Mr. Bobby Belle

Interview with a Superstar – Mr. Bobby Belle

VR: Who is Mr Bobby Belle and when did he perform?

BB: Bobby Belle (self) is a man who has always thought he was meant to be born in another era, preferably the Gaslight Era. I love elegance and simplicity. I believe I was alive then and was always the Belle of the Ball that captured all the young men’s heart. I probably considered it, all in a days work.

VR: Where are you living these days?

BB: I live in Plano, Texas, after having lived in San Francisco for almost 30 years!

VR: I know this is a hard question, but can you tell us what your life has been about while you were performing, did you enjoy being that beautiful lady on the stage or was it just a job?

BB: It’s not that hard a question. I remember clearly enjoyed turning heads of not just men, but women alike. I’d like to believe I had that certain quality in performing and appearance, that you really truly were not sure. Is he really a man. Performing however-did turn to “oh, not just a job, but more of a chore along with my dismay at watching the new kids- using this pill or that pill or this surgery or that surgery. Carroll Wallace once told me… “you are the real deal, you simply bring your makeup kit and without medical enhancements or drugs, you come out of your dressing room and absolute amazement to this art”

VR: How did you get into performing in drag, did you have a mentor or as they say now a days a drag mother to help you?

BB: I had gone to Finnochio’s for my 21st birthday and to be quite honest, before the first floor show was even over, I saw me up there. Not just because one may say to themselves “hell, I can do that!”. It was more, I have more to offer to the audience, to the Biz itself. Laverne Cummings and Carroll Wallace were both my mentors and showbiz advisor. Laverne was one of the first performers who walked across the hall into my dressing and said “you don’t need that color crap on you eyelids, you’re not a drag queen. From that moment, he shared lot’s of advise and it got to the point, where I kind of wanted his approval before I went on Stage. Carroll on the flip side would advise me what to wear, what was more convincing. Let’s remember, he was once billed as the most beautiful boy in the world! He and Laverne were a huge part of my learning & growing as a performer. I still speak with Laverne once in a while. We start talking and it’s like we’ve never left show business.

VR: You were truly a beautiful lady while performing, when you were younger were you considered a “pretty boy” or just one of the guys?

BB: When I was younger, I was actually considered, Pretty Boy and was called many “Pretty Boy Floyd” by lot’s, as that was my middle name. However, I was also very very shy. You’d never believe looking at me back then, but I was so shy, I let many opportunities that could have lead to love, pass me by.

VR: When you were growing up did you ever sneak in mom’s closet when she was not home or did this all come about when you got older?

BB: Only did that once, when I was 14 going to Halloween Party at School. It was not impressive, because I hadn’t anyone around to make me up, other than back then, that greasy liquid foundation and mascara, that made your eyelashes look like someone smeared charcoal all over you.

VR: Who was your inspiration growing up?

BB: Female-Lana Turner Male-Tyrone Power

VR: Where have you performed?

BB: I started my career at the world famous Finnochio’s in the mid 70’s and some years later, still working there, I was met outside the club by a guy named Marvin Nolen. He was San Francisco’s answer to Dolly Parton.. This guy was an absolute double for her when he was made up. He was putting together his own show with just four performers. I was the forth one he was determined to have in his show. It was a traveling Female Impersonation Show, called THE PAINT BY NUMBERS REVIEW. The salary was not equaled to what I made, but the opportunity was a multitude of nightclubs, Stage bars, Community Centers, even hospitals where we’d do many Benefits for Gay Veterans. In 1981 we did such a show at Fort Mileys in San Francisco. I’d cry every time I left the stage from what I had seen in the audience’s. Soilders, without limbs, oh just all sorts of heartaches. I know too, that we made their nights with our shows!!! My name with the PBNR was Mr. Bobby Belle, our Lady of Nostalgia. Proud to say, I’ve never met any other performer that performed the 30’s & 40’s quite like I. When I came out on Stage. I literally took you back in time with me.

VR: As a member of the cast at Francisco’s, you must have performed with a lot of famous people from there, anyone stick out in your mind you can tell us about.

BB: Well, of course there’s Laverne Cummings, incredible beautiful impersonator and could sing a song that you’d melt. That talent he possessed was AWESOME. That is one performer that can leave you absolutely speechless. Carroll Wallace, Finnochio’s MC at the time. Here’s a master of showmanship. He was quirky, but very intelligent. I remember when I first saw his home and met his wife Ruth, I was so impressed. This man showed me trunks and trunks of Gowns and Costumes and posters of himself that goes back to Carroll Wallace and the Tokyo Follies… late 40’s. He was a star in all the sense of the word. Worked with Val Devere, the biggest Lucille Ball, I’d ever meet. Russell Reed. I really didn’t get his style of humor, but obviously somebody did. Jackie Phillip, now this was a funny funny impersonator. He always reminded me of the gal that did the refrigerator commercials in the 50’s where the door wouldn’t stay shut. Lori Shannon, the one who played on Archie Bunker Show. If you were sad when you walked in Finnochio’s, you wouldn’t be after you witnessed Lori. He was a master of his trade. Met Celebreties, Liza Minnelli, Betty Huton, Mickey Rooney, George Hamilton, Debbie Reynolds, The incredible Harvey Lee, Demi Moore & Bruce Willis, Various cast members from 42nd Street and Will Rogers Follies. Those were the days! Oh they really were.

