#RIP: World’s Oldest Drag Queen, Darcelle XV, Dies at 92

Iconic, beloved Portland drag queen Darcelle XV has died.

Born Walter W. Cole in 1930, Cole performed under the stage name Darcelle XV at Portland’s Darcelle XV Showplace which opened in 1967.

In 2016, Darcelle was recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest drag queen at the age of 85.

Known for running the West Coast’s longest-running drag show, Darcelle’s XV Showplace was added to the Oregon National Register of Historic Places in 2020.

Following the announcement of Darcelle’s death, Darcelle XV Showplace released the following statement;

The family of Darcelle XV along with her cast and crew are heartbroken to announce that our beloved Darcelle (Walter W. Cole, Sr.) has died at age 92 from natural causes.
We ask for privacy and patience as everyone processes and grieves in their own way and at their own pace. Details of a public memorial will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. All shows at Darcelle XV Showplace will go on as scheduled per Darcelle’s wishes.
Please join us and celebrate her legacy and memory, thank you in advance for your continued support.”

Cole said to OPB in an interview,

I want to be remembered because I made somebody smile and care…

Mission accomplished. Rest in perfection, legend.

Walter Cole, who was better known as Portland’s legendary drag queen Darcelle XV, has died. He was 92.https://t.co/nQoETXAhHG pic.twitter.com/oD0nT6KmPt
— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) March 24, 2023