Darcelle, the world’s oldest working drag queen, passed away at the age of 92 on May 13, 2021. The legendary entertainer, whose real name was Walter Cole, was a fixture of Portland’s LGBTQ+ community and had been performing in drag for over five decades. Known for her flamboyant costumes, razor-sharp wit, and unparalleled stage presence, Darcelle was a trailblazing figure and an inspiration to generations of drag performers. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the life and legacy of this iconic queen, and explore how she helped to shape the world of drag as we know it today.
Walter Cole, known by his stage name Darcelle XV, has passed away at the age of 92 in Portland, Oregon. Darcelle was a pioneer in the drag queen community, breaking boundaries and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights throughout her career. In 2016, she was crowned the world’s oldest working drag performer by the Guinness Book of World Records, and continued to entertain audiences until her passing. As a performer, she hosted the longest-running drag show on the U.S. West Coast, making her an icon in the industry.
Off stage, Walter Cole was a champion for LGBTQ+ rights and charitable work in Portland. The nightclub that Darcelle opened over 50 years ago, the Darcelle XV Showplace, became a cultural institution in Portland and was recently listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its significance in LGBTQ+ history. In the club’s early days, it was considered taboo and protesters would picket outside. However, it provided a lifeline for many in the city’s LGBTQ+ community, including Walter Cole himself.
In a 2010 interview with The Oregonian, Walter Cole spoke about his own coming out journey and the importance of being true to oneself. He preferred female pronouns when performing, but male pronouns off-stage. “If I hadn’t admitted who I was, I’d probably be dead now,” he said. “I’d be sitting on a couch retiring from…management. Not for me.”
Walter Cole’s legacy extends far beyond the entertainment industry. He was also a caring person deeply invested in the LGBTQ+ community and the fight against social stigma. Writer Susan Stanley, who became his friend after working briefly at the Darcelle XV Showplace, described him as a nurturing person who encouraged others to perform and get out of their shells.
After decades of advocacy by LGBTQ+ activists for civil rights and freedoms, it’s disheartening to see how drag has become polarized in today’s political climate, Stanley says. “Politicians wanting to step back decades in attitudes…it’s mystifying and horrifying to me at the same time.”
Walter Cole was born in 1930 and raised in Portland’s Linnton neighborhood. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces and was discharged in the late 1950s. He used the money he received from the military to start his first business, after dabbling in a coffee store and a jazz club. In 1967, he purchased the space that would become the Darcelle XV Showcase. Two years later, he developed the “alter ego” named Darcelle and came out as gay, according to a profile on the club’s website. He left his wife and began a relationship with his artistic director. During the 1970s, the Showplace became a popular destination for cabaret and drag performance.
In 1999, Darcelle became the oldest drag performer on the West Coast, after the closing of San Francisco’s drag venue Finocchio’s Club. Darcelle’s passing has been mourned by fans and public figures, including Portland’s mayor and Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden, who called her a pioneer with “pioneering courage.”
Details of a public memorial for Walter Cole will be announced in the future, according to the Darcelle XV Showplace. All shows at the club will continue as scheduled, per Walter Cole’s wishes.
In the end, Darcelle may have left this world, but her influence and legacy will continue to shine brightly. As the oldest working drag queen in the world, she had defied social norms and shattered stereotypes, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their true selves and to live life to the fullest. With her unwavering courage and unapologetic authenticity, Darcelle proved that age is merely a number and that anyone can achieve greatness if they have the passion and the determination to pursue their dreams. Rest in peace, Darcelle. You will always be remembered with love and admiration.
