The Drag Queen Chilli Pepper kept her age and her struggle with colon cancer private, and it wasn’t until a friend mentioned it at her memorial that people learned about her illness.
Chilli Pepper was a legend: she was Miss Gay Chicago in 1974, won the first Miss Continental title in 1980, and performed at the Baton Show Lounge for many years.
Highlights
- Chilli Pepper, born on October 3, once stated that showgirls always keep their age a secret.
- Pepper and her mother were raised by their grandparents as the mom had the drag queen when she was only 14.
- Marco Alexzondra, who knew Pepper, revealed that she had d*ed from colon cancer when someone inquired about her.
She was among the first female impersonators on TV shows like Oprah, Jenny Jones, and Joan Rivers.
The Drag Queen also played a crucial role in raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS epidemic when President Reagan and the public largely ignored it.
People often remark on the incredible life she led and her unique personality. So, there will never be another Chilli Pepper.
Chilli Pepper Celebrated Her Birthday On 3rd October But Never Revealed Her Age
Her name came from a beach day in South America with a friend.
After sunbathing and turning red, her friend said she looked like a chili pepper.
Chilli liked the name and decided to use it, always spelling it with two Ls, not one.
Born on October 3, Chilli Pepper had once said that showgirls never reveal their age.
People always want to know my age. I keep them guessing. I’m a showgirl, and showgirls are ageless.
Chilli Pepper
Samantha Perrex, a Graphic Designer and Production Artist at Art by Samantha – Pop Artist, wished the drag queen a happy birthday on the same date.
Chilli Pepper shared that her mother had her at a very young age, making her more like a sister than a parent.
They were both raised by her grandparents, which the drag queen didn’t mind. She accepted the situation and made her own choices.
She came to Chicago as a teenager to enter an impersonator contest at the Park West.
Then, Pepper won the Miss Gay Chicago title in 1974 and stayed in the city.
Jim Flint, the owner of the Baton Show Lounge, convinced her to join his venue, where she became a major attraction for decades.
Her act combined pantomime with improv and performance art and focussed on engaging the audience through expressions and interactions.
She saw her performances as an art form that involved more than just looking good, even if it meant performing in high heels.
Chilli Pepper Battled Colon Cancer, But Sadly, It Cost Her Life
An owner-operator at Marco Alexzondra Floral & Event Services, Marco Alexzondra, who knew Pepper, said that she passed away from colon cancer when someone asked about her.
However, no one knew she was suffering from it, as she never hinted at her illness or any health issues.
After all, Pepper was among the first local figures to raise awareness about AIDS and helped to bring the issue to Middle America.
At Donna Karan’s request, Chilli Pepper modeled as a mannequin in the main window display at the opening party of Barneys New York’s Chicago store.
The event supported the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA).
Moreover, she attended several charity events, including one for the Cancer Society.
Additional Information
- Chilli Peppers didn’t like the term “drag queen,” which comes from the idea of men dragging dresses on the floor in the Victorian theater. She preferred the term “female impersonator.”
- She met Oprah two weeks after Oprah arrived in town when she was starting. She was Oprah’s first friend here, helping with her hair and makeup.
