He’s moved his main social feed there for a more curated experience.
- Watch Big Easy Queens: Check out his acting chops in this queer horror-camp flick.
- Catch a Live Show: If you're in NYC, keep an eye on Brooklyn venue listings; he's a staple in the local circuit.
- Listen to the Music: Stream "Bonecoming" and "Smokin' Suzie" to support his independent music career.
Ben’s journey proves that while Suzie Toot is a masterpiece of camp and tap, the person underneath is a disciplined, thoughtful artist who is just getting started.
Next Steps for Fans: To see more of Benjamin’s transition from the Florida drag scene to Brooklyn, you can check out his latest tour dates and project updates on his official Instagram or Bluesky profiles. If you're interested in his film work, Big Easy Queens is currently available on major streaming platforms.