With all props and enthusiasm for RuPaul and his Drag Race, this is my idea of a true female impersonator and night club performer. Charles is unequaled in his talent and ability to carry an entire show single handed. There are not many Queens out there today who can claim that. Charles was, is and always will be the best! I saw this show at the Dottie Chandler Pavilion and let me tell you, the place was packed and had been sold out within one day of opening ticket sales. Hollywood celebs and studio moguls were all there, laughing along with the rest of us. I love you Charles and always will. Those were the days when being gay was a celebration of our uniqueness, and not our ability to 'blend in'.
@MsJman223 жыл бұрын
Couldn’t agree more ❤️ Charlie is incomparable! The best
@giggles71792 жыл бұрын
I'm a modern drag queen (and have been for the past 25 years) and couldn't agree with you more. For all the influence Drag Race has had on pop culture, I do wish the producers (or at the very least RuPaul herself) felt a bit more obliged to educate the youth about the real legends that paved the way for them. Alas, she won't even have one of HER OWN contemporaries from the real golden age of drag (the late 80's and early 90's) sit next to her on that panel. Lypsinka, Varla Jean Merman, Charles Busch, Coco Peru? Not a one of them. They could be excellent mentors and appropriate judges that could offer real constructive criticism, but the powers that be at Drag Race apparently think that's a job better left to the most recent Disney Channel stars to turn 18 or the KZbin "celebrity" du jour. Even worse? The "RuGirls" are more often booked and are so high-priced that the clubs and venues have no entertainment budget left over for anyone local or better known to the "mature" audiences.
@cookingartguy21709 ай бұрын
So true. Though I'm glad for the gains made, I really miss the days when the gay bar was out second home, with lifelong friends made. It was a much more underground, mysterious experience. Old drag was SO much funnier, and I miss the more "homemade" costumes and props. Wouldn't trade the memories for anything, including a chance at present day youth.
@tula14335 ай бұрын
The difference back then was the drag acts were more about being funny and glam and having talent. Now it’s a bunch of thirsty femme gay dudes trying to live out some female stripper fantasy. It’s lost most of the camp. Drag is funny because it’s a man dressed up. Now it’s a bunch of gay dudes who are claiming “trans” and trying to be sexy. Even they aren’t the same as the actual transsexuals of the past!
@kguy152000 Жыл бұрын
This is an irreplaceable force. Hysterical, talented, an triumph of stage performance.
@kandorstevenson6 жыл бұрын
What a legacy Mr. Pierce has left behind. Even today, FABULOUS!
@steveweinstein32223 жыл бұрын
"I walked past the sailor, and his wings fell off. Then, when he bent over to pick them up, the Marine's wings fell off."
@fozziebumble83615 жыл бұрын
Ru Paul ain't got a look in .THIS IS DRAG . THIS IS TALENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
@eddieharrison38015 ай бұрын
You are so fucking right
@TheFiown3 жыл бұрын
He looks a bit like Madonna ! I've not laughed so much in ages !
@MensAsses333 жыл бұрын
OMG you're right, he does look like Madge! 👍 We need laughter more than ever today in these times of everyone getting offended by everything.
@bobanderson30096 жыл бұрын
Pierce was simply the best. His job wasn't to nail the person he was impersonating...Jim Baily did that...but to give us the essence of the person and then build on it with jokes, which he did perfectly. You can't call someone 'second-rate' when they managed to pack the Ahmanson in LA, which is where this video was filmed, or clubs and theaters around the US and not be on top of your game. He was a professional at what he did and he did it well.
@neilcowan67896 жыл бұрын
Bob Anderson Actually it was the Dorothy Chandler- (ahem) my name is inscribed in gold on the wall above the middle elevator on the West side.... ta dum dum.
@Bradley77083 жыл бұрын
@@neilcowan6789 you go gurl!
@danielstefane3124 жыл бұрын
we need the laughter more then ever watch all his videos this what Talent is all about -march 2020
@jimallen49727 жыл бұрын
For thos of us who remember Charles Pierce this one is still one of his best. It shows he was a real trooper and a pro when it came to entertaining. Whenever I'm down in the dumps this video never fails to make me laugh my head off.
@tonygilder79126 жыл бұрын
Jim Very true. I remember it in real time. The whole concert is a hoot.
@dougbearup28266 жыл бұрын
Camp at it's best.
@MOONSIP24 жыл бұрын
Still spectacular. Nobody can even come close. RIP Charles Pierce.
@EagleRockers8 жыл бұрын
God, I miss Charles Pierce! I was fortunate to see him several times in different venues. Truly a classic!
