Darcelle XV & Roxy Leroy

Can you to tell us a little bit about yourself and where you are from?

I was born Walter Cole in 1930 in an area of Portland Oregon called Linton. I have lived my entire 77 years in Portland and have been an intricate part of this community always. I am typing this today on my 77th birthday and coincidentally my birthday is Darcelle XV day in Portland officially named by former Portland Mayor Bud Clark. I own Darcelle XV Showplace which is celebrating its 40th year in business this also marks my 40th year as an entertainer. Below I will paste a quote from the Oregonian newspaper:

"The star of Darcelle & Company for over 40 years with incomparable glamour and glitz, standup comedy, naughty, snappy, peppy and hot! An entertainer extraordinaire who gets better and better with age. A person who has a heart full of love and gives numerous contributions to several charities. One who will leave an indelible mark in The City of Portland for generations to come. You owe it to yourself to a "once in a lifetime" experience of enjoying the "best in the business". Darcelle's "Rhinestone Cowboy" is a long-time favorite of patrons.....you will not soon forget it!"

 

I have the most wonderful family. My life partner of more than 40 years Roxy Leroy, Two wonderful children, two Beautiful grand children and an extended family that brings joy to my life every day. I have been lucky enough to travel the world both as an entertainer and for vacations. In 1954 I opened Portland’s first coffee house as well as a late night jazz club and then I threw an ice cream parlor into the mix. Urban renewal forced to move out of my locations over the years and in 1967 I bought Demas Tavern, primarily frequented by the lesbian community in Portland. Soon Darcelle XV Showplace was born and we have been going strong ever sense. "http://www.darcellexv.com" or  "http://www.myspace.com/darcellexvshowplace"
Who helped you or inspired you the most when you first started your career as an entertainer?
Three names come immediately to mind. Roxy Leroy (pictured with me above), Tina Sandell and A director named Jerry Leaf. Jerry cast me in my first legitimate play in 1959 in a male role. Tina however worked at the Magic Gardens near my club in Old Town  Portland. Tina was an impersonator working in a strip club. Roxy and I used to go watch her and I wanted to try so badly.. Roxy designed my look and I was on my way in 1967. Tina Sandell (since deceased) later became one of my cast members

How did you first become involved in the art of female impersonation?
The above question kind of answers it. My sense for business told me that this could be huge for me and Portland. So I started drag and opened Portland’s first female impersonation cabaret at the same time.

What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?

 The ability to make people laugh and creating a place where people can come and leave there life outside. Keeping that a float consistently for 40 years is a huge accomplishment I feel.

 

Filmmaker Jan Haaken  showcased you and your nightclub in her documentary "Queens of Hearts", which was just recently shown at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Can you tell us about the film and how it came to be? Also, are there any plans yet for it to be released on DVD ?

There are no plans for its release on DVD at this time however there are plans for it to be released on PBS. The film festival was amazing and I was so honored, Roxy and I attended the showing in Hollywood. We wore tuxes but you know I had a diamond or two on. Jan, a professor at Portland State University, approached me about doing a teaching documentary on female impersonation and its acceptance in the community 6 years ago. She was in hopes of changing people’s perception of what we do. This project evolved into this wonderful documentary of my life and this art form called "Queen of Hearts-Therapists in Drag" It is currently used as a teaching aid at Portland State University and Is partially sponsored by the school as well as Equity Foundation and personal donations. I signed away the rights to any monies earned by the film.  All proceeds that may be earned go to P.S.U., Equity and other local Charities.

 

 As  the creator and producer of The La Femme Magnifique International Pageants, can you tell our readers about the your pageant?

