Joey Arias
Known for

Acting

Credits

25

Gender

Man

Birthday

3 Oct 1949 (75)

Place of birth

Fayetteville, North Carolina, USA

Also known as
Joseph Arias
Joe Arias

Joey Arias

Biography

A fixture of New York City’s vibrant downtown performance scene for 30-plus years, Joey Arias is a bona fide NYC icon. Arias lived and worked with legendary musician Klaus Nomi until Nomi’s death in 1983. However, he has long since stepped out of Nomi’s shadow to gain fame in his own right as a performance artist, cabaret singer and drag artist. Arias has distinguished himself with scandalous wit, sleek style and an extraordinary voice... evocative of Billie Holiday yet uniquely his own. Arias has performed worldwide at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Freedom Theatre in London. Arias was tapped by Cirque du Soleil to originate the role of the emcee in their Las Vegas spectacular Zumanity. After 6 years in that role, Arias returned to New York where he became the star and co-creator of Arias With a Twist with master puppeteer Basil Twist. The show was a critical and commercial hit and extended repeatedly for a total of 8 months. On film, he has appeared in Mondo New York, Big Top Pee Wee, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, Wigstock - The Movie, Flawless and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar, among others.

Known for
Acting roles
YearMovie / TV show / OtherRole
2019WigSelf
2017After LouieJai the Chanteuse
2016The ZanctuaryDora Ramona del Pilar
2012Jobriath A.D.Himself
2012She's Living for ThisJoey Arias / Various Characters
2010Arias With a TwistHimself
2008Cirque du Soleil: LoveSickHimself
2004The Nomi SongSelf
1999FlawlessStormy
1997DrunksRuby
1997DragtimeSelf
1995To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie NewmarJustine
1995Wigstock: The MovieSelf
1995God Save the Queens
1993Naked in New YorkSelf
1991Deadly GameRamirez
1988Elvira: Mistress of the DarkHitchhiker
1988Big Top Pee-weeShim
1988Mondo New YorkFish Out Of Water / A Hard Days Night
1987Vandemonium Plus
1985Mermaids on HeroinMeridian
1980The Long Island Four
1975Saturday Night LiveSelf - David Bowie Backup Singer (uncredited)
Credits
YearMovie / TV show / OtherRole
1985Mermaids on HeroinDirector
1985Mermaids on HeroinWriter