@slwilliams757 жыл бұрын
I love this every time I watch it
@arthuradonizio77622 ай бұрын
And watching the musicians cracking up is part of the fun. We miss you Charles ❤️
@robertturner71473 жыл бұрын
Looks like Madonna in about 5 years. 😄😃😂
@lotharwaltner40584 ай бұрын
😂😂😂👏👏👏
@MsJman223 жыл бұрын
This is what a real true legend looks like! 👸🏼 this is the kind of diva they should be celebrating on drag race!! GOAT
@Akira-888 Жыл бұрын
The true Divine Drag Goddess! RiP Mama. 🙏😇💖🎼👍💋
@andersliljevall29467 жыл бұрын
nobody can match mae west. she was one of a kind
@jjmm90664 жыл бұрын
Absolute mastery of live comedic revue. Layered, cerebral, with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
@timreilly97743 жыл бұрын
I knew Charles, what an absolutely incredible person. Saw this show at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles in I think it was the mid 1980's. He called it his third final farewell performance...If memory serves.
@unclealand7 жыл бұрын
If you ever were lucky enough to catch Charles Pierce's act in a club you know the accuracy of his impersonations was not important. It was the fun, the jokes, and the laughs that were important. Sometimes Pierce would tell an old one and the audience would still laugh, and he'd look at us with his big smile and say something like "I can't believe you laughed at that ancient gag." But he knew, it was the way he told it.
@a.l93132 жыл бұрын
Madonna with, all of her plastic surgery, has turned into Charles Pierce as Mae West! 🤣🤣
@richardm2398 жыл бұрын
great performance
@johncrespeno91577 жыл бұрын
Best material ever!
@ernestcastro62387 жыл бұрын
My first job as a waiter was at Bob's Big Boy in LA. The place was on Wilshire off of Highland. One day I noticed Mae West sitting in the back of her limo, I found out that her driver had bought her a Bob's Big Boy hamburger "DP'. DP means divided portions, she liked it cut into four pieces. I actually saw her about three times I guess she loved her Big Boys. I'm not sure but I think she lived in that area Wilshire near Hancock Park. This was back in 1977.
@neilcowan67896 жыл бұрын
Ernest Castro She lived in the Ravenswood apartments overlooking the LA Country Club. I was offered her surprisingly small apartment for $550 in the 80s.
@ernestcastro62384 жыл бұрын
@Aifric Brennan I don't know about her height. She was sitting in the back seat of her car eating her hamburger. I never saw her standing.
@soul2soul4293 жыл бұрын
@@neilcowan6789 "I can't understand that with all the money she once made and the caliber of artist that she was she did not own a house and that she had to pay someone else rent, month to month to have a roof over her head?
@GohAhweh2 жыл бұрын
@@soul2soul429 when u own a home it's basically still rent.. property taxes and mortgage payments, upkeep.. ugh.. plus old Hollywood wasn't t paid what they are paid now.
@soul2soul4292 жыл бұрын
@@GohAhweh 😘
@charliedale30297 жыл бұрын
Pierce was and is one of the very best there was or is! Period. This isn't about looking like, nor quite sounding like anyone but their essence. It's also but the gags, and Charles had so many gags a lot of these no-talent queens would kill for Charles' career and as long as he did it. He made female impersonation what it is today. Anybody that questions that doesn't know their ass from their elbow.
@philwilliams4707 жыл бұрын
Charlie Dale ....... 'IN A NUTSHELL' - As the Saying goe's
@kennethkdj4 жыл бұрын
Very well put, an artist of this calibre captures exactly the essence of the star that is being being portrayed. Thank goodness we have recordings, I never tire of listening and looking at this brilliant artiste
@piustwelfth Жыл бұрын
Female impersonators can't do this type of show anymore because nobody knows who these people are.
@tonygilder79126 жыл бұрын
The whole thing is funny if you know the stars he is impersonating. He is very talented.
@lizbridges31584 жыл бұрын
Oh I wish I could have witnessed this in person!
@MicharlMcGarry-pn1fd10 ай бұрын
Absolutely hysterical...
@OLIVCHEN774 жыл бұрын
This is sensationell... funny, intelligent, and en pointe!!
@shaneblankenship81936 жыл бұрын
8:36 i watch this every few weeks and it always cracks me up!
