Legendary Irish comedian Danny La Rue, who rose to fame as a pantomime dame and a drag-queen during the 60’s, passed away at his Kent residence last Sunday (31 May 2009).
He was 81 and suffering from prostate cancer. Following doctor’s orders, La Rue had not made any stage appearances since 2006, when he suffered a stroke. A spokesperson confirmed that La Rue had passed away in his sleep after a brief illness.
At the peak of his career, La Rue was the most famous female impersonator in Britain. During the 60’s and the 70’s, he was, in and of himself, a Christmas tradition.
The prolific performer appeared in an endless list of pantomimes, perhaps most notably, Queen Passionella and the Sleeping beauty. Before withdrawing from the stage, La Rue made a final appearance as the fairy Godmother in Cinderella, staged at the Croydon Ashcroft Theatre during Christmas 2005.
La Rue was born Daniel Carroll, the youngest of five children, on 26 July 1927. His family moved to London shortly after la Rue was born and later relocated to Devon. As a young boy, La Rue developed a keen interest in drama and the theatre. At 18, he joined the Royal Navy and started performing in shipboard parties, often playing female roles.
After completing his 3-year service, he struggled for many years before finally making it big on the London cabaret and club circuit. During the 60’s he performed at Winston’s and Churchill’s, alongside the likes of Barbara Windsor.
He went on to start his own nightclub, where his clientčle included high-profile names such as Shirley McLane, Judy Garland, Elizabeth Taylor and Warren Beatty.
La Rue’s impressive list of West End credits include Avis Bunnage in Oh What a Lovely War!, the title role in a 1983 revival of the immortal musical Hello Dolly!, and the variety show At the Palace, which he launched himself and was extended for over two years at the Palace Theatre.
La Rue has the distinction of being the first man to play a female role in a West End production. He has been showered with innumerable awards and accolades and was appointed an OBE in 2002.