This Pageant is one of the most beautiful visually that I have seen. We began 26 years ago and it was held in my bar. Now we are in one of the largest convention rooms in the Portland area. It is widely attended in our community and one of the most loved events. Contestants from anywhere in the world are eligible to run. There are a few prelims in surrounding cities but we are hopeful that we can spread across the nation and into other countries. It is not necessary to win a prelim prior to coming unless there is a prelim in the contestants’ city. It is easy to have a prelim and could be a very profitable venture for someone. In Honolulu, Hawaii there is a beautiful prelim that has been hugely successful for years. We have several International winners from there. In short. There are 4 categories: Theme, Evening Gown, Talent and Showgirl. There is a Black and White couture presentation that is not judged. We hold the plus pageant the same evening.  Please go to our website or MySpace page for our guidelines: www.darcellexv.com or  www.myspace.com/lafemmemagnifique You will find a beautifully done promotional trailer at both sites. Feel free to e-mail or call with any questions that you may have as we would love to see contestants from everywhere attend and enter this beautiful pageant. This is one of my proudest achievements, thank you for asking.

 

I believe this year marked your 40th year as an entertainer. Can you tell us about the changes that you have seen drag go through during those years?
The openness of it all is the biggest change I see. It is more accepted in all walks of life and so mainstream. The look is more sophisticated so much is put into it with so many varieties of styles. There is also so much more available to us now, compared to 40 years ago, in supplies. It is far more expensive as well.
You won the title Darcelle XV by becoming the 15th Empress of the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court pageant in 1973, can  you tell us about that?
Yes, I was the 15th Rose Empress of Portland. I am very proud to share this with you. It was in the beginning of the court system so we sort of made it up as we went along. We made a beautiful foundation for what is now "The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court of Portland Oregon" celebrating its 50th year this year.


Do you have a Drag Mother or any Drag Daughters? If so can you tell us about them?
Ha Ha Ha, Nope, no drag mother. Oh, I will share with you that I patterned look after the late Gracie Hansen. Gracie was a very Sophie Tucker type entertainer at Hoyt Hotel here in Portland. She was a dear friend and I celebrate her memory every day. I honored to have many of her show costumes as a collection. As far as daughters go, I have never sponsored a new impersonator and created her look; however, I have had so many beautiful and talented cast members that have become an important part of my family over the years.

Where would someone be able to see you perform?

At my club. Darcelle XV Showplace 208 NW Third Portland , Oregon 97209 Wednesday and Thursday Dinner 6:30 Showtime 8:30 Friday and Saturday Dinner 6:30 Showtimes 8:30 and 10:30 at Midnight The Men of Darcelle XV Male stripper revue.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out as an entertainer?

Use a mirror and see the truth!!! LOL but seriously, You get out of this art form what you put into it. Set a standard for yourself and never fall short of it.


What are some of your favorite cities either to perform in or just visit?

Oh my goodness there are so many places I have traveled to. Let’s see: I have performed over the years in San Francisco, Las Vegas, Provincetown, Vancouver British Columbia, China, London..………….I have traveled to New York extensively and love love love it there as well as Germany, all over Europe, England, Egypt, Spain, Amsterdam and Mexico.  

Who are some of your favorite designers and where do you like to shop for clothes ?

I design and create everything for myself, I also design and create all the production costumes for my cast. No one in this city is going to take my measurements but me. LOL

Describe what a normal day in your life is like?

There are normal days in my life……what exactly is a normal day??? I am an active hands on restaurant/bar/showroom owner that produces a weekly show and headlines in it. I am a father, grandfather and husband as well as an advisor to many in our community.


Favorite Movie(s) ?

I would have to say that West Side Story would be the most memorable for me. I saw it brand new in the theater. I also love the French version of La Cage Au Folle


Favorite Singer(s) / Favorite Song(s)?

 Ethel Merman


Favorite Television show(s) past or present? 
Golden Girls



In closing, what would you like to say to your fans?

Keep comin babies, I ain’t goin anywhere and remember the first thing we do at Darcelle XV is learn to laugh at ourselves and then we can laugh at everyone else, stay safe, stay well and by all means stay in love.

Darcelle XV & Cast