@markgatling9129 Жыл бұрын
He was one of the GREST IMPERSONATORS. 😂
@naciongraficaltda18587 жыл бұрын
I love how the background music goes from slow and just in piano and goes on tempo and full orchestra
@blancamiranda74243 жыл бұрын
Loved it!!!💃
@lotharwaltner40584 ай бұрын
it's not only very good, it's cruel!! I love it ❤😱😆😆
@benhume28742 ай бұрын
Great Great star and never forget his Designing Women!!!
@stevenquinn46417 жыл бұрын
She was scandalous brilliant way over the top what a body She defied the rules and boundaries and created her life her way she was everything
@The-Battle-Brother5 жыл бұрын
Simply excellent.
@debbie60365 жыл бұрын
He is hilarious 😄and done a good job impersonating may 👍
@sueknoll85673 жыл бұрын
He is amazing at this
@davidanthonystone51654 жыл бұрын
Wonderfully talented Mr Pierce
@echeleteich33476 ай бұрын
Excellent!!
@johnhiram12075 жыл бұрын
How wonderful!
@danielstefane3124 жыл бұрын
is anyone here January 10th 2020 Happy New Year
@airmuseum5 жыл бұрын
Everybody in the LGBT community better get a hold of the new book " Mae West and the Count- Love and Loss on the Vaudeville stage " ( Amazon, B&N etc.) to learn the full truths regarding Mae's acceptance and promotion of alternative life styles. She should be everyone's poster girl.
@fredericd-r59197 жыл бұрын
Génial! Incroyable!!
@GREGAUSTI4 жыл бұрын
There will never be another xx
@music95564 жыл бұрын
amazing!
@jaylady1136 Жыл бұрын
Thank you
@claudiajadeGrioli696 жыл бұрын
omg i adore him
@alexanicolejoel21684 жыл бұрын
At least, Charles Pierce is 💯% better than Alaska!!
@rudyrivera7183 жыл бұрын
love it ! so damned funny!
@MensAsses333 жыл бұрын
I'll take this over Ru Paul any day 🤣
@dana31335 Жыл бұрын
Brilliant
@melliemel94697 жыл бұрын
i love this made me laugh out loud so funny and right on with all his impersonate
@greyclouds20697 жыл бұрын
fukn the best!!!!!
@MensAsses339 ай бұрын
Madonna, is that you?
@rdo12316 жыл бұрын
legend
@Angela-zz4zm3 жыл бұрын
This was really good shows. Not today 2021 any more ..they fall on the floor and they take off the wig👎
@oliverpura98763 жыл бұрын
I saw him with my parents on Geary Street a long time ago.
@jacpot926 Жыл бұрын
Great Mae West impersonation... but he looks like he's chewing gum when doing her....LOL.
@davidanthonystone51657 жыл бұрын
wonderful xoxo
@selmaramirez92784 жыл бұрын
Hilarious
@tototita4135 жыл бұрын
he did play long time in San Francisco he was the best
@shon74253 жыл бұрын
Funny. I remember my grandma use to sung that song when I was just a kid. And we use to say. Ohhhhhhhhhh grandma
@goldenrodwilly44587 жыл бұрын
funny stuff
@Iliveinamonsterverse8 жыл бұрын
this is everything love it
@stuartlee66225 жыл бұрын
Who remembers GOLD STREET in San Fran??
@Bonobo3D5 жыл бұрын
I do! Saw Charles Pierce at Gold Coast on my first trip to SF, in 1973 or 4. His impression of Mae West appeared prerecorded on a black and white TV screen as if she was on Sesame Street, counting to 10, in a very suggestive way, while doing a quick costume change. He swung on a swing right over the audience while doing Jeanette MacDonald. Wonderful fun, lots of great laughs!
@JorgeAl2 жыл бұрын
So amazing ! This is genius!
@willieloman74457 жыл бұрын
Very funny. Thanks for posting. Bravo!
@haroldstella1398 Жыл бұрын
HYSTERICAL ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
@davidwise9487 Жыл бұрын
Incredible talent! The consummate performer! No comparison to todays’s drag people.
@peterward3965 Жыл бұрын
Bloody brilliant lol 😂
@danielstefane3124 жыл бұрын
i can't believe what a comic delivery Charles Pierce had i was turned on to him by coworker this is a must to watch tell a friend anyone here for Charles Feb 2020
@hispanoiberia48777 күн бұрын
Amazing..the best
@trentaccid2177 Жыл бұрын
As I'm watching this Charles was around while The Real Mae West was alive I wonder if she ever met Charles.
@jasminnemcdonald94A7 ай бұрын
No way. He's good.
