Jason Dardo, also known by their stage name Violet Chachki, is a multifaceted American entertainer, born on June 13, 1992, in Atlanta, Georgia. As a drag queen, burlesque performer, model, and television personality, Violet Chachki has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry.
Inspired by Jennifer Tilly's character in the film Bound, Dardo adopted the name Violet Chachki, combining it with the term "chachki," meaning a small, decorative object. Identifying as gender-fluid, Dardo began performing at the age of 19, initially using a fake ID to gain access to the bar LeBuzz in Marietta, Georgia.
After winning Miss New Faces on Ponce in Atlanta, Violet Chachki was taken under the wing of fellow drag queen Dax Martin, who adopted them as a drag daughter. Dardo briefly attended SCAD-Atlanta to study fashion design but soon dropped out to focus on their drag career.
As a regular performer at The Other Show at Jungle in Atlanta, Violet Chachki gained exposure and shared the stage with notable drag queens and performers, including Alaska Thunderfuck, Amanda Lepore, and The Lady Bunny.
In 2013, Dardo featured in the documentary "Legendary Children," which highlighted the Atlanta drag scene, and their photographs were exhibited at Gallery 1526. However, the exhibition sparked controversy due to the inclusion of photographs featuring Dardo's genitals and a gaff, leading to complaints and demands for the images to be covered up. The controversy gained attention from Vice.
Violet Chachki's career continued to flourish, with the release of the single "Cosplay" under the name Captain Murphy, featuring Dardo on the cover. They also appeared in the Adult Swim commercial for the single.
After an unsuccessful audition for Season 6 of RuPaul's Drag Race, Dardo was cast in the seventh season as Violet Chachki, where they became known for their impeccable fashion sense and aesthetic. Violet Chachki went on to win the seventh season of RuPaul's Drag Race, taking home the cash prize of $100,000.
In June 2015, Dardo released their debut single, "Bettie," from their album "Gagged," and starred in the accompanying music video. Violet Chachki is also a skilled aerialist, performing in aerial hoop, aerial silk, and burlesque shows.
In 2017, Dardo joined the cast of "The Art of Teese" alongside burlesque legend Dita Von Teese and became the first drag queen to front a major ad campaign for Bettie Page lingerie. Violet Chachki continued to make waves in the fashion world, strutting their stuff on the runway for Moschino's Fall 2018 collection at Milan Fashion Week.
In May 2018, Dardo released their single, "A Lot More Me," showcasing their versatility and talent as a performer. With their impressive resume and captivating stage presence, Violet Chachki has solidified their position as a leading figure in the drag and entertainment communities.
