Darcelle portland biography of michaels

OnOn March 23, Walter Cole — known to most as Darcelle XV, the world's oldest working drag queen — passed away at 92 years old.

Michael's Journey: Paving the Path to Authenticity Meet Michael, a year-old Portland native whose life story is one of resilience and.

Also known as Walter Cole, nightclub owner Darcelle held a Guinness World Record as “oldest living drag queen” for most of the past decade.

At age 85, Portland's Darcelle is the nation's oldest performing female impersonator and operates what is thought to be the country's longest running drag.

Walter Cole reminisces on eight decades of life, and his transformation from a closeted gay man into the city's much-loved, wig-wearing.

Also known as Walter Cole, nightclub owner Darcelle held a Guinness World Record as “oldest living drag queen” for most of the past decade..

Darcelle XV

American drag queen (1930–2023)

Darcelle XV
Darcelle at Portland's Keller Fountain Park for the city's 2012 "Pedalpalooza" bike ride
Born	Walter Willard Cole (1930-11-16)November 16, 1930 Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Died	March 23, 2023(2023-03-23) (aged 92) Portland, Oregon, U.S.
Occupations
Years active	1967–2023
Known for
Notable work	Just Call Me Darcelle
Partner	Roxy Neuhardt (1969–2017)
Children	2
Awards	Spirit of Portland Award

Darcelle XV (November 16, 1930 – March 23, 2023) was the stage name of Walter Willard Cole, an American drag queen, entertainer, and cabaret owner and operator in Portland, Oregon.

Guinness World Records had certified him as the oldest drag queen performer in 2016, with a career as an entertainer spanning 56 years at the time of his death.^[1]

Biography

Walter Willard Cole was born on November 16, 1930, and raised in the Linnton neighborhood of Portland, O