Author Kirk Frederick is Honoring Pioneering "Male Actress" Charles Pierce
Table of Contents
Introduction
Charles Pierce's Groundbreaking Career
Kirk Frederick's Biography
Pierce's Legacy in Film and Friendships
Upcoming Projects
Introduction
Author Kirk Frederick recently joined the talk show Amber Live! to discuss his authorized biography "Write That Down!" celebrating actor and comedian Charles Pierce. Pierce broke barriers as an openly gay "male actress" famous for his celebrity impersonations.
Charles Pierce's Groundbreaking Career
Charles Pierce was a pioneer of drag performance art starting in the 1940s. Though referring to himself as a "male actress" rather than drag queen, Pierce gained fame for his spot-on send-ups of Hollywood actresses like Bette Davis, Mae West, and others.
Pierce started out in San Francisco's gay club scene before reaching international stardom. His celebrity impersonations were revolutionary in bringing drag to wider audiences through theater productions, TV appearances, and films.
Kirk Frederick's Biography
In "Write That Down!" author Kirk Frederick offers the first authoritative account of Pierce's life and career. Frederick had unique access to insider stories as a longtime friend of Pierce before his death in 1999.
The book details Pierce's rise from modest beginnings to become the world's foremost male actress. Frederick celebrates Pierce's talents while also exploring his personal struggles as a gay man in a homophobic era.
Pierce's Legacy in Film and Friendships
In addition to live shows, Pierce appeared in movies like "Torch Song Trilogy" alongside stars like Harvey Fierstein. He built close friendships with supporters like Bea Arthur.
Frederick captures these little-known facets of Pierce's story through extensive interviews and research. He cement's Pierce's lasting impact on drag entertainment and LGBTQ visibility.
Upcoming Projects
Since publishing the biography, Frederick continues sharing memories and rare footage of Pierce in speaking engagements and interviews. He aims to introduce new audiences to this drag pioneer.
Frederick is also consulting on potential film adaptations of Pierce's life story. He remains committed to honoring his late friend's legacy as a cultural trailblazer.
Through Kirk Frederick's intimate biography "Write That Down!", the world can fully appreciate the talents and courage of Charles Pierce. As one of the first openly gay performers to reach international fame, Pierce paved the way for greater LGBTQ inclusion in entertainment. Frederick's book serves as an entertaining, overdue tribute to a visionary artist ahead of his time.
—This article was written, restructured, or adapted by Russell with information gathered from sources around the internet. Russell is the producer of Amber Live and is greatly overworked to pull it all together. If it’s on the internet, it must be true. (We’re kidding.) BUT, if you find any errors or omissions in the article, please let us know so that we may correct the issue. Thanks for your support!
