After performing in South Florida for over 30 years, few have the tenure that Cathy Craig does. Here, she regales about the Marlin Beach Hotel, the state of drag, and what her dream role is.
Where did you grow up? In Cleveland, Ohio. They call Cleveland the “mistake on the lake,” but I don’t know why. There’s fabulous education, medical facilities, museums, theater… How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 1984. What part of South Florida do you live in? I used to live in Fort Lauderdale, but I now live in Pompano Beach, in the Lighthouse Point area. What do you like most about living here? The weather, and the many wonder friends that I’ve met both on-and-off-the-stage and in retail. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Of all the places that are gone from South Florida, the ones that I miss the most are Bobby Wynn’s restaurant, The Copa, and, of course, the wonderful Marlin Beach Hotel. Where do you hang out in South Florida? The restaurants and little shops in Wilton Manors, The Pub and the Coconut Creek Casino. What’s your claim–to–fame? I’ve won many Dixie Awards and a few titles along the way, but the thing that’s special to me was when I awarded the honorary Miss Florida Female Impersonator award in 2014. I also won a Lucille Ball lookalike contest over nine women at the Coconut Creek Casino, and it caused a scandal.
Tipsy Elves Men’s Ugly Christmas Sweater – Censored Santa Christmas Sweater
How did you come up with your name? The first time I ever dressed up, I called myself “Lorraine.” Someone [Treva Trash] came over to me and asked me what my name was. I told her that it was Lorraine, but she said that I looked more like a “Cathy.” “Big Mama” gave me my last name, “Craig,” after Dr. Craig from General Hospital. Who’s the best drag queen or all time, and why? I’ve had many inspirations, but the one who comes to mind is Charles Pierce. He paved the way for a lot of entertainers, including RuPaul and Divine. He really brought drag to the forefront. Who’s the best national drag queen right now, and why? RuPaul, because of the road he’s paving for entertainers. Who’s the best local drag queen right now? There are so many, I don’t know where to begin. To name a few, I would say Nikki Adams, Tiffany Arrieaugus, Elektra, Amanda Austin, Dee Dee Van Carter, Francesca Richards, Sharde Ross and Brittany Moore. But I could go on for days… What was your favorite gig, and why? I’ll tell you two stories. I remember performing at the Marlin Beach Hotel with Nikki Adams, and I finished my number UNDERWATER (you could see underwater from the downstairs bar) so that everybody outside of the pool could watch. I made $1,000 in tips that night. I also played The Queen of Hearts at the Flagler Museum, and no one knew that I was a man until the press leaked it.
Do you think that drag is becoming too mainstream? No. I got into this to become mainstream. I would love to be in films and TV, either in or out of drag. How would you like to be remembered? As a good entertainer, a wonderful person and someone who was always available when needed. Will you ever retire? I don’t feel that I’ll ever retire. I’ve performed for over 40 years, and I don’t plan on retiring anywhere in the near future. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? The last thing that I looked up online, unfortunately, was about an ailment—and that’s not funny. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? I’ve been many places, but my favorites are Las Vegas and cruises. What’s your favorite movie? Mame, with Lucille Ball, of course. I’m such a fan of hers. What drives you crazy? Dishonesty. Just lay it on the table and suffer the consequences. Also, backstabbing. If I’m not fond of you, I’ll tell you. How would you feel if your pet was the master in heaven, and you were the pet? I have a wonderful little chihuahua, and I would think that I would be very lucky in heaven, because I knew that I was going to be spoiled.
Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend? You better believe I would. But they better watch out, because I’m getting close to Depends age. How do you most enjoy spending your time? Going with my friends to movies, out to dinner and to thrift stores. As long as you have friends, you have everything. Who do you admire? Someone who’s not afraid to take a chance. They say to “take the bull by the horns,” but I was sometimes afraid that I would get stabbed. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I would go to the past and I would change a few things. I would have been more prepared for retirement, I would have fearlessly pursued a larger career, and I would have taken care of my health. What would your last meal be? Probably macaroni and cheese made with fontina and gorgonzola. What do you worry about? I worry about the future and that no one will remember me. I also worry that I won’t be able to enjoy the rest of my life. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? I’d be the piano. It’s the only instrument you really need. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep with a fluffy coat.
Who depends on you, and for what? It’s always been in my personality that I like people to depend on me. But the older I get, the less those people are around or they’ve passed on. Now I’m becoming the one who needs somebody. What would your autobiography be called? It would be called Laughing Large. Do you ever put music on when you’re upset? When I’m upset or depressed, I usually put something spiritual on. Or maybe just a fabulous female soul singer. What’s on your bucket list? I still have a lot of things on my bucket list. I always wanted to play Rose in Gypsy. What’s your greatest regret in life? My greatest regret in life is not ever having a long-term lover and not learning to play the piano. But not necessarily in that order. Tell me something that you’ve never told anyone else. That sometimes when I’m laughing on the outside, I’m crying on the inside. Where can we see you? On Facebook at William Lewis or at Cathy Craig Female Impersonator. You can also see some of my performances on YouTube.
