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It tracks that when Andrew Levitt adopted his drag persona in the early 2000s, he chose the first name of a pioneering artist who was an outspoken activist.
Nina West, whose appellation pays homage to legendary singer Nina Simone, is also a dynamic performer, philanthropist and ardent activist who has paved a few paths of her own.
West has shared her name’s origin before, but a question remains: Why Nina Simone?
Curiosity got the best of us, so The Columbus Dispatch went to the source. Our single query became an off-kilter interrogation where West told us a few things about herself that you might not know and probably can’t Google.
In our Q&A session below, you can enjoy some fun facts about the Columbus drag darling and national sensation.
Why is Nina Simone your namesake?
West: I fell in love with her voice pretty immediately. And it just felt like the name “NINA” fit me – like, it just felt right!
What did you want to be when you grew up?
West: I wanted to be a paleontologist, and if that didn’t work, I thought I was going to be Indiana Jones. And if that fell through, maybe a doctor to dogs. And only dogs.
Who would play you in your biopic?
West: Meryl Streep. Why not? And if she is busy, Miss Piggy.
What superpower would you choose?
West: Whoa! I mean, it would be pretty cool to fly!
Do you have a celebrity crush?
West: [Actor and singer] Jonathan Groff may be the one. There is something about him. He has such a great sense of humor. He is talented, smart, sexy. Oh, my God – I feel like I am rambling! (Laughs) Yeah, he makes me giddy.
What item(s) can’t you live without?
West: Maybe a notepad and a pen. I love the act of writing. I love writing notes. I love writing letters to people. It is another way to express myself. Sure, I love my phone, but I could gladly give it up – but I do love how it connects me to people in my life. So, I am opting out for paper.
Strangest rumor you’ve heard about yourself?
West: That my birthday is on Aug. 4, the same as [former] President Barack Obama. It’s just weird to have people change your birthday. (For the record, West’s birthday is Aug. 10. Coincidentally, so is Levitt’s.)
Favorite quote and why?
West: “Watch out for each other. Love everyone and forgive everyone, including yourself. Forgive your anger. Forgive your guilt. Your shame. Your sadness. Embrace and open up your love, your joy, your truth, and most especially your heart.” – Jim Henson. It allows me to check in with myself.
I also really love, “Wocka wocka!” − Fozzie Bear!
Pancakes, waffles, or French toast?
West: I won’t “waffle” on this answer! (Laughs) Waffles for sure! The little nooks that catch all the butter and syrup? I mean, c’mon – they are perfect!
Worst job you’ve (or Andrew) ever had?
West: I was a page in the Ohio Statehouse and – to be clear – it wasn’t a terrible job, but I had to be there so early in the morning, and I would always fall asleep in the back of the office. Always. And I would inevitably snore and then someone would wake me up and I would be busted for falling asleep on the job!
West, who sells out monthly drag brunches at Natalie’s Grandview, keeps busy locally and beyond performing, hosting events, producing nationally touring shows, and many other endeavors – most of which don’t require her to get up early in the morning.
Contact features and entertainment reporter Belinda M. Paschal at bpaschal@dispatch.com.