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from Wikipedia:
Charles Pierce
(July 14, 1926 – May 31, 1999) was one of the 20th century’s foremost female impersonators, particularly noted for his impersonation of Bette Davis.
Born in Watertown, New York, he began his show business career playing the organ and acting in radio dramas at station WWNY. He branched out into a comedy routine, attired in tuxedo, yet managing to evoke eerily convincing imitations of popular movie actresses. Eschewing the term drag queen, which he hated, he billed himself as a male actress.
Initially playing in small gay clubs, his fame spread. He took up residence in San Francisco, where his act became well known to Hollywood stars. As he toured, his costuming became more elaborate, initially adding small props, later full costume and makeup changes. His imitations were imitated by other female impersonators; and his roles included Bette Davis, Mae West, Tallulah Bankhead, Gloria Swanson, Carol Channing, Katharine Hepburn, and Joan Crawford,
which became the drag queen canon. His act was centered on wit rather than accurate mimicry, though it was often said that he looked more like Joan Collins than did Joan Collins herself.
Carol Channing was the only Hollywood celebrity Charles “impersonated” who actually saw his act. She went backstage after a show at Gold Street in San Francisco (c. 1972) and said, “Cheee-yarles: you do me better than I do!”
He performed at many clubs in New York, including The Village Gate, Ted Hook’s OnStage, The Ballroom, and Freddy’s Supper Club. His numerous San Francisco venues included the Gilded Cage, Cabaret/After Dark, Gold Street, Bimbo’s 365 Club, Olympus, The Plush Room, the Venetian Room at the Fairmont Hotel, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, and the War Memorial Opera House.
He was a guest actor on an episode of TV’s Wonder Woman and played a cross-dressing villain in an episode of Laverne & Shirley (“Murder on the Moose Jaw Express”). Pierce also appeared on an early episode of the hit 80’s TV sitcom Designing Women as a steward on a cruise ship. During the episode, he imitates Joan Collins (as the ship’s waitress) and Bette Davis (as the ship’s lounge entertainment).
He died in North Hollywood, California, aged 72.
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Bobby-soxers Claire
and Anne:
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Also, Hillary Summers
and someone’s wife:
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Brie as Baby Jane Hudson:
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Brie as Shirley:
