Legendary drag queen Darcelle has died at age 92. Darcelle — offstage, Walter W. Cole Sr. — died Thursday of natural causes, according to the Facebook page of Darcelle’s nightclub. “The family of Darcelle XV along with her cast and crew are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Darcelle (Walter W.
Cole, Sr.) has died at age 92 from natural causes. We ask for privacy and patience as everyone processes and grieves in their own way and at their own pace,” the venue wrote.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler wrote on Twitter, “Darcelle is a Portland icon who gave us more than great performances. Their legacy will live on through their philanthropy, legendary show venue, and the countless lives they’ve impacted for good.” For more than 50 years, Darcelle ran the Portland nightclub Darcelle XV Showplace, “where the entertainer told bawdy jokes in elaborate makeup and beaded gowns, while acting as master of ceremonies to a parade of other drag queens and dancers,” The Oregonian reports.
It’s the longest-running drag club west of the Mississippi. Darcelle was embraced warmly by Portlanders, appearing at many events around the city and receiving numerous awards.
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