1900-1929

1925 – 1950 Gladys Bentley

2023-08-28T20:47:05+00:00

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 […]

1925 – 1950 Gladys Bentley2023-08-28T20:47:05+00:00

1920 – 1945 Azucena Maizani

2022-04-25T02:57:41+00:00

Azucena Maizani - Smoking a cigarette, year and source unknown.

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 […]

1920 – 1945 Azucena Maizani2022-04-25T02:57:41+00:00

1914 – 1940 Bert Whitman

2021-07-16T20:44:35+00:00

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 […]

1914 – 1940 Bert Whitman2021-07-16T20:44:35+00:00

1913-1930 Pip Wainfor

2022-02-25T05:47:10+00:00

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 […]

1913-1930 Pip Wainfor2022-02-25T05:47:10+00:00

1909 – 1914 Aida Overton Walker

2022-02-25T05:47:55+00:00

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 […]

1909 – 1914 Aida Overton Walker2022-02-25T05:47:55+00:00

1900 – 1918 Maude Adams

2022-03-23T04:08:32+00:00

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 […]

1900 – 1918 Maude Adams2022-03-23T04:08:32+00:00
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