Not a drag queen, 'a comic in a frock'

Danny La Rue has died at his home in Kent at the age of 81.

His spokeswoman said the star, known for performing in flamboyant women’s clothing had died after suffering from cancer.

She said: ‘Danny died peacefully in his sleep just before midnight last night after a short illness. His beloved companion Annie Galbraith was with him at their home in Kent.'

La Rue – born Daniel Patrick Carroll – disliked being called a drag artist, preferring the term ‘comic in a frock’.

He broke into entertainment in a World War Two concert party and played an important role in keeping the traditions of variety and pantomime alive.

In the Sixties, when he was one of Britain's highest-paid entertainers, he ran one of the hottest nightclubs in London. The Hanover Square venue boasted 13,000 members and Princess Margaret and Lord Snowdon were regular visitors.

He appeared in seven West End shows, most famously Hello Dolly, and made three appearances on the Royal Variety Show

Although born in Co Cork, Ireland, he received an OBE from the Queen in 2002.

In early 2006 Danny suffered a mild stroke and all planned UK performances for were cancelled.

Here he is in action

And here he is clashing with an LBC journalist

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Published: 1 Jun 2009