Drag queens have been entertaining audiences for centuries. Surprisingly, two Butte men achieved fame as female impersonators.
Billy Dalton and Mansel Boyle, although unknown to each other, both excelled in their careers. Starting at the same time, Dalton and Boyle both became successful drag queens from the early 20th century until the mid-1920s.
Known by their stage names Julian Eltinge and Vardaman the Auburn-Haired Beauty, Dalton and Boyle captivated audiences worldwide.
Dalton adopted the stage name Julian Eltinge, using his middle name and the surname of a childhood friend. Boyle, on the other hand, chose Vardaman as his stage name.
Dalton, an only child, grew up in Butte before moving back to Massachusetts around 1895. Boyle, born in Santa Cruz, California, later moved to Butte with his family.
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Eltinge, the more successful of the two, became known as America’s best female impersonator. He gained popularity in Boston before moving on to Broadway.
Eltinge’s career flourished, performing in various theaters and even touring Europe, where he entertained King Edward VII of England.
In contrast, Vardaman, also known as the Auburn-Haired Beauty, had a modest success in drag. He performed in the U.S. and received praise for his performances.
Both men, despite their differing levels of success, made their mark in the entertainment industry as drag queens.
Eltinge ventured into silent films and continued to perform until his death, receiving accolades for his performances.
Meanwhile, Vardaman struggled to find work as he aged and eventually faded from the limelight. He passed away in 1945, remembered for his time as a female impersonator.
Eltinge’s career also saw a decline, and he passed away in 1941 while attempting a comeback on stage in New York City.
Both men, Julian Eltinge and Vardaman, left a lasting legacy in the world of drag performance.
