The Female Impersonator of the Year Pageant (1985) Lyle Waggoner - Ruth Buzzi - VHS

[@pika23]

"DRAG WAS WITH US FROM THE BEGINNING IT DESERVES TO BE WITH US NOW!" - RUTH BUZZI

[@craigwestbrook8932]

I agree, but there is a place for that. Venues for ADULT entertainment!!!👍🏻

[@Ferst60]

@@craigwestbrook8932 Stop regurgitating the rightwing nonsense. If you were worried about kids you’d boycott Youth Pastors

[@danityvanityinsanity]

@@Ferst60Thank you!👏😃👍✨💖✨

[@letshaveacuppa_official]

Problem is this has nothing to do with drag like it does today money ahead of sexual men did female impersonation. It had nothing to do with their sexuality. That’s the difference between some of this stuff and what they portray nowadays.

[@kerriganm]

I can’t imagine this happening in Texas today, and that makes me so sad. Love to all you gorgeous queens!

[@wendybutler1681]

Drag is very much alive in Texas despite the gop. About the only good thing in Texas IS the excellent drag.

[@PRSINPSCA]

So glad u posted this!! Awesome to watch. Such beautiful and talented drag queens 🎉. Never viewed anything like this before on KZbin. Hope to watch more! Ruth and Lyle look great

[@AnnMargretFan]

Michael Andrews was amazing as Ann-Margret. He studied her, and she assisted him with pointers as well. George Masters, one of the judges, was Ann-Margret's personal makeup stylist. Michael passed many years ago, so it was wonderful seeing him performing once again. Thank you for posting this!

⚜ @AnnMargretFan: Now, how did you remember George Masters? He and I and his little white dog had a sort of "Towering Inferno" moment at The Colony Square Hotel in Atlanta. I was visiting at the hotel, where he was staying while he was doing a stint with the Lieben Makeover Clinic, in the complex there. A fire broke out in the mall area and all these fire trucks came around down below, as we watched from the window of his room high above! It was exciting and a little scary. George liked a certain dish from the restaurant that had Alaskan King Crab, asparagus and some sort of creamy sauce, that he would feed to the dog. I think it was called "Veal Oscar" or something. I'm glad you pointed out his name. I hope I'll see him in this video when I watch it. Seeing his name, brought back memories. Thanks!

[@AnnMargretFan]

Great story! I began following Ann-Margret in 1964 after seeing Viva Las Vegas. 60 years now! I've seen her in concert over 100 times from Tahoe to Reno to Vegas to New York to San Francisco. When she starred in The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas, she toured the US, and she & her husband invited me to join them in several cities. But during her concerts, George was always with her, and I would have the opportunity to chat with him. I had him autograph his book The Masters Way that features Ann-Margret on the cover with him. It was really an honor to know him as little as I did.

@@AnnMargretFan ⚜ How fascinating! You must have had a lot of fun over the years. Were you there, in Tahoe, for the 1972 show, when she had a horrific fall to the stage from high up?

[@AnnMargretFan]

No, I wasn't. It happened on September 10 as the cocktail show was starting. I was only 16, and they wouldn't allow anyone under 21 to attend.

[@PhoenixHinds]

So much 80s hair, all in one place. Nostalgia overload.

[@djbille4283]

Wow!!! I remember renting this (on VHS) from the neighborhood video store in Denver Colorado back in the 80’s. Was only 26 back then, hard to believe it’s been 40 years since this event took place. So sad to think we’re all either old or have passed on 😭. It was always one of my favorites, so cool to see it again!! Thanks!

[@fanorama1]

me too,,, I was29 at the time and always laughed at the designer's name, "Suzy Cheesecake" lol

⚜ So sad? Sweetie, just save it. It's too dark and too ridiculous to even address. Snap out of it, sweet pea! You're losing your $%@&. Now, let's get back to the show, shall we? Your escort, for the evening, ~James🛡

[@gdeec]

Just the sweetest show. By 1985 I had been bullied for a solid ten years at school and never felt so insecure and lost about how I felt, because no one could tell me why I liked boys.

[@hunkhk]

I hope that the bullying didn't prevent you from thriving and being fabulous. We've all been there. Sending love

[@gdeec]

Thank you. It took a while but I can call myself an actor, nurse, filmmaker and author. ​@@hunkhk

[@toddw4606]

Thanks for posting this. I had this original VHS back in the day and it got lost along the way. Thank you for allowing us to revisit it today.

[@bookworm5433]

Thank you for this, it's just lovely. I've never seen this before now.

[@dickeydoo9065]

INCREDIBLE!!! Thank you for posting this historically significant event!

[@BlakeGildaphish76]

THIS is my kind of drag! This is the kind of pageant my sister and i would watch as kids. i've spent so many years watching Drag Race, i forgot that this was how it used to be.