@robertronning70162 жыл бұрын
Lucky history book show that this is Mae West
@jaylady1136 Жыл бұрын
Omg looks just like her
@TheFinalMinutes6 жыл бұрын
Go to 9:58 for the best impression of someone off chops on amyl ever. So damn funny I near wet myself!
@rick0e2959 ай бұрын
Oh!Oh! Goodness has Nothing to do with it, Dearie! Come Up and See the QUEEN 👸 of CAMP celebrating the ORIGINAL QUEEN of CAMP. 💎 🌹 🎉 🌹. RIP both 🙏💪 🏳️🌈 😎
@MikkoHere8 жыл бұрын
Funny in itself --doesn't capture Mae West's voice, manner or humor--but the content is still entertaining, thanks.
@loferx4 жыл бұрын
You must be fun at parties
@MikkoHere4 жыл бұрын
Lo Fernandes : I applaud your sparkling cleverness and originality. Remarkably inventive
@ourbeach40013 жыл бұрын
False news
@marianneg57464 жыл бұрын
😂😂😂
@selmaramirez92784 жыл бұрын
😆😆😆😅😁
@tomm7505 Жыл бұрын
THIS is what DRAG is: a talented man entertaining adults. Instead what we get today are semi-freaks pole-dancing and lap-dancing for children. RIP Charles.
@jessicafashionlover21484 жыл бұрын
he does bette better
@rick0e2959 ай бұрын
😉 George Santos is such a DRAG! But will NEVER begin to compair with CHARLES or MAE who could easily PIERCE him 💋. And DON'T say DeSantis!
@bediak.78133 жыл бұрын
👍👍👍👍😘
@lacameron49262 жыл бұрын
Lol
@noneofyourbusiness2813 жыл бұрын
Mae was a man to
@jamesbrown95536 жыл бұрын
GREAT TRY...YOU DONT HAVE THE MAE WEST TIMING & VOICE.
@gregrak93898 жыл бұрын
Pierce doesn't do a very good West impersonation, fails at doing Crawford as well, he was better at impersonating Davis, due to her unique speech pattern and mannerisms.
@miltsar7 жыл бұрын
He gets her essence and magnifies it to a hilarious plateau. It doesn't matter whether he does a "very good " impression because he gets her down in a short hand cartoon manner...like when he sings Frankie and Johnny spitting out syllables....who cares if he sounds like West at that point !
@gregrak93897 жыл бұрын
Pierce, and may he rest in peace, was pretty second rate, sorry, everybody is entitled to their opinions here.
@fredslick23417 жыл бұрын
totally agree.... gay bar act
@michaeldugenia50737 жыл бұрын
It's never been about "being" the person you impersonate. You exaggerate the mannerisms. Besides, I'd like to see those who find Charles Pierce "second rate" do what he does and make people laugh. I bet if anyone of you try it, the only sound you'll hear, besides the crickets, are the snores of the audience falling asleep. Enough said. And yes, hunty, I am entitled to my opinion.
@gregrak93897 жыл бұрын
you are talking shit here, the "guy" was a lousy female impersonator, "second if not third rate," through and through, the only one "he" did well was Davis, but to impersonate her, doesn't take much drive
@saugusguy3 жыл бұрын
His Mae West is not on point..the voice is easy to do and he isn't trying.. Mae moved slower
@themaggattack3 жыл бұрын
Not when she snorted coke off a microphone! 😆
@skotmiller8465 Жыл бұрын
AWFUL!
@elainebundy50384 жыл бұрын
Not funny. MAE didn't act like that or look like that
@Consrignrant4 жыл бұрын
@Elaine Bundy............. Don't be an imbecile........ And by the way, she did act like that and often wore a strange Bun on the top of her head......... Lighten up, you dumb fuck.
@c.johnson16914 жыл бұрын
Terrible impersonation. Mae never walked or talked like that. He blew it. But he’s dead now so what does it matter.
@bcsurvivor47137 жыл бұрын
I don't mind impersonations if the artist is respectful about it, but, this, was insulting. lmo.
@hank15193 жыл бұрын
I am surprised at how vicious it was. Funny and vicious.
@christineparker5566 жыл бұрын
Terrible, terrible, terrible. Even her Bette Davis sucks. Watch Alfred Lewis instead.
@briananderson24526 жыл бұрын
You poor thing
@TheDevilWillBurn5 жыл бұрын
Christine Parker Bette herself didn't think so. She called Pierce supremely talented. So, you're on your own here.
@carmenpeters7286 жыл бұрын
I prefer victimless humor. It's sad to see a man degrade himself so badly.