Interview with Fabulista Lord Randall Scott MacDonald - Actor, Singer, Radio & TV Personality, Freelance Writer, Event Consultant, Stylist and Ambassador

Can you share a bit of your journey that led you to the wide range of creative pursuits you enjoy today? Looking back, can you see any early signs this would be your future?

I think this pitch I put together when I was first talking to production companies really says it all, “My Big Fat Fabulista Life” if you will!

“Join this former fat boy's emotional journey recovering from his right-wing evangelical up bringing where not only was every aspect of life scary but his church and home were basically conversion therapy for his gayness. With three evangelical ministers in his immediate family, he knew they would be non-supportive of the fact that he was gay. When his Southern Baptist Ordained Minister brother, older by 13 years, came out this threw Randall deep into the closet when he saw his parent’s reaction. Being taught that homosexuality was a choice he decided to date girls and rein himself in. 

Though eventually settling down with his partner, he spent most of his life trying "to be all things to all people" as the good book says. Not realizing that people could sense his in-authenticity it wasn't until he threw off the veil and embraced his inner glitter that people were drawn to him. Only being able to watch old movies growing up, this is the one thing that he did bring from his childhood. Believing he would be going to dinner clubs in tails when he grew up, he has spent his whole life trying to recreate that glamour for himself and his circle. Join him as he shows others that income level, background and especially being the epitome of a nerd do not need to stop you from rubbing elbows with the glitterati and leading an interesting and exciting life.”

I don’t know if there were signs that this would be my future, but I did always know that I was different and wanted more. When I was a kid I used to tell people that I was adopted, which drove my mother crazy. I always loved glamour and used to wear ascots when I was like 13 even though I didn’t quite have “style” mastered yet or for that matter figured out my style, but I always wanted to try.

Usually there is a defining moment - a first door that opens where you can say, "I am...........". 

I can honestly say there never was a moment like this. My first task when I was in my 20’s was to deprogram myself from my up bringing. I didn’t know I was doing that at the time but looking back I can see that’s what I was doing and it took much longer than people think. I then look at the next phase of my life as being a new born if you will. I tried different avenues, personas and looks for myself, all in self discovery.

I always thought that I had to be, an actor or a singer or interior decorator, etc. What I came to realize is that I am all those things when a friend said to me that “you are the most multi facetted talent I know” As of late, I think of myself as a personality who has many creative outlets.

You have such a varied resume. Can you share a little about the different creative endeavors you're involved with?

I’ve always been a theatre kid with a special love for musicals. I’ve been lucky enough to perform in many shows, most recently in “Amadeus” in which I played one of the Venticelli. I also consulted on costumes, sets and was the dramaturg for the show which made sense considering my love of the 18th century. 

I started doing my own jazz gigs about 15 years ago and my “Jazzy Christmas” remains my most popular. I love doing interior design and men’s styling in addition to planning and hosting fabulous events. Currently season 2 of my TV show “Randall to the Rescue” is streaming on Telus and can also be viewed on my YouTube channel “The Randall Channel”

Is there one passion that is your main focus? Or do you move between all your different careers regularly? Is one your favorite?

There isn’t really one that I focus on as I enjoy the creativity of them all. When people ask me what I do, I often reply that I’m schizophrenic because it depends on the day as to what I am and what I am doing ie; today I’m an actor, tomorrow an event consultant, next day men’s stylist, etc. As for a favourite, there is nothing like being on stage in front of an audience and feeling the burn of the stage lights!

Balance can be hard when your passions are so diverse.  How do you juggle commitments of work, social media, posting, marketing, etc., without getting stressed or dropping a ball? What  do you like to do when you have personal time that helps fill your cup?

That really is the struggle. I was talking with a friend recently who is in the media and we were talking about all my passions and she commented that I needed a “Life Director” but what I think I really need at this point is a “Talent Producer” organizing and directing all my creative outlets including social media. I do know that I could be doing more in each area you mentioned but it comes down to time and focus.

To be honest when I have personal time, I really like to be quiet and still to recharge. I have come to realize that when I am hired to host or appear at an event that the organizer has hired “Randall” to appear which at times can take a lot of energy. I was talking about this with a very successful food blogger and she asked me to tell her about “Randall”. I said he’s funny, outrageous, flamboyant, irreverent and always up for a good time. She said, well then, just put him on. It struck me as an actor that I should have realized that and treated him like a character. There have been times when I’ve had a particularly tiring week and said before we leave for an event that I’d rather shoot myself then go out and my partner Darcy will ask, how does “Randall” feel? And I reply, “Oh he can’t wait” and away we go!

I am sure you've experienced some incredible moments over your career.  Readers would love to hear a great memory, especially one that brings a smile.

Many years ago, I was doing a Melodrama and playing an RCMP. My pants were VERY form fitting and at one point in the show I had to kneel down to propose. So, it’s opening night, I kneel down and hear a few threads snap but really didn’t think much of it. I stood up and realized that the inner seam on my right pant leg had split up to my crotch, and the seams at the front and back of the pant had split open up to my waist. The audience went nuts!! It took forever for them to regain composure. Once they did the actor with the next line had an apologetic look on his face because his line was “Shish, I smell something” Well the audience lost it again. Due to staging I wasn’t able to change my pants, so spent the remainder of the show on full display. That was a fun moment!

In closing, is there anything you'd like to share? 

My spirit animal is Auntie Mame and I live by one my favorite quotes from her, “Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death” 

I believe you need to live life consciously and wring an experience out of life. I love it when people say that I give them permission to play and the last words on my death bed are going to be “Thank God I’m dying, I’m exhausted!”

Emeraude - Created in collaboration with
designer Deidre Hackman.  

Links - 

• Instagram - @randall_fabulista/
• YouTube -  @therandallchannel8978
• YouTube - @RandallMacDonaldVIPness
• TikTok - @randalltotherescue_
• TikTok - @randallsmacdonald
• Facebook - www.facebook.com/RandallFabulista