[@letshaveacuppa_official]

The difference back here in the day was female impersonation had nothing to do with homosexuality. There were a lot of men that did impersonation that were non-homosexual. I have a friend that does female impersonation when he sings.

[@fergussaint-john2535]

omgoodness...this is fkn fantastic. thanks for the upload,

[@carlosayala8171]

WOW this is a gem 💎 Thanks for sharing

[@toddmurphy523]

1985...just out of college. Went to the bars in Detroit, Saugatuck, Ft Lauderdale, Key West, Chicago and Toronto. Damn those were great times. Nothing is the same anymore.

[@hunkhk]

This was a fabulous watch thank you for posting ....🎉🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊

[@AppoloniaCruz]

Saw a preview on TikTok & had to come to KZbin to watch the entire pageant. I loved it! ❤💯

[@anniebiotixx]

Thank you so much for sharing this 💗

[@knockshinnoch1950]

WOW what fascinating cultural time capsule from the 80s. The past really is a different country. The culture has shifted so much in 40 years. It's all very proper and feminine with those traditional gay cultural references Tina, Diana, Liza, Bette, Marilyn,Anne Margaret, Bassey, Hepburn & Streisand. The only one missing was Judy! Drag in 2024 is unrecognisable and is mainstream in a way these artists could never have dreamed possible. This very traditional role of female impersonator has almost disappeared and the majority of the female icons featured are firmly relegated to the third tier if not fading in the rear view mirror.

[@craigwestbrook8932]

I completely agree!!! Now, most drag queens look FAR from feminine!!!! More like clowns if anything. Drag in the 80's was more like this show. Top notch👍🏻

[@StevieOneder]

thank you! We loved this!!

[@MissPerriwinkle]

x0x0x000 thx much for posting, i often saw naomi sims (& donna day) perform in houston. fabulous.

[@krismartinez2334]

At The Copa, I saw Naomi Sims do the Liza # and she brought house up on our feet, also once after the club me and my friend where invited back to Naomi's apt for a party / gathering, where she showed me her closet, which was the second bedroom with clothes, in some places double hung up all the way around, I saw a Carol Little two piece silk outfit that I had in my tiny closet, anyway before the party was over Naomi gave me a 8x10 picture she wrote saying what a great evening and thanking me for coming Kristy, I still have in one of my photo album's

[@krismartinez2334]

I often saw Naomi in Sharpstown Mall,at a men's store that was on the first floor that she worked at, I never went in

[@pika23]

I love how miss buzzi explains drag. The other party needs to hear this .

[@michaelluera3475]

Naomi Sims was such a talent! I had forgotten how many talented performers were apart of this competition! So lucky to have seen so many in person!

[@MatthewPippin]

Watching this in 2024 and simply amazed. The last couple of years here in Wenatchee, Washington, we have protesters and complaints galore from people who had no intention of even catching the show, they just don't want anyone else to do it, either.

[@hunkhk]

So sad isn't it

[@donaldewert2332]

R.I.P. Chicago's Chillie Pepper 9-12-24

[@stache1954]

I was just wondering about her last week. RIP.

[@MDHollister1313]

May she rest in peace ❤

[@utubewatcher806]

I was thinking about how many of these lovelies are still with us?

[@stache1954]

@@utubewatcher806 We still have Ruth -

[@johnnj3858]

So much fun back then! Everyone was so beautiful and talented 😍

[@hunkhk]

And not a mobile phone in sight

[@pollymorphic500]

The performer who did Bette Davis started out SO strong. You knew who she was before she opened her mouth. It was a great concept to do a Davis impersonation over the Bette Davis Eyes track while prowling the stage - and she nailed her voice and way of moving. But then….to sit at a table & start pulling things out of a bag and then take off hair & makeup. Especially so soon after her entrance. What a bewildering, deflating choice. Deconstructing drag I guess?

[@christineleneghan7661]

Ruth Buzzi is a hoot! I love this pageant!!

[@blindkimberly1360]

I remember Roxanne Russell. I’ve always enjoyed watching drag. The work they put in! Absolutely fabulous! 🫶🏼😎🫶🏼

[@LesChicosDolci]

Naomi Sims slayed that performance

[@keeganthorpe]

I love some good old school drag! Nothing against what is done today. Today’s drag is just a little too serious and extreme sometimes. It’s supposed to be fun. The big hair and fur is wonderful a telltale sign of the 80’s.

[@Mommasboy-q8e]

Ru Paul destroyed drag

[@Mommasboy-q8e]

But Ru don’t rent any more. Cleaned up his act alcohol congratulations on that!

[@Mommasboy-q8e]

I see the time this happened , but they left out a few , many greats. A few examples, Dana Douglas, Dana Manchester, Carmella Marcella Garcia and some notable others. That was before drag was ruined.

