The world's oldest drag queen is 87-year-old performer Walter "Darcelle XV" Cole. Darcelle is the owner and operator of Darcelle XV Showplace in Portland, Oregon which hosts the West Coast's longest running drag show.
For Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Darcelle (left) and her partner long-time partner Roxy (right) sit in their ornate victorian home in Portland, Oregon.
Darcelle prepares for the Friday night show at her club. In the dressing room, there are several Hollywood-style vanity mirrors where Darcelle puts her makeup on alongside her other performers.
Being the boss, Darcelle often has to multitask and solve problems that arise just minutes before a show.
Darcelle keeps framed photos at her vanity station, along with the only items she arrives to a show wtih: a cap and keys.
It takes plenty of hairspray and time to perfect Darcelle’s look.
Darcelle inserts fake breasts into her dress.
A drink before the show to observe the incoming audience and mingle with fans is a tradition for Darcelle.