Queer Places:
Calvary Cemetery, 49-02 Laurel Hl Blvd, Woodside, NY 11377, United States
Lewis J. Donnelly (1839 - October 26, 1869) was a noted American performer during the mid-19th century. He was recognized in his time as a "first-class" blackface female impersonator.
Louis John Donnelly was born in Ireland ca. 1839.Donnelly was active during the 1860s, a period when the role of the "prima donna" or female impersonator became a significant fixture in minstrelsy. These performers were tasked with portraying stylized, feminine characters on stage, often as a centerpiece of the "second part" or "afterpiece" of minstrel shows.
He died in New York City on October 26, 1869, at the age of 30.
His work is documented in historical accounts of the era, such as Monarchs of Minstrelsy by Edward Le Roy Rice, which notes his prominence in the field of female impersonation within the minstrel circuit.
References:
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