Sam Star, a top-four contestant from the 17th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race, drew attention on the red carpet at the 77th Annual Emmy Awards on Monday, arriving in a bedazzled white gown and voluminous platinum bouffant that left some viewers struggling to recognize the 25-year-old performer.
The TV personality, whose given name is Sam Purkey, posed briefly at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles wearing shimmering tights, glittering heels and carrying a gold purse. Makeup included thick lashes, smoky eye shadow, pink blush and a satin pink lip; she accessorized with flashy earrings and a chunky ring.
Purkey, who performs as Sam Star, has spoken publicly about a personal connection to former NBA player and current broadcaster Charles Barkley. During an episode of Drag Race this season, host RuPaul noted the relationship and Purkey replied, "He is my godfather! So he went to high school with my mom and they're best friends." Purkey added, "So he played a big role in raising me... I'm sure he's proud that I'm now a drag queen and not a basketball player."
Episode footage included a selfie of Purkey and Barkley, and RuPaul asked whether Barkley had tipped the performer after attending a show; Purkey replied, "Of course he tipped me!" In a February interview with People, Purkey said Barkley was a steady presence for the family when her mother, Leslie Blair, worked multiple jobs. "So I owe a lot to him, for us being able to keep our house and all these fabulous things," she said, adding that she hoped to reach a level of success that would relieve her mother from further hardship.
Barkley, known for his playing career with the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets, has periodically been seen supporting Purkey at live shows, the performer has said. The Drag Race contestant has credited that support with helping her family's situation during her upbringing in Alabama.
Purkey has been building a profile beyond the reality competition. She was named Miss Glamour Newcomer 2022 and reached the top four on the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Earlier this month she also attended the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in a black-and-blue patterned gown with a feathery coverup and a high platinum updo.
The 77th Emmys were hosted by comedian Nick Bargatze, with the series Severance leading nominations. Purkey’s appearance at the ceremony continues a busy year for the performer, who has been transitioning from pageant and reality television success into broader industry visibility.
At the Emmys, Purkey’s red-carpet look provided another moment of mainstream attention for a performer whose Drag Race run and public ties to a sporting celebrity have attracted media and fan interest. Purkey has described her career ambitions in interviews as motivated by a desire to lift her family’s circumstances and to expand opportunities for herself in entertainment.