The Stage

Showbiz stars remember Danny La Rue

Published Thursday 25 June 2009 at 12:30 by Alistair Smith

Legendary showbusiness figure Danny La Rue, who died last month, has been remembered at a private funeral in north west London this week.

The funeral of the female impersonator, who died at the age of 81 on May 31, was held at the Roman Catholic Church of the Transfiguration in Kensal Rise.

It was attended by around 200 friends and family. Speakers included performers Ronnie Corbett, Roy Hudd and Barbara Windsor, as well as The Stage’s chairman Frank Comerford, who gave the first reading.

La Rue, who was made an OBE in the 2002 honours list, was born on July 26, 1927, and made his first London stage appearance in a revue at the Irving Theatre, before breaking into cabaret.

On the West End stage he appeared in seven major shows, including Hello, Dolly!, playing Dolly Levi, which marked the first time in theatrical history that the part of Dolly had been played by a man, and the first time that a man played a female role in a major musical.

His television work included The Good Old Days and specials including Tonight With Danny La Rue.

La Rue lived with his partner and manager, Jack Hanson, until his death in Australia following a stroke in 1974.

In early 2006 the performer also suffered a mild stroke, following which all planned UK performances were cancelled.

A memorial service for La Rue will be held at a later date.