Julian Eltinge (1881-1941) was an American actor famous for portraying women characters.  He performed on Broadway and toured Europe, including a show for King Edward VII.  In vaudeville, he was the star of a series of musical comedies, like The Fascinating Widow, The Crinoline Girl and Cousin Lucy, earning him the title “Mr. Lillian Russell” after the popular star.  He also appeared in several silent films, including  The Countess Charming and The Isle of Love.  The Eltinge Theater, now part of the AMC Empire 25 complex in New York City, was named after him.  Eltinge was known for impersonating women as actual women, not as caricatures.  At the end of his shows, to the surprise of his audience, he removed his wig and revealed  that he was a man.  A private person, his sexuality is unknown.

Julian Eltinge was a remarkable performer, creating an uncanny resemblance to a woman onstage.

A quote:

“It depends on where you put the paint, not how much you splash on.”

S. Gray

July 2026