Varla Jean Merman is the drag persona of American drag performer, actor and singer Jeffery Roberson. Varla's fictitious pedigree boasts that Ernest Borgnine is her father and Ethel Merman is her mother. Along with her co-stars, Roberson shared the 'Best Actor Grand Jury Award' at Outfest 2003 and 'Best Actress' honors at both the 2003 U.S. Comedy Arts Festival and the 2003 Aspen HBO Film Festival for his role as Varla/Marla in the film 'Girls Will Be Girls'.