Burlesque legend Sherry Britton passed away on April 1st, aged 89.
From NY Daily News:
Sherry Britton, a brainy, sexy stripper who was the queen of Broadway burlesque in her 20s, was barred from the World’s Fair in her 40s and graduated from college in her 60s, has died.
“She had an IQ of 165, lived on Gramercy Park and aged gracefully,” said a cousin, Karen Britton.
Britton, dubbed Great Britton and once made an honorary brigadier general by President Roosevelt for her work entertaining World War II troops, died Tuesday in Beth Israel Hospital of natural causes. She was 89.
According to the article, she lived quite a life:
- She graduated pre-law magna cum laude at age 63 from Fordham University Law School.
- In her prime, she starred in Minksy’s Gaiety Theater on Broadway and became a national celebrity.
- She was barred from the 1964 World’s Fair because she was too risque.
- She marked her 75th birthday by performing at Broadway’s Marriott Marquee hotel, the site of the old Minsky’s.
- She was quotable: “I strip but I don’t tease.”
Related links:
* Writeup by Jo Boobs Weldon
* NY Times obituary
* Playbill news