On March 23, 2023, Walter W. Cole, better known as Darcelle XV, a famous entertainer, and icon, died. He was 92 years old when he passed away.
Darcelle was a notable American drag queen, entertainer, and owner and operator of the Portland, Oregon cabaret nightclub Darcelle XV Showplace.
In 2016, Guinness World Records recognized him as the oldest drag queen performer, with a 57-year career as an entertainer at the time of his death.
His Old Town nightclub thrilled generations of tourists and locals alike, especially bachelorette parties, for over 50 years.
The club was an institution in the city, and Darcelle was a popular character in the LGBTQ+ community. He was also noted for his generosity and community work, for which he was a civic idol.
The initial rumor of Darcelle’s death appeared on the Facebook page for his nightclub, Darcelle XV Showplace. The news was welcomed with an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans, friends, and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
Many took to social media to share their memories and love for Darcelle, with some referring to him as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
Darcelle’s death is a loss not just for the LGBTQ+ community but for the entertainment industry as a whole.
He was a performer who transcended gender and age, enthralling audiences with his wit, charm, and larger-than-life attitude. He was a true symbol of the strength of individualism and self-expression.
Undoubtedly, Darcelle’s impact will endure through the innumerable individuals he touched and inspired throughout the years. He was more than a drag queen or an entertainer; he embodied the LGBTQ+ community’s struggle for acceptance and equality.
Many are left wondering what the future holds for Darcelle XV Showplace in the wake of his passing. The club has been an integral part of Portland’s entertainment culture for almost fifty years, and its closure would be a major loss for the city.
However, plans for the club’s future and whether it would continue to exist in Darcelle’s absence are now unknown.
In conclusion, the loss of Walter W. Cole, also known as Darcelle XV, is felt not only by the LGBTQ+ community but also by anyone who had the pleasure of seeing him perform or meet him.
He was a trailblazer, a pioneer, and a source of inspiration for countless people across the globe. His legacy will definitely endure in the form of memories and affection.
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