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Legendary Impersonator Charles Pierce Dies at Age 72

Charles Pierce, the world's foremost female impressionist, died at his home in Hollywood on May 30 after a long battle with cancer. He was 72 years old.

Pierce, born on July 14, 1926, in Watertown, N.Y., was famous for his biting impersonations of Bette Davis, Tallulah Bankhead, Gloria Swanson, Joan Crawford and Mae West. Often referred to in later years as the "master and mistress of disguise," Pierce spent his early years honing his acting skills on both coasts before eventually landing at the Pasadena Playhouse.

His first big career break came in the early 1950s. After appearing in a tuxedo and carrying a box of props to blur the gender lines at Club LaVie in Altadena, Calif., the crowd's response was so great that the owners knocked out walls, put in a stage, grand piano and lights and gave him a full time gig, which he perfected by adding elaborate gowns to his act.

Over the years his audience included such stars as Angela Lansbury, Bea Arthur, Sir John Gielgud, Anthony Hopkins, Lauren Bacall, Bette Midler and Carol Channing.

His last show was at the Pasadena Playhouse Balcony Theater on Oct. 7, 1990, where he began 38 years earlier. At the time, Pierce said: "Now I have come full circle and it is time to hang up the dresses, take off the wigs and be myself for a while. I will not retire. I have just abdicated."

Memorial services will be held on June 19 at 1 p.m. at Church of the Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial Hollywood Hills Park and Cemetery at 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles. Pierce asked that memorial donations be made to Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Services, 650 North Robertson Blvd., West Hol-lywood, CA 90069.