David Raven, better known as his drag persona Maisie Trollette, has died aged 91. Having performed in drag since the 1960s, she was labelled Britain’s oldest drag queen.
Born in 1933, Maisie Trollette started a long and celebrated career as a drag performer as part of a double act with fellow star Jimmy Court. Famous for her razor-sharp wit, the drag legend went on to build a career spanning five decades, performing at Pride events every year.
In 2022, she became the subject of award-winning documentary Maisie: Britain’s Oldest Performing Drag Artist, which won the Dublin Film Critics Award for Best Documentary. When she turned 90 the following year, the drag performer was honoured with a birthday gala at the Brighton Dome. As per her request, all the funds raised at the event were donated to HIV awareness charity, The Brighton Rainbow Fund.
As reported by the Argus, the drag legend passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning, March 12. Since news broke, tributes from friends and fans have been pouring in on social media, celebrating Trollette’s legacy.
West End performer Mark Inscoe, who was a close friend, said: “He was an absolute legend in the entertainment industry, particularly in cabaret and pantomime.”
Describing the charity work that David was involved in, including travelling to Thailand to raise funds for an orphanage, Inscoe added: “He had warmth and wit.”
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London LGBTQ+ bar Two Brewers also took to Instagram to honour Trollette’s memory, describing her as a “pioneering figure”.
“Maisie Trollette’s performances were a staple at Two Brewers, where she entertained countless patrons over the years to a packed house,” the post reads. “David was deeply committed to philanthropy, raising thousands of pounds for charities nationwide.”
The venue added that the performer leaves behind a “legacy of joy, resilience, and unwavering dedication.”
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RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant La Voix shared: “We lost a true cabaret legend. I have the fondest memories of Maisie Trollette and being lucky enough to work the cabaret scene both in London, Brighton and many prides with her.
“Her acid tongue always put me in my place and I loved her for it. She said to me, ‘never be afraid of youth, La Voix’.”
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Brighton-based charity Sussex Beacon said that Maisie Trollette brought “immense joy to countless numbers of people within the LGBT community”.
“His compassion, generosity, kindness and razor-sharp wit will never be forgotten,” a spokesperson said. “Rest in peace David. Thank you so much, for everything.”
Rest in power, Maisie Trollette.
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