Who was Darcelle XV? Oldest drag artist in the United States dies at 92
Emily Cortez
Published Jan 15, 2026
Darcelle XV, who was born in 1930, was one of the most established drag specialists in the US
She had been working in haul for over 50 years
The Guinness World Record holder as the most established cross dresser entertainer died on Thursday at 92 years old
Drag execution has a long and rich history, with numerous gifted entertainers of any age adding to the fine art. Darcelle XV, who held the Guinness World Record for being the most seasoned cross dresser entertainer, died on Thursday at 92 years old, her supper club in Portland, Oregon, affirmed via web-based entertainment.
“The group of Darcelle XV alongside her cast and team are devastated to report that our cherished Darcelle (Walter W. Cole, Sr.) has died at age 92 from normal causes,” Darcelle XV Showplace said on Instagram. “We request protection and tolerance as everybody processes and laments in their own particular manner and at their own speed.”
Who was Darcelle XV? Walter Cole, a notable American drag entertainer situated in Portland, Oregon, performed under the pseudonym Darcelle XV. Darcelle XV, who was born in 1930, was one of the most established drag craftsmen in the US. She had been working in haul for over 50 years.
Portland says bon voyage tonight to Darcelle XV, a city luminary and legend of the drag world. Darcelle XV Showplace announced the news Thursday evening, saying that Walter W. Cole, Sr. died at the age of 92 from natural causes.
— KGW News (@KGWNews) March 24, 2023
Cole laid out the first of a few clubs in Portland in 1967, including the ongoing Darcelle XV Showplace, which has been doing business starting around 1973. The club has set up a good foundation for itself as a staple in Portland’s LGBTQ+ people group and throughout the years has facilitated shows by various notable cross dressers and different entertainers.
All through her vocation, Darcelle XV was respected with various awards and honors for her work with the LGBTQ+ people group, including being drafted into the Oregon Music Corridor of Popularity in 2017. She used to perform every now and again at her club until she was 89 years of age, making her one of the most established drag specialists on the planet.
“She contacted the existences of so many, through her exhibitions as well as through her courageous local area backing and beneficent works,” said Todd Addams, the interval leader head of Fundamental Privileges Oregon, talking about Darcelle. “She was absolutely a symbol.”