Darcelle Xv

More than 2,000 people gathered at Portland’s Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall on Tuesday to remember Walter W. Cole, who was fondly known as drag performer Darcelle XV.

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.

Kevin Cook, who performs as Poison Waters and is a co-hostess at the Darcelle XV Showplace, reflects on the life of Walter Cole, who performed as Darcelle. Cole died last week at the age of 92.

Darcelle XV is the West Coast’s oldest performing female impersonator, and operates what is likely the nation’s longest running drag revue.