Queer Places:
Chalet Covar, Les Avants, 1833 Montreux, Svizzera

Cole Lesley (1910 - January 5, 1980) began his career as Sir Noel Coward's valet and cook and later became the playwright's secretary and biographer. Lesley was best known for his best-selling biography “The Life of Noel Coward" written after Coward’s death in 1973. He was at Coward’s bed-aide when he died and with Sir Noel’s other great friend Graham Payn inherited his millions.

Cole Lesley joined Noel Coward as a valet when he was 22 and known as plain Leonard Cole. But Coward called him Cole Lesley for five years before realising his mistake. Then he insisted he should change his name to Cole Lesley.

Cole Lesley died in his sleep on January 5, 1980, at Chalet Coward, which had been Sir Noel's home, at Les Avants sur Montreux, Switzerland. He was 70 years old.

• Cole Lesley, 70, Aide Of Noel Coward Did Biography of Writer; Stayed for 37 Years - The New York Times (nytimes.com)
• The Daily Telegraph London, Greater London, England 05 Jan 1980, Sat • Page 12
• Gayday by Massimo Consoli, 2005
• Cole Lesley (né Leonard Cole) - Person - National Portrait Gallery (npg.org.uk)

Support this project
This website is a passion project researched, developed, and funded entirely by me. If you find the content valuable and would like to help support the ongoing research and hosting costs, any contribution is deeply appreciated.
Thank you for keeping this independent resource alive!

My books on Amazon: Elisa Rolle's books

BACK TO HOME PAGE