VR: That is a beautiful green gown you have on in this picture, was it made for you or was it “off the rack” or “a hand-me-down” from someone else?

BB: Mr. Bobby Belle, doesn’t wear anything off the rack. I have my own Gown/Costume make. Bobby Graham, who now resides in Minnesota and we are still in contact. In fact this past October for Halloween at my work, he created a Heart Shaped ballgown, Satan (not the devil) deep pink, with chiffon sleeves. This was shipped to my home along with Hoop Skirt & Petticoat. Bobby Graham has known me ever since I was In San Franciso and is the best seamtress I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing his gowns! He also performs, but not in the same circuits as you or I would have. I call him Virginia Graham. He’s quite convincing I must say!

VR: WOW, you have kept it in beautiful condition, would ever consider selling it or is something you want to keep for the memories?

BB: That one particular gown belonged to Carroll Wallace and was presented to me as a gift on my 22nd Birthday with his words “IF anyone can do this gown Justice, I know in my heart, it’s you Bobby” This gown was used in his Carroll Revue. It is made of chenille bedspread on the inside, with fishscale sequins/Beads and rhinestones. It has a split at the upper left thigh. It was made if I’m not mistaken he told me, 1936 or perhaps 46. It has a jacket heavy duty zipper and a built in brace that hooks in the back for support. The leaves and Star of the gown have been completely redone using exact same shades that it is today. When spread out, the bottom half of the gown is two shades of blue and one of lavender. Each time I would wear this on stage, the audience was mesmerized at its appearance/effects under the lights.
Yes I would consider selling it for the right price, I would open the bid at 8000.00 It’s history alone is grand!!

VR: Did you specialize in any characters in your act?

BB: Well, I have another gift, I play the piano, and I love the 30’s & 40’s. Some Country as well, but it was more the love ballads of that era that set me apart. I did also many a duet with another performer, doing skits from the DOLLY SISTERS, what a blast that was, we were just so lovely, truly.

VR: We’ve touched on some of the more interesting aspects of the profession – the people, the places – but what are some of the drawbacks or the downside of the business?

BB: I have always believed in this business, it is simply the jealousy that tears a team or group apart. I learned that I too was very jealous of different items, mostly Gowns and Beaded bodysuits. So what did I do with that jealousy? I made it work for me. If someone had something that I really wanted. I learned to sew and bead as well and make my own, twice as thick with the shine of showmanship. In any avenue, you’ve got your (pardon me) ass kissers of the world, who say anything about you to someone else-who will listen to make themselves FEEL more important. Again, it’s jealousy. And mankind thought it was Money that was the root to all evil, nope!

VR: Who do you admire these days?

BB: I have always been a fan of Jim Bailey. I saw him perform twice in my life, once at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco and again at the City Club, also San Francisco. That man’s talent is not just great, it’s to be respected. When he performed as Judy Garland, I may never have met her, but I felt I was in her very presence. That is my best compliment to Jim Bailey.

VR: What has been your biggest accomplishment as a performer?

BB: I was performing in a local night club in San Francisco and a Manager of another group saw me onstage in the Blue/green gown, came backstage and asked me if I’d perform that very same act in 30 minutes at the California Hall. Now this is a Huge Auditorium where only the best of the best get asked. It was San Francisco Coronation Ball being held there and he wanted me to be in his show. When I walked across that huge stage, cape and all to the music of “With a Song in My Heart”…The audience stood to their feet, shouting, clapping and I heard several people repeat the words “GEORGOUS” “STUNNING”. I was in heaven. I too this day wish I had a copy of the video, because I remember for a fact it was video taped. Maybe some of your readers could help?

VR: Any ’embarrassing’ moments you care to share with us?

BB: There are many, but I’m going to give you the best. I was performing Grease as Olivia, with a Travolta want to be. I came out on stage first in a huge PINK eyelashe material ballgown and do HOPELESSLY DEVOTED TO YOU. Well under the dress I was in another costume for quick change for the number YOU’RE THE ONE THAT I WANT. I was in my 3rd week doing the skit, and well, guess what…I forgot to put the slacks back on when I had to go pee real quick so came out with the Black top on, with the Gown folded inside out to look like a skirt. The Audience started laughing, but laughing with me, because I started acting all silly with my John Travolta. I grabbed his comb and starting combing his hair instead of doing the dance. When the number was over, the MC came up to me and said, Wow, now that’s difference, how do feel… I said “I got to pee!”

VR: Do you have any pet peeves?

BB: Well, it’s unrelated in every sense of the word, but I CAN NOT stand dishes left piled in the sink.

VR: Do you think you are a nice person back then or do you think you can be a bitch at times?

