Danny La Rue was one of Britain’s most famous entertainers, known for his theatrical performances, television appearances, and highly polished female impersonation acts. For more than six decades, he remained a central figure in British entertainment, building a reputation for glamour, humour, and professionalism. His work helped bring drag performance into mainstream theatre and television in the United Kingdom, making him a respected and widely recognised figure across generations.
He was not only a stage performer but also a businessman, television personality, and recording artist. His career combined traditional variety theatre with modern entertainment formats, and he became one of the highest-paid entertainers in Britain during the 1960s.
Danny La Rue’s life represents a long journey from a modest childhood in Ireland to becoming a celebrated name in British show business. His performances stood out for their elegance and detailed character portrayals rather than simple imitation. He became known for portraying famous women with remarkable accuracy, blending comedy with theatrical skill.
Across theatre, television, cabaret, and film, he maintained a presence that few entertainers could match. His ability to sustain a career for over 60 years shows his adaptability and enduring appeal.
Danny La Rue Profile Bio
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Daniel Patrick Carroll |
| Stage Name | Danny La Rue |
| Date of Birth | 26 July 1927 |
| Place of Birth | Cork, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish-born British |
| Date of Death | 31 May 2009 |
| Age at Death | 81 years |
| Place of Death | Kent, England |
| Profession | Entertainer, Actor, Comedian, Female Impersonator |
| Years Active | 1940s – 2007 |
| Famous For | Drag performances, theatre shows, celebrity impersonations |
| Known As | One of Britain’s leading female impersonators |
| Education | Left school at age 15 |
| Early Jobs | Retail work, fashion/display-related jobs |
| Military Service | Royal Navy |
| Sexual Orientation | Gay |
| Relationship Status | Not married |
| Long-term Partner | Jack Hanson (manager and partner, ~37 years) |
| Children | None |
| Father | Name not widely documented (served in military) |
| Mother | Seamstress (name not widely documented) |
| Siblings | Four (names not publicly documented) |
| Residence | London (earlier life), later Kent, England |
| Notable Theatre Role | Hello, Dolly! (played Dolly Levi) |
| Film Appearance | Our Miss Fred (1972) |
| TV Appearances | Variety shows, Mr. Bean, BBC programmes |
| Music | “On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep” (UK chart entry, 1968) |
| Business Ventures | London nightclub owner, Walton Hall hotel |
| Major Career Peak | 1960s–1970s |
| Awards | OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire, 2002) |
| Health Issues | Stroke (2006), prostate cancer, throat cancer |
| Final Performance | 2007 (Spain stage show) |
| Burial | Buried with partner Jack Hanson in London |
| Net Worth | £1 million – £3 million Estimate (earned high income; later financial losses) |
| Legacy | Pioneer of mainstream drag entertainment in the UK |
| Wikipedia | Click Here |
| IMDb | Click Here |
Who Was Danny La Rue?
Danny La Rue, born Daniel Patrick Carroll, was an Irish-born British entertainer famous for his drag performances, stage shows, and television appearances. He preferred to describe himself as a “comic in a frock” rather than a drag artist, highlighting his focus on entertainment rather than labels.
He became widely known for impersonating iconic women such as Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, and Margaret Thatcher, presenting them with humour and theatrical precision. His work brought female impersonation into mainstream British entertainment, making it acceptable to wider audiences.
Danny Born in Ireland
Danny La Rue was born on 26 July 1927 in Cork, Ireland. He was the youngest of five children in his family. His early life was shaped by hardship and change, as his family moved to England when he was still a child.
He grew up in London, but during World War II his family home was destroyed in the Blitz. As a result, he was evacuated to Devon, where he spent part of his childhood in a rural setting.
During this time, he developed an interest in performing. In school and local productions, he often played female roles because there were not enough girls available. This early experience played a major role in shaping his future career.
He left school at the age of 15 and began working in shops, including jobs related to fashion and display. These early experiences helped him develop an eye for costume and presentation, which later became important in his stage performances.
Military Service and Entry into Entertainment
As a young man, Danny La Rue joined the Royal Navy, following in his father’s footsteps. During his service, he performed in naval concert parties, entertaining fellow servicemen.
