Whatever Happened To ... Danny La Rue

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

characters such as Queen Passionella, Queen Daniella and the "Very Merry" Widow Twankey. His shows packed out many venues, which included the London Palladium

His comedy film Our Miss Fred made in 1972 was recently shown on Australian television.

Danny La Rue appeared onstage in more than 30 Royal Performances and three Royal Command Performances

He opened his own nightclub in Hanover Square in 1964, attracting celebrities such as Judy Garland, Shirley MacLaine, Shirley Bassey, Noel Coward, Zsa Zsa Gabor and his dear friend Marlene Dietrich.

Danny created history in 1982 by becoming the first man to play ‘Dolly Levi’ in a very successful production of the stage musical Hell o Dolly

He worked mainly in the UK but has also toured Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, the Middle East, New Zealand and Australia

He was a friend of my cousin Diana Trask

Danny La Rue was created a member of the Order of the British Empire in 2002 for his work with AIDS charities.

One of his favourite sayings was, "I've made millions and lost millions but I'm still here."

Danny did not enjoy the best of health in his later years.

One of his last onstage appearances was in a theatrical biography show on his life where he sang and was interviewed by Jerry Lane a t Benidorm Palace in Spain

Sadly, Danny La Rue passed away in 2009 at the age of 81.

It was an honour to talk to Danny La Rue face to face on that rainy day in 1992. My favourite Danny La Rue song is On Mother Kelly's Doorstep

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AW -

The Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens.

And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.. www.innerfm.org.au