Years active
1923 – 1952
Stage Name(s)
Gladys Bentley, Bobbie Minton, Fatso Bentley
Category
“Bulldagger”, Butch
Country of Origin
USA
Birth – Death
1907 – 1960
Bio
Gladys Bentley was an inspiration to many as a prolific African-American, out and proud lesbian, and bawdy gender bending entertainer during the 1920’s Harlem Renaissance. She was a robust 250 pound woman with a deep, growly voice making […]
Years active
c.1920 – 1945
Stage Name(s)
Azucena Maizani, Azabache, La Ñata Gaucha
Category
Male Impersonator
Country of Origin
Argentina
Birth – Death
1902 – 1970
Bio
Azucena Maizani was one of the leading female singers of the tango, with a career that soared to prominence during […]
Years active
ca. 1914 – ca. 1940
Stage Name(s)
Bert Whitman
Category
Male Impersonator
Country of Origin
USA
Birth – Death
ca. 1888 – 1964
Bio
Said to be “the best male impersonator of the race” and the “ebony Fred Astaire”, Bert Whitman was considered one of the best male impersonators of her day. Born around […]
Years active
1913 – 1930
Stage Name(s)
Pip Wainfor, Phil Wainfor
Category
Male Impersonator
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Birth – Death
1899 – 1964
Bio
From 1913 to 1930, Violet Wainfor used the stage name Pip or Phil Wainfor to perform as a male impersonator in small halls and pubs in the United Kingdom and […]
Years active
1909 – 1914
Stage Name(s)
Aida Overton Walker
Category
Male Impersonator
Country of Origin
USA
Birth – Death
1880 – 1914
Bio
Aida Overton Walker was an immensely successful African-American actress, singer, dancer, choreographer, and male impersonator on the vaudeville circuit performing for black and white audiences which was rare for the time. In 1909, out of necessity, Aida became a male […]
Years active
1900 – 1918
Stage Name(s)
Maude Adams
Category
Male Impersonator, Breeches Role
Country of Origin
USA
Birth – Death
1872 – 1953
Bio
Maude Adams was a celebrated American actress who was the first person to play Peter Pan on the Broadway stage in 1905. She played several male impersonator roles over her career […]