Francis Renault1893-1955
(born Anthony Auriemma)
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In the early years of this century, the institution of theatrical gender
impersonation in America reached its highest point. Female
impersonators like Julian Eltinge were extremely popular. Eltinge not only
performed on stage for thousands of audiences, he was also featured in both
silent and talking pictures and saw a major new Broadway theater named after him
by an ardent fan.
The above photo depicts one of Eltinge's most well-known successors,
Francis Renault. Impersonation in Renault's time was situated within the
world of vaudeville, and his was one of the top acts in the business.
In his book "Great Pretenders", Anthony Slide reports
"As good looking a man as a woman, Renault billed himself as 'The
Original Slave of Fashion.' It was claimed that his costumes were worth
$35,000, and each Friday afternoon they would be displayed on stage at the
theater where he was playing, where they would be admired and envied by
the women in the audience."
Renault's specialty was imitating Lillian Russell, though he had many
personae. His collection of gowns and wigs was reputedly huge, and his major
costumes were widely acclaimed to be both glamorous and exquisite in detail.
A strong and masculine man, Renault was unabashedly gay and enjoyed the
attention of many bedazzled young men. One of these was a young man named
Archibald Leach, an aspiring actor who Renault took an interest in.
Francis is said to have been Archie's first lover, as well as his patron. After
his discovery by movie scouts, Archie moved to Hollywood, where he was
renamed Cary Grant. His connection to Renault was subsequently played down until
it was largely forgotten.
In the last years of his life Renault sang at Carnegie Hall on several
occasions, billing himself as "The Last of the Red Hot Popas" In late May
of 1955, with Renault died in New York City. He was 62.
Willie Walker
Archivist, GLHS/NC
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