Gypsy, as most people know him, is a 83-year-old drag queen who lives in Palm Springs, California. And she doesn’t miss a beat.
Gypsy became an household name in the Hollywood circuit, especially WeHo, in the 1980s. He was the star of the La Cage Aux Folles cabaret on La Cienega, and was discovered by Mel Brooks while performing there. That led to him starring with Brooks and his wife, the great Anne Bancroft, in 1983’s To Be or Not to Be (a total classic that’s always deserving of a re-watch), and the rest, as they say, is history.
Davey Wavey caught up with Gypsy, who holds the title of world’s oldest drag queen still working — or in Gypsy’s words, “whatever” — to hear a story or two about his remarkable journey.
Check out the utter fabulousness below:
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TheGregoryProject
Ya, no! Toronto’s Oldest Drag Queen Takes Guinness World Record | https://goo.gl/hjs4OP
Chris
A treasure!
myloginname
Wow that guy looks fantastic for 83!
TVC 15
Great interview!
b2rocketfan
I love Gypsy!!! What a funny and clever grande dame and gentleman. Plus Davey Wavey sounded like a regular person and not his wacky youtube character. Love it!!!!
samuel_thomas
Super great video, and while I enjoy Toronto’s Michelle… y’all are wrong, Darcelle XV from Portland is the world’s oldest working drag performer, as verified by Guinness. http://www.opb.org/artsandlife/article/darcelle-worlds-oldest-drag-queen-performer-guinness/
merry_peter
I love the wisdom and vitality! But to be honest, the oldest performing drag queen in the world is Michelle DuBarry in Toronto Canada
https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2015/11/29/torontos-oldest-drag-queen-takes-world-record.html
GayEGO
A very smart guy!
GayEGO
@merry_peter: Is Michelle older than 83?
GayEGO
@samuel_thomas: An how old is Darcelle? She must be older than 83.
GayEGO
@TheGregoryProject: She must be older than 83.
crowebobby
He’s an ugly drag queen, but he’s a beautiful 83-year-old man! I’m 3 months shy of 80 and in great condition; I hope I hold up as well as him . . . I’ve got a lot more hair with a lot less grey.
Dave in Northridge
Gypsy! Before WeHo there was Manhattan, where in the late 70s (I think it opened in 1977) she ran a “mixed” bar at the corner of 1st Avenue and 58th St.Since my late husband and I lived on 57th st east of 1st, we ended up at Gypsy’s for a nightcap a lot. She’s still great.
samuel_thomas
@GayEGO: Darcelle turns 87 this year. And performs weekly. As verified by Guinness, she is the oldest and longest continually performing drag artist.
oilburner
The first and only video by Davey Wavey I was able to watch till completion. Probably because his voice wasn’t as freaking annoying as it usually is. This is the 1st time he didn’t annoy the crap out of me.
orjeffy
Darcelle in Portland is at least 86 years old. She’s got this l’il punk whippersnapper beat.
fur_hunter
I wonder if Wayland Flowers designed his Madame character after this guy in drag. Check out Wayland Flowers and Madame and you will see what I mean.
Bob LaBlah
@fur_hunter: I thought the same thing when I saw the pic and laughed long and hard. But after hearing the interview I walk away impressed and encourage the old girl to keep at it. You go girl and keep these legs kicking as long as the arthritis will allow you to do so. LOL Love you honey. Hugs, kisses……etc.
Bob LaBlah
@oilburner: Me too. I think it was more because he spared us his face to be honest with you.