BB: I was nice, but more reserved than others around me. A lot of performers were performing to “Play”, I was there to put on the best show possible and have you believe you in me with all your might. I wasn’t very trusting of those I worked with. I had someone at all times watch my gowns, while I was on Stage.
AS to “being a bitch.” I believe each and everyone one of use had that Mommy Dearest inside of us. I will say this much, God help the person that turns me into that Bitch! I don’t get even, that’s a waste of time. I shut you down at the time. Tacky perhaps, but they don’t usually go for 2nds!!!

VR: What do you think made you stand out above others?

BB: My elegance & manners

VR: Do you get nervous when you are asked to speak to a group or perform on stage?

BB: Sure, Always have, but it doesn’t prevent me from winning them over. I find that goal alone is what I should strive for.

VR: What about today, have you ever got the itch to get into the paint and big hair and show up at one of those big pageants they have in Dallas as maybe a spectator or judge?

BB: I was a judge once before I left San Franciso, for the Closet Ball. That was fun. Here in Dallas, I will admit, I’ve viewed the Rose Room Twice and are very tempted to ask the owner to let me do a Patsy Cline number or two. The group in this show is well, not what you’d call the artist we knew who created everything with paint and push ups and I’m not sure how well I’d go over. (they have nothing like my style or song selections in their current show). One of my friends told me once, when I used to do Patsy Cline, was that “man, you really can look like her, it’s spooky”. So we’ll see…My courage needs a little work.

VR: Is there someone special in your life these days?

BB: No, there hasn’t been since 1999 when my last lover cheated on me. I suspected, and when confirmed, I simply took off work, paid someone I worked with, their days’ salary and when my Lover came home, I had already moved out and left nothing that I need ever return for. (It felt great) he had no clue.
I would like to meet someone, he’d have to be very decent looking and very affectionate oh and ” MUST LOVE DOGS”

VR: What about the future, what does it hold for Mr Bobby Belle?

BB: You know, reading over these interview questions, this was the one I knew would be harder to answer. I guess the honest answer is I don’t really know and speculating has never held a true interest for me.

VR: What do you think you have to offer the transgender or gay community, anything at all?

BB: I would like to say to all of our readers…I offer my heart and my shoulder for anyone who needs it. My early Gay years were evolving in the Castro San Francisco, where you could walk out your door-holding your lovers hand and nobody cared. If anything you’d thought you were in your own Knot’s Landing. I was lucky to have gone through it there. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my shares of heartaches at many levels. This is why I offer my heart and shoulders. I am a good listener and my advice will be heartfelt and honest!

VR: What words of wisdom would you give to someone who is reaching out for help?

BB: It’s a poem I read before I graduated high school. NO ONE CAN TAKE THE ULTIMATE WEIGHT OF DECISION MAKINGS OFF OUR SHOULDERS, BUT THE MORE WE KNOW ABOUT HOW THINGS REALLY ARE, THE LIGHTER THE BURDEN WILL BE. Too many times, one may feel he/she is all alone in what they are feeling or going through. You are not alone, all you need to do, is Let go and turn that page, that leads to another chapter in your book of life and remember. You choose who you want in your book, not the other person. Life is hard at times. What I do when faced with a decision, is weigh the pro’s & con’s. Physically write them down on a piece of paper, then make the best decision you can & stick with it. Most importantly of all, don’t play the victim or the blame game. You won’t win!

VR: Do you have a final statement, for our readers?

BB: I have learned thus far in my life that Gay or Straight, we all have a heart and sometimes it gets so broken that we feel lost, so lost! We lose a loved one, we break up a relationship, we let go of friends that have proven not to truly be our friend. One thing we can’t do is take a magic pill or great flavored drink and make it all better. I learned that it was myself who shut my heart down and turned away those who seemed to want to help! I was an idiot. I shut out the very people I wanted to be in my life. Take my advice and if you have someone out there that you may need to forgive……..DO IT, pick up the phone, send an email, anything…Just do it before it’s too late. I thank you for reading what I have presented for you all and remember, we all have a story to tell-It’s finding the right reader that makes all the difference in the world.

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Note from Vicki Rene: Mr. Bobby Belle, what can I say, charm, beauty, elegance? They have most likely all been said before when describing Bobby. How about all around good shit? This is really a wonderful person!

We have lost a great deal when he decided to close down his makeup case, took off the hair, and hung up the gowns. You see, we have a lot of wonderful performers these days, but boys and girls 95% could not hold a candle to what we have lost from the past. I remember when I was younger, going to a show and leaving and singing them songs, dancing those dance numbers, imagining myself in those glamour gowns, being part of that production number.

Bobby is an example of what I mean, if you read his interview, when I asked if every considered coming back he said “I’m not sure how well I’d go over”. That is because things are so different now from the days I remember. Everything is fast, no one takes the time to enjoy what they are doing or performing, it is a shame boys and girls.

As long as I am on my soap box here, I would like to thank all those “ladies” that gave me the thrills when I was younger, I could mention a few, Bobby Belle, Carroll Wallace, Laverne Cummings, David de Alba, Terry Noel, Coccinelle, Bambi, Hans Crystal, Kim August, Randy Taylor, Baby Mitchell, Holli White, Tammy Novak and I could list 100’s more….Thanks Ladies for all your hard work in leading the way for all of us.