ABSTRACT

Learn how Charles Pierce achieved stardom and became one of the most famous female impersonators of all time!Charles Pierce (1926--1999) was an internationally known and highly successful female impersonator, known for his vivid portrayals of Bette Davis, Katherine Hepburn, and Mae West. This book offers a candid look at a career that spanned over fifty years--from his humble start at the Pasadena Playhouse, to his sold-out shows in San Francisco.From Drags to Riches provides a rich and colorful history of Charles Pierce. In this insightful and moving volume, Pierce’s friend John Wallraff offers valuable insights about the little-known man behind the makeup and captures the essence of what drag stardom is really like. This informative, imaginative, and sexually provocative book contains:

  • stories of how famous Hollywood icons shaped Charles Pierce’s life and his act
  • Pierce’s history, from his humble beginnings at the Pasadena Playhouse to his sold-out shows in San Francisco and beyond
  • a look at Pierce’s private life
  • an examination of the price of fame--how successes and failures shape any performer

    Using the words of Charles Pierce himself, adding a dash of humor, mixing in fascinating insights, and sprinkling in juicy stories of love, lust, and sex, this book is a melting pot of information about a well-loved but sometimes misunderstood man.

chapter 1|6 pages

“A Wonderful Idea”

chapter 2|5 pages

A Movie Star on Wheels

chapter 3|6 pages

Pasadena Playhouse—At Last!

chapter 4|5 pages

Extracurricular Lessons in Sex

chapter 5|4 pages

“Make Me a Star!”

chapter 6|10 pages

Stars in My Eyes

chapter 7|14 pages

Summer Stock and Shangri-La for Awhile

chapter 8|7 pages

The Rent Party

chapter 9|7 pages

Charles Pierce, the Persistent Houseguest

chapter 10|6 pages

A Mahvelous Pahty

chapter 12|9 pages

The Big Break and Sex on the Rocks

chapter 13|5 pages

“Everybody Came to the Gilded Cage”

chapter 14|7 pages

“Through These Portals …”

chapter 15|4 pages

Rio Dante, the Man Who Would Be Dracula

chapter 17|5 pages

In Love with a “Living Doll”

chapter 18|4 pages

In Bed with “Bette Davis”

chapter 20|5 pages

Chez Sabu and La Ballet de Marijuana

chapter 22|9 pages

Death in the Dressing Room

chapter 27|4 pages

An Evening at “Dottie’s Place”

chapter 29|10 pages

“The Tush Room at the Hotel Yuck”

chapter 32|10 pages

Is There Life After Drag?

chapter 33|4 pages

Charles Pierce: Male Actress

chapter 34|6 pages

Letters from the End of the Rainbow