The Top Ten Q & A: Candis Cayne

Candis Cayne is definitely a living legend in gay culture. Since Candis has moved to California she has captivated us with her talent, beauty and most of all her humility. Candis acted in Wigstock, Stonewall, Tu Wong Fu and Starbooty. The beauty also won Miss Continental in 2001 and graced many magazine ads before she came to national attention and became the first transgendered woman in history to have a reoccurring character on a Prime Time series. In 2007 Candis portrayed transgendered mistress Carmelita on ABC's “Dirty Sexy Money” But don’t fret, Candis is just getting started! We will be seeing her on the hit TV series Nip/ Tuck, a new cocktail from Skyy Vodka and of course at The Abbey Food & Bar every Monday Night!

Where did the name “Candis Cayne” come from? I got it from my Drag mother Guava Chiffon, who at the time was Lana Cayne, I thought I'd keep it in the family. If I could go back now, I would probably let my birth mother name me. At the time of my transition I had been performing as a Drag Queen and was pretty well known in the Drag Community so I couldn’t change my name.

Describe the process of getting the role of Carmelita on ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money” I got a call one day from Patricia Field, who told me that she was working on a new Pilot for ABC and said there was a role in it that was perfect for me, so she called the casting people and got me an audition, I went and auditions and got a call back to read for the writer producer, and after a week or so they called and said I got the part, although I had no idea how big it was or was going to be at the time.

After growing up in Hawaii you moved to California. Why did you decide to move from Los Angeles to New York? What do you miss the most about NYC? I actually loved LA but It just wasn't working out, I was taking a lot of dance class hoping it would get me gig's but nothing was happening, so I got a cruise ship job to try and get some money to move to NY where I thought I would be more embraced, as an ultra feminine dancer. I started dabbling in drag here, but there was NO drag scene. I love NYC and think it's one of the greatest cities in the world, I loved every minute of it from sleeping on couches when I first got there to having my weekly shows and "making it" there. But I was there for over a decade and sometimes you have to let things go that you love to not feel stagnant.

When you took on the role of Carmelita were you prepared to deal with being the spokesperson for the transgendered community? I honestly didn't realize that wouldn’t happen at first, but It became clear real fast when I realized that it was going to be on a prime time Network show. To be honest I thought of myself as a normal, well adjusted person. I welcomed the opportunity to show the Trans community in a positive light.

What is the difference between the audience @ The Abbey in Los Angeles and Barracuda in New York? They are equally GORGEOUS! Gays are the same everywhere, lol

On OUT.com you recently did a webisode series called, “Show and Tell." Was it your first time dancing the "Rumba?" You’ve done some work in choreography and studied dance correct? Any interest in being on "Dancing with the Stars?" I would love to be on "Dancing with the Stars" I think it would be so much fun, I have had dance training but never partnered so it would be a challenge, it's so funny but so many people come up to me and say that they want me to be on that show. We’ll see, maybe someday they'll approach me.

Can you tell me a little bit more about your upcoming role in Nip/ Tuck? I have a two episode story arch, playing off the Julian McMahon character; I meet him at a bar and eventually go in for surgery.

Was there a point or moment where you thought “OMG I can’t believe this is really happening?” Yes, I think it was when I was on the Paramount lot at the first table read sitting across from Donald Sutherland, outside I was lightly smiling, and on the inside I was screaming like a pre-pubescent girl at Jonas Brothers concert.

Because you are one of the most recognized LGBT Entertainers, Skyy Vodka named a cocktail after you that they served at New York Pride. What inspired you to Entertain? It's been in my bones for as long as I can remember, it’s not only something that I wanted to do but something I HAD to do. I just went for it and hoped for the best!

What’s next for Candis Cayne? Well I do my weekly show at the Abbey, which I love, It's such a fun show to do and at one of the best bars in the country, and I just shot a pilot called "YES WE CANDIS" that we're pitching in three weeks, so wish me luck, and hopefully soon I'll be back on your little screens singing, dancing and having a gay'ol time.

For more on Candis Cayne please visit her on myspace at www.myspace.com/candiscayne


SKYY Vodka's "Kiss the Girl Cocktail"
1 ounce X-Rated Fusion Liqueur
1/2 ounce SKYY Infusions Citrus
1 ounce Cranberry Juice
Shake the ingredients over ice and strain into a martini glass or mix onto ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Go to Facebook.com/skyyvodka for more exclusive recipes

CANDIS CAYNE ARTICLE IN OUT MAGAZINE HERE