[@dizzydevil547]

I'm from The UK and worked in a nightclub in the mid 90s to early 2000s as part of a drag entertainments show team! I couldn't sing etc ( id have sounded like a strangle cat!) BUT all of us used to mime / or as they call it now lipsynce to all the numbers we did that is what is now considered old school and i miss that in drag acts these days ....not many do it they are all singers and live these days ! there is something to be said about doing it the old school way as it is now a dying form of drag !

[@hunkhk]

Totally agree old school drag is where it's at. First time I ever went to a gay bar I was 19 in Cardiff and there was a fabulous Grace Jones impersonator I was totally hooked

[@brendajimenez8477]

Our baby girl, sweet savage we miss you sister one extraordinary legendary entertainer she is fire when performing 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@charleyyoung262]

They look much more natural than they do now at least from what I'v seen.

[@donniebobb74]

this playing in the bg of everything always.

[@GuavaChiffonTheCosmetix]

Whoe ✨️ 💋 ✨️ What a legendary top 10. Had the pleasure of working with Chocolate, Jennifer & Naomi. Gotta love that 80s realness & celebrity impersonation! The name of game in those days ( I was a Cher/Barbra and wannabe Marilyn queen back in the day ; ) Rip Naomi Sims 💖 A true drag icon

[@stonechops]

Was this pageant presented on TV every year? I’ve not heard about it at all. I looked everywhere for representation back in the early-mid 80s. Thanks for posting this pageant! ❤

[@pika23]

They had everything under the sun pageants on tv back then. I remember fitness USA, CoverGirl USA, mother daughter pageant, Mrs America....all the odd ducks. Not odd but niche. I'm enjoying real drag here with this

[@fanorama1]

i think it as direct to video

[@dsouza4746]

I miss my he 80's I was so young

[@jerry7311]

Sad that these people will not look as good today as they did 40 yrs ago. It SUCKS getting old

[@sunnydale7592]

Has anyone mentioned the lighting?!😂😂😂 That spotlight 😅

[@venezolanoenmanhattan]

👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.. class and charms.

[@normanbarton744]

I am having flashbacks to the Copa Fort Lauderdale during the mid eighties.

[@viajerosudaka3483]

the way they are so elegant and feminine. liza minelli was perfection in his physicality.

[@theslitherysylvie4010]

GLAMOUR! 💕💕💕

[@wendybutler1681]

Drag became far more interesting when camp was added to the mix.

[@bronxbear]

I wonder if a toddler RuPaul was watching and taking notes...

[@veronicahawthorne3452]

I remember when this aired.

⚜ I came here, to see George Masters. I knew him, you understand. I knew him. He was a friend. He was a very charming friend. Blessings to you, my friend. Blessings to you for all of time. I love you. ~James🛡

[@EvanKilos]

This is nothing but drag royalty right here❤❤❤

[@frankgonzalezofficial3010]

Wow this was in Houston.

[@annieyoung7998]

Slow down! I want to savor!!! Gorgeous!!

[@bredagner4632]

Naomi Simms Deserved that win....Did you see what he looked like out of drag. He truly transformed into a stunning woman 🙌🏾😍💗

[@kalnfornia]

Tasha Kohl is still performing

[@toddmurphy523]

There was one contestant in the formal wear that I thought should have done Cher in the talent competition.

[@billclarke2616]

That was so fun to watch! Does anyone know what the winner signed at the end? It looked like he/she was signing 'I love you' and maybe spelled someone's name. Didn't expect that!

[@Sassysongstress]

Before RUPAUL there was HOT CHOCOLATE 🍫❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@PhoenixHinds]

I was first introduced to RuPaul on Merv Griffin 6 years before this broadcast.

[@pika23]

​@@PhoenixHindshot chocolate is Larry Edwards the Tina turner illusionist.

[@PhoenixHinds]

@@pika23 yes.

[@enolamsamoht]

No, even though Hot Chocolate is gorgeous too. But before RuPaul there was #sylvester

[@musicmaven1966]

Well, I'm no longer confused... If it's an Actual "Art Form" instead of men in transition to become women. This is way more impressive to know that they didn't need to take hormons and still look and walk that Fabulous... Marilyn was a bomb performance. And Micheal was perfect!! Great Show!

[@hunkhk]

Michael in his Bob Mackie gown ..fabulous, no clown make up, vulgarity or bitchiness just good old school entertainment

[@OneAdam12Adam]

Hot Chocolate was giving off major Whitney Houston vibes!

[@bisket95]

Something tells me Lyle liked the dolls 👀

[@ceostudio]

Cannot get over the hairrrr

[@stache1954]

Can't find this on IMBD.

[@wendybutler1681]

The judge Ruth kisses is her husband.

