Rory O’Neill on Drag, Gin, and Life Lessons: A Candid Chat with Panti Bliss
The Best Advice, Nemeses, and Gin: A Candid Conversation with Rory O’Neill
Rory O’Neill, better known by his drag persona Panti Bliss, has spent decades captivating audiences with wit, charm, and unapologetic authenticity. From owning two bars in Dublin to becoming a global LGBTQ+ icon, O’Neill’s journey is as colorful as the wigs he dons. In a recent interview, he shared some of his most personal insights, from the best advice he’s ever received to his thoughts on coffee culture and celebrity encounters.
The Best Piece of Advice
“What other people think of you is none of your business.” This gem, first heard from RuPaul, has been a guiding principle for O’Neill. “It’s not about ignoring what others say,” he explains. “It’s about understanding that their opinions are irrelevant to your life. That mindset has helped me navigate criticism, especially from the far right, without letting it weigh me down.”
A Nemesis? Not Exactly
When asked about adversaries, O’Neill points to the Iona Institute, a right-wing Christian organization in Ireland known for opposing progressive campaigns like abortion rights and marriage equality. “I wouldn’t call them my nemesis,” he says with a smirk, “but I won’t miss an opportunity to call them out. They’ve been at the forefront of every regressive campaign in Ireland, and I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with them.”
Favorite Drink: A Surprisingly Simple Choice
Despite owning two bars and spending much of his life in the hospitality industry, O’Neill’s drink of choice is refreshingly uncomplicated. “I’m a boring drinker,” he admits. “I like a plain pilsner or lager—nothing too fancy. But when I’m in drag, I switch to gin and tonics. It’s more glamorous, and my hands don’t look as small holding the glass.”
Celebrity Encounters: Madonna and Dolly Parton
O’Neill isn’t easily starstruck, but two icons hold a special place in his heart: Dolly Parton and Madonna. “Dolly is my everything,” he gushes. As for Madonna, he recalls a memorable encounter after a funeral in the Dublin mountains. “We ended up in an empty restaurant for two hours, just me, my friends, and Madonna. She’s fun, but her default setting is ‘jokey cunt.’” The cringeworthy moment came when he asked Madonna for a favor. “My friend needed a lift, and I turned into my mother, saying, ‘Madonna, you could give him a ride, couldn’t you?’ To her credit, she did.”
Petty Gripes: Coffee Culture
O’Neill has strong opinions about Australia’s coffee obsession. “Shut the fuck up about coffee,” he says with a laugh. “It’s gone way too far. I’ve used a Moka pot for 20 years, and it’s perfect. But whether you use boiling water or room temperature water doesn’t matter. Once you add milk or sugar, you can’t even taste the difference. Everyone needs to calm down.”
Cultural Touchstones: The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
When it comes to art that inspires him, O’Neill always returns to the 1969 film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. “Maggie Smith is perfection in that movie—her clothes, her lines, her attitude. I have four versions of the poster in my living room. Whenever I work with someone new, I make them watch it first. So much of Panti comes from Maggie Smith in that role.”
Controversial Pop-Culture Opinions
O’Neill doesn’t shy away from sharing his unfiltered thoughts, even when they’re unpopular. “Beyoncé is an incredible performer, but she’s not a great singer,” he says. “Her voice is too perfect, too polished. There’s no crack to let the light in. I’ll watch her performances, but I think other people could sing her songs better.”
Funeral Plans: A Dolly Parton Send-Off
When it comes to his final farewell, O’Neill knows exactly what he wants. “Little Sparrow by Dolly Parton,” he says. “It’s achingly beautiful. And everyone better be wearing dramatic black veils, bawling their eyes out.”
From jelly wrestling fantasies to heartfelt reflections, Rory O’Neill’s candidness is as entertaining as it is inspiring. Whether he’s sipping a gin and tonic in drag or calling out regressive ideologies, he continues to move through the world with humor, grace, and a touch of irreverence.
Lace in his heart: Madonna and Dolly Parton.“Madonna is a force of nature,” he says. “Meeting her was surreal—she’s as fierce and commanding in person as she is on stage. And Dolly? She’s pure magic. Her kindness and humor are as legendary as her talent. Both of them embody what it means to be unapologetically themselves, which is something I deeply admire.”
A Legacy of Authenticity
Rory O’Neill’s story is one of resilience, humor, and unwavering authenticity. Whether he’s dazzling audiences as Panti Bliss, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, or simply enjoying a quiet pint, O’Neill’s ability to stay true to himself has made him a beacon of inspiration. His journey reminds us that life is too short to worry about the opinions of others—and that sometimes, the simplest pleasures, like a good drink or a genuine laugh, are the most meaningful. As he continues to break barriers and challenge norms, O’neill’s legacy is a testament to the power of living boldly and authentically. Cheers to that.
Film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie. “It’s a masterpiece,” he says. “Maggie Smith’s performance is magnetic, and the story’s exploration of influence, power, and individuality resonates deeply with me. It’s a reminder of how art can shape us and challenge us to think differently.”
Rory O’Neill’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the mind of a trailblazer who has never shied away from being himself, even when the stakes were high. From his unshakable confidence in the face of criticism to his playful disdain for pretentious coffee culture, O’Neill’s authenticity is as refreshing as his favorite gin and tonic. His journey—marked by resilience, humor, and an unwavering commitment to equality—serves as a testament to the power of living unapologetically. Whether he’s dazzling audiences as Panti Bliss or sharing a laugh with Madonna, O’Neill reminds us all to embrace who we are, to challenge the status quo, and to never take life—or ourselves—too seriously.
As the conversation draws to a close, one thing is clear: Rory O’Neill isn’t just an icon; he’s a force of nature. And the world is all the brighter for it.