The life & legacy of Darcelle XV, the world’s oldest working drag queen

Photo: Holly Andres

After a career spanning six decades, Darcelle XV, the world’s oldest working drag queen, has died at 92.

The longtime drag artist was performing in her native Portland until just days before her death from natural causes, drag performer Poison Waters, one of Darcelle’s closest friends, told LGBTQ Nation.

Condolences poured in from around the world.

U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D) and Ron Wyden (D), the Oregon Congressional delegation, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, city council members, Lady Bunny, Jinkx Monsoon, and Joey Arias all sent messages honoring Darcelle. From overseas, drag royalty Maisie Trollette, the oldest drag queen in the United Kingdom, shared her grief over the longtime performer’s death.

Darcelle XV, aka Walter Cole, was born in 1930 and crowned “oldest drag queen” by Guinness World Records in 2016. Her landmark Darcelle XV Showplace in the City of Roses is also ranked by Guinness as…

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