Originally posted on The Tuck Magazine.
One of the first popular male impersonator, Annie Hindle was a drag performer in solo and minstrel shows from 1868 to 1886. Born in the UK, she moved to New York City and began her career touring theatres and saloons in the US.
She married Charles Vivian, a comic singer, but quickly seperated six months later with no legal divorce. Hindle claimed that Vivian was abusive, but she moved onto to marry Annie Ryan in a ceronomy by a Baptist minister. She retired until her wife Anna died, and then returned to performing and eventually remarried.
Hindle sang macho songs in her act such as “Racketty Jack” and “Do Not Put Your Boots on a Man When He’s Down”, with military songs being especially popular post civil war. Her character was based on an upper-class man and connected with her working class audience by making jokes so they would feel superior about their manhood.
Annie Hindle as quoted from the ‘Boston Globe in 1883’ as “The Greatest Male Impersonator Living” with careers in both England and the US for 40 years.
Drag kings are often forgotten by the mainstream press but there is a legacy out there and incredible talent from some amazing performers. Drag is an artform and it should be respected. Thank you Annie Hindle for paving the way for incredible talents.