It was during this time that he first experimented with female impersonation, wearing wigs and stage makeup for performances. This experience helped him realise his talent for character portrayal and performance.
After leaving the Navy, he began working in variety theatre and cabaret, gradually building his reputation. His early years were not easy, but his persistence and dedication allowed him to develop a unique stage act.
Rise to Fame in British Entertainment
Danny La Rue’s rise to fame began in the post-war years, when he became a regular performer in cabaret and theatre. His big breakthrough came when he developed a polished female impersonation act that combined humour, glamour, and strong stage presence.
By the 1960s, he had become one of the most successful entertainers in Britain. He was performing in major theatres, appearing on television, and earning high fees for his shows.
He also opened his own nightclub in Hanover Square in London in 1964. The club became extremely popular, attracting thousands of members and high-profile guests from the entertainment world.
This period marked the peak of his commercial success, as he became one of the highest-paid entertainers in the country.
Theatre Career and Stage Success
The theatre remained the central part of Danny La Rue’s career. He performed in numerous stage productions, including musicals and pantomimes.
One of his most notable achievements was playing Dolly Levi in the musical Hello, Dolly! in London’s West End. This role was significant because he became one of the first men to take on a major female role in a mainstream musical theatre production.
He also appeared in many pantomime productions across the UK, completing more than 50 performances over his career. These shows made him a familiar face to family audiences and helped maintain his popularity over decades.
His stage shows were known for their high production values, elaborate costumes, and strong audience engagement.
Television, Film, and Music Career
Danny La Rue also achieved success on television, appearing in a wide range of shows. He featured in entertainment programmes, variety shows, and special performances, becoming a regular figure on British television.
Danny appeared in productions such as The Frankie Howerd Show, The Good Old Days, and BBC dramas. He even made a guest appearance in the popular comedy series Mr. Bean in 1993.
In film, he starred in Our Miss Fred (1972), a comedy that showcased his acting and impersonation skills.
He also released music, with his version of “On Mother Kelly’s Doorstep” reaching the UK charts in 1968. This song later became closely associated with his stage performance.
Signature Style and Famous Impersonations
Danny La Rue became famous for his detailed and glamorous impersonations of well-known women. His performances included portrayals of:
Elizabeth Taylor, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Judy Garland, Marlene Dietrich, and Margaret Thatcher.
He focused on capturing the personality and mannerisms of each figure rather than simply copying their appearance. His attention to costume, makeup, and character made his performances stand out.
He avoided being labelled strictly as a drag artist, instead presenting himself as a versatile entertainer who could perform both in costume and as himself.
Personal Life and Relationships
Danny La Rue’s personal life was closely connected to his professional career. He lived for many years with his manager and partner, Jack Hanson. Their relationship lasted for around 37 years until Hanson’s death in 1984.
The two met in the late 1940s and built both a personal and professional partnership that played a major role in La Rue’s success.
In later life, La Rue spoke more openly about his sexuality, although he had always maintained a degree of privacy regarding his personal affairs.
After Hanson’s death, he experienced emotional and financial challenges but continued to work and remain active in entertainment.
Family Background
Danny La Rue was born into a working-class Irish family. His mother worked as a seamstress, and his father had been involved in military service.
He was the youngest of five children, growing up in a large family environment that required resilience and adaptability.
Although detailed public information about his siblings remains limited, his early family life played an important role in shaping his personality and determination.
He did not have children, and much of his later life was centred around close friends and professional associates.
Danny La Rue Family Tree
| Family Member | Name | Relationship | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self | Daniel Patrick Carroll | Danny La Rue | Irish-born British entertainer |
| Father | Not publicly documented | Father | Served in military (Royal Navy connection) |
| Mother | Not publicly documented | Mother | Worked as a seamstress |
| Siblings | Names not publicly documented | Brothers & Sisters | Total of four siblings (Danny was the youngest of five children) |
| Partner | Jack Hanson | Long-term Partner & Manager | Lived together ~37 years, died in 1984 |
| Children | None | — | Danny La Rue had no children |
Business Ventures and Financial Journey
Danny La Rue was not only a performer but also involved in business ventures. He owned a nightclub in London, which became a major success and contributed significantly to his wealth.
