Walter W. Cole, an American drag queen, performer, and owner and operator of a cabaret in Portland, Oregon, used the stage name Darcelle XV from November 16, 1930 until his death on March 23, 2023. His 57-year career as an artist at the time of his death earned him the title of oldest drag queen performer from Guinness World Records in 2016.
Cole was born on November 16, 1930, and grew up in Portland, Oregon’s Linnton district. He was called a “four-eyed sissy boy,” a bashful person. After serving in the US military and receiving a discharge in the late 1950s following the Korean War, he led a “conventional” life in southeast Portland with his wife and two children.
Cole first bought a coffee shop called Caffé Espresso, which later moved and grew to incorporate a jazz club called Studio A in the basement.
What Did Darcelle XV Do For A Living?
Darcelle XV was a well-known drag queen, performer, and owner and operator of a cabaret in Portland, Oregon.
