In brief
David Raven, famously known as Maisie Trollette, passed away at the age of 91 in Brighton, leaving behind a rich legacy in drag performance and mentorship.
David Raven, known to many as Maisie Trollette, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 91 in Brighton, England, marking the end of an era in British drag. A close friend, Scott St. Martyn, confirmed that Raven had been residing in a nursing home during his final years.With more than fifty years on the stage as Maisie Trollette, Raven became an essential part of the British drag community, known for his signature blonde wig, eye-catching sequined gowns, and a repertoire of classic show tunes and cheeky humor. He was a familiar face at events like the Brighton and Hove Pride, creating a safe and welcoming space for budding drag artists.Raven came out as gay in his twenties, a brave move during a time when "homosexual acts" were illegal in Britain—a law that would eventually change in 1967. He began his drag career as the art form gained popularity, inspired by notable performers like Danny La Rue, who revered Raven’s talent. In his early years, Raven embraced the title of "pantomime dame," and his friend St. Martyn noted that he always aimed to elevate drag performance to a genuine theatrical art. Raven rose to fame in the 1960s as part of the drag duo the Trollettes with his partner Jimmy Court, making impactful strides in the entertainment world and mentoring younger generations of drag performers along the way.