In the 1970s, he invested heavily in property, including purchasing and restoring a country house hotel called Walton Hall in Warwickshire.
However, this venture led to serious financial problems. He entrusted the management of the hotel to individuals who later turned out to be fraudsters. As a result, he lost more than £1 million and faced financial difficulties.
Despite this setback, he chose to continue working rather than retire, gradually rebuilding his finances through performances.
How He Built His Fortune
Danny La Rue built his fortune through a combination of stage performances, television appearances, nightclub ownership, and touring shows.
His theatre productions were highly successful, often selling out major venues across the UK and abroad. His nightclub business provided an additional source of income and helped establish his reputation in the entertainment industry.
He also earned money through international tours, particularly in Australia, where he spent significant time performing.
Even after facing financial losses, he continued to perform and maintain his career, demonstrating strong work ethic and resilience.
Awards and Honours
Danny La Rue received several honours during his career. One of the most significant was being appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002 for his contributions to entertainment and charity.
He also appeared in Royal Variety Performances and was recognised with awards such as Entertainer of the Decade and Theatre Personality of the Year.
These honours reflected his importance in British entertainment and his long-standing contribution to theatre and television.
Later Years and Health Issues
In his later years, Danny La Rue faced health challenges. He suffered a stroke in 2006, which affected his ability to perform and led to the cancellation of several shows.
He had also been dealing with prostate cancer for many years and later developed throat cancer. Despite these difficulties, he made a final public appearance in 2007 in a biographical stage show in Spain.
Death and Legacy
Danny La Rue died on 31 May 2009 at the age of 81 at his home in Kent, England. He passed away peacefully after a period of illness.
He was buried alongside his partner Jack Hanson in London, reflecting the importance of their lifelong relationship.
His legacy remains strong in British entertainment. He helped bring drag performance into mainstream theatre and television, influencing later performers and shaping public acceptance of this art form.
Net Worth
Danny La Rue’s exact net worth is not officially documented, but during the peak of his career in the 1960s and 1970s, he was among the highest-paid entertainers in Britain. It is estimated between £1 million – £3 million.
He earned substantial income from theatre, television, nightclub ownership, and international tours. However, his financial losses in business ventures, particularly the Walton Hall project, significantly affected his wealth.
Even with these setbacks, he maintained a successful career and continued working for many years, ensuring financial stability later in life.
Age and Personal Details
Danny La Rue was born on 26 July 1927 and died on 31 May 2009. He was 81 years old at the time of his death.
He spent most of his life in the United Kingdom, particularly in London and later in Kent.
Marriage and Relationship Status
Danny La Rue was never married in the traditional sense. However, he had a long-term life partner, Jack Hanson, who was also his manager.
Their relationship lasted for several decades and was central to both his personal life and professional success. After Hanson’s death, La Rue did not enter another publicly known long-term relationship.
Conclusion
Danny La Rue remains one of the most important entertainers in British theatre and television history. His work combined talent, discipline, and creativity, allowing him to build a long and successful career.
He transformed female impersonation into a respected form of entertainment and opened doors for future performers. His dedication to his craft, even during difficult times, reflects a strong commitment to his profession.
His legacy continues through the influence he had on British entertainment, making him a lasting and respected figure in show business.
FAQs
1. Who was Danny La Rue?
Danny La Rue was an Irish-born British entertainer known for his female impersonation acts, theatre performances, and television appearances. He became one of the most recognised figures in British entertainment.
2. What was Danny La Rue’s real name?
His real name was Daniel Patrick Carroll, but he became famous worldwide under his stage name Danny La Rue.
3. Was Danny La Rue married?
He was not officially married, but he had a long-term partner, Jack Hanson, who was also his manager and played a major role in his career.
4. What made Danny La Rue famous?
He became famous for his glamorous and detailed impersonations of celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland, along with his successful stage shows and television work.
5. How did Danny La Rue make his money?
He earned through theatre performances, television appearances, international tours, music, and business ventures like his London nightclub and hotel investments.
6. When did Danny La Rue die?
Danny La Rue passed away on 31 May 2009 at the age of 81 after facing health issues including cancer and a stroke.
News Metric for more informative Topics
