HE WAS the Irish-born entertainer known for his risqué performances in Britain and now Danny La Rue has been given a blue plaque to honour his showbiz success.
As a cabaret star, who earned himself the nickname Danny La Blue, La Rue enjoyed great success with his singing and drag impersonations.
Born Daniel Patrick Carroll in Cork in 1927, La Rue was the youngest of five children and the son of a cabinet-maker.
His father went to New York in the 1920s, but died before the family could follow.
La Rue’s mother later decided to take the then 18-month-old Danny to England, where she lived in Soho, central London.
After leaving school at 14, La Rue joined the Royal Navy serving in the Far East. It was there, as part of the ship’s concert party, that he made his debut performance in White Cargo.
At his peak, in the 1970s, La Rue was earning the equivalent of £2million a year, had four homes, a Rolls-Royce and an entourage of 60.
He died in 2009 at the age of 81 at his home on Kent, having been appointed OBE in 2002 in recognition of the money he raised for Aids charities.
His blue plaque was unveiled last week by comedian Ronnie Corbett at Brinsworth House in Twickenham. The event, organised by the Heritage Foundation, was hosted by ‘Allo! ‘Allo! actress and Heritage Foundation president Vicki Michelle.
Among those who attended were writer Barry Cryer OBE, Co. Down singer and actress Rose Marie and Annie Galbraith, Danny La Rue's costumier and close friend.