[@fanorama1]

and she didn't mention his name

[@MaestroFriedrich]

very entertaining .

[@zereprd3911]

Oh, I had such a crush on Lyle Waggoner..!

[@fanorama1]

his spread in PLAYGIRL

[@TheMohawk102]

Does anyone remember Jackie Nicole from Hackensack NJ . She lip sync Shirley Bassey . In the 80's 90s . She was stunning

[@joshuawinchester9599]

The Katie Hepburn… wasn’t prepared for straight up performance art

[@fanorama1]

that was pretty awesome

[@rickyparrilla2426]

There is no denying this was filmed in the 1980s. I'm sure smoking wasn't permitted backstage with all that hairspray. LMFAO 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣 🤣

[@jwes869]

The judge at the end of the table that Ruth Buzzi kissed is her husband Kent Perkins I believe. (she never stated his name) They have been married since 1978.

[@Mommasboy-q8e]

They should still have this every year. I do miss Continental is the best pageant, MGA I don’t understand why the late Coti Collins had to enter so many times. Oh a friends just said Norma Kristi needed a good place to retire? I didn’t know Norma but she wasn’t lovely. Maybe she has made a come back? All the best Norma!

[@YesItsMeGuys68]

Long before Rue Paul ! When did the term " Drag " become the common replacement term for Female impersonation ? ?

[@smallstudiodesign]

“ *Drag* ” was coined by Shakespeare back in the 1500’s … Dr.A.G. = Dressed As Girl ||>> also drab (Dr.A.B.) = Dressed As Boy

[@aprillorraine]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@Mrajtheartist]

✨⭐✨💞💖💞💖💞💖💖💞💖💞✨⭐✨

[@LannieLord]

Lyle Wagoner looks thin and gaunt here - did have health problems ? Also ; funny how "antique" this show looks compared to TODAY !

[@mrandrewhumphrey]

He was only 50 at this time, and lived another 35 years, so I guess he was fine. I agree, he looks a little shaky.

[@magnoliafreak6]

In 1985 this is amazing to see such joy and acceptance! Even now this is still is so refreshing considering how far we’ve regressed

[@hunkhk]

I think you are referring to America other countries are far more liberal and accepting of drag and the trans community such as UK Spain Thailand

[@REENIExoxo]

who the hell was running the spotlight at this gig?

[@leealvarez6857]

Why can't I like this video ? It won't let me like, it stops a 352 likes no more

[@dizzydevil547]

i just looked and its at over 900 and i clicked like ages ago so to test your theory / complaint i unliked it and then hit the like button and the number changed so it may be a problem on your side (or the country you are in) as i didn't have a problem as described above from the uk? that is strange what you are saying! 😉

[@letshaveacuppa_official]

And once again, it says female impersonator, it does not say drag

[@andiamo24]

sorry but this Marylin impersonation was very bad. ....

[@MichaelCharles-zn6rh]

are you sorry, really?

[@andiamo24]

@@MichaelCharles-zn6rh yes. i am and i am honest.

[@fanorama1]

hair wasn't correct and just lots of walking back and forth

[@hunkhk]

​@@fanorama1that's part of the joy of it all. I could watch this all day

[@FOXY-i4c]

When men in dresses didn't take themselves so seriously.

[@goldstoneeggroll1264]

I'd actually say "when people didn't think that drag was out to groom children and destroy the family" instead. Drag has always been around, and so have trans and non-binary people, so it's not a question of seriousness. It's a question of acceptance.

[@PhoenixHinds]

​@@goldstoneeggroll1264very well stated. You are totally correct.

[@hunkhk]

You can blame social media and hate spewing conservatives for that sadly... This is such a time warp gem ❤❤🎉🎉🎉🎉😊😊😊😊o

[@ceostudio]

Hot Chocolate!!!

[@hunkhk]

Yassss🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 I'm living for her. 10s across the board

[@gaybriellookingland6756]

Wow,Was Society More Accepting and Open-Minded Back Then? 👏... We've Gone Backwards Today ... In Trumps Tuday,that is👎

[@EvanKilos]

How many former Miss gay Americans were in there so many❤❤❤

[@oliviajohnjohnolivia8142]

I did not see anyone do Michael Jackson .

[@shepavedtheway]

In Indian religion they were there long before. Men dressed as a woman as women didn’t perform or not allowed I’m not sure. 🕉☮💜

[@SeanScot36]

I could only watch five minutes.

[@Ferst60]

Sad for you

[@hunkhk]

Why? It was fabulous

[@Norfolk250]

7:50 Wow... they all get up on stage just to get booted off. THE PAGENT HASN'T EVEN BEGUN!

[@nesaaliyah4821]

Terry Silvana at 6:55 is the best one there. Tragic that she wasn’t in the top 10.

[@142chrisjake]

America is doomed.