Legendary drag queen Danny La Rue has died at the age of 81. The entertainer - real name Daniel Patrick Carroll - passed away on Sunday night (31May09) at his home in Kent, England following a battle with cancer.

A spokeswoman for the star confirmed the news, saying, "Danny died peacefully in his sleep just before midnight last night after a short illness. His beloved companion Annie Galbraith was with him at their home in Kent."

La Rue shot to fame in the 1960s for his act as a female impersonator, performing on the London stage. He went on to become one of Britain's most highly paid entertainers, landing roles in a string of films including 1965's Every Day's a Holiday and Junfans Escape in 1968.

He was best known for impersonating stars including Elizabeth Taylor and Zsa Zsa Gabor, as well as former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

The veteran performer was awarded an OBE (Order of British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II in her 2002 Birthday Honors List. (LR/WNWCSK/ZN)

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