Drag queens have a long history in entertainment, captivating audiences for centuries. What many may not know is that two Butte men gained recognition as female impersonators.
Billy Dalton and Mansel Boyle, although not acquainted, both found fame in similar circles. Starting their careers around the same time, Dalton and Boyle shared a unique talent that propelled them to entertain audiences worldwide.
Using the stage names of Julian Eltinge and Vardaman the Auburn-Haired Beauty, Dalton and Boyle achieved success as drag queens from the early 20th century to the mid-1920s.
Dalton adopted the name Julian as his middle name and Eltinge from a childhood friend’s surname, while Boyle chose his middle name, Vardaman, as his stage name.
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Dalton, raised in Butte by his parents Michael and Julia, began his career in Massachusetts. Boyle, on the other hand, moved to Butte with his family and pursued clerical work after his father and brother found work in mining.
Eltinge, known as America’s best female impersonator, left a lasting impact with his skills and even launched his own cosmetics line. Boyle, as Vardaman, found moderate success as a drag queen before his career declined in the later years.
Both Eltinge and Vardaman left their marks in the entertainment world, showcasing their talents and captivating audiences across the United States.
