Portland’s most iconic drag queen, Darcelle, performs June 5, 2022 in Portland. Darcelle, also known as Walter W. Cole Sr., died of natural causes at the age of 92.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Later this month, a free event will honor the life and legacy of Portland celebrity Walter W. Cole Sr. — better known by his stage name, Darcelle.
Cole died in March at the age of 92 of natural causes. He was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest drag queen. In Oregon, Cole was an early champion of LGBTQ+ rights and a pioneering entertainer.
A few days after Cole’s death, Kevin Cook, who performs as drag queen Poison Waters and is a co-hostess at the Darcelle XV Showplace, joined OPB’s Tiffany Camhi to talk about the legacy of Cole and Darcelle.
“Celebrating 56 years this year, the Darcelle Showplace is a staple in the Portland cultural scene,” Cook said.
Soon, Portland’s cultural scene will celebrate Cole’s life.
According to a post on the Poison Waters & Friends Facebook page, a memorial for Cole will be held Tuesday, April 25, at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall in Portland. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with seating at 7 p.m. The formal event will begin at 7:30 p.m.
The all-ages memorial is open to the public at no cost but is ticketed. The post said that an online link for general admission tickets will be made available soon.