Danny La Rue, entertainer. Born 26th July 1927; Died 31st May 2009Six days ago, Britain's best-known, and arguably best-loved "comic in a frock", hung up his dresses for the last time.
Danny La Rue made drag performance "acceptable" (not that it ever needed to be accepted, of course) by a mainstream audience, reminding them that, for all his glamour and style - not to mention his humour - he was indeed a man in woman's clothing and make-up. He was a true inspiration for later performers such as Lily Savage.
Read all about Ms La Rue's success in the Guardian's tributes to him: the report of his death is here; his obituary is here; Michael Billington's summary of his style here; and a life of performance in photographs here.
Ms La Rue, you will be greatly missed.
It's been so long I had completely forgotten who Danny La Rue was. The 70's and my childhood really are dead now.
ReplyDeleteGosh... would you believe I've never seen Ms La Rue until now?
ReplyDeleteCurious - Ms La Rue was so well-loved, even my father enjoyed watching him. That age really is gone.
ReplyDeleteka-os - I'm surprised you didn't know about him. To be fair, the older he got, the less he performed...