Julian Eltinge was one of the most renowned female impersonators of the early 1900s. His act was so convincing that audiences would be astonished when he removed his wig and revealed his true gender. Eltinge became one of the highest paid entertainers in the US and sold out shows in theaters across the world. He had success on Broadway with plays such as “Fascinating Widow” and “The Crinoline Girl” and was a Hollywood star in the 1920s. He was even requested to perform by King Edward VII, who was so impressed he sent Eltinge an English Bulldog as a token of appreciation.
However, Eltinge’s career was cut short in the 1930s when anti cross-dressing ordinances were enforced in America. Despite his fame, he was unable to make a comeback and passed away before drag regained its popularity in later decades. Postcards from Eltinge’s performances are a reminder of the long-standing history of drag and that it has always been resilient even in the face of adversity.