Playwright, actor, and drag performer. A native of Pekin, Illinois, James Roy Eichelberger began his career at the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island. After becoming the lead actor in the company he moved to New York and changed his name to Ethyl. Eichelberger soon joined Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, where he acted and designed wigs. Eichelberger became a popular figure in experimental theater and was best known for his writing, appearing in over 40 plays, and his solo works of impersonations of 'Grand Dames' of history including, Queen Nefertiti, Empress Carlota of Mexico, Lucrezia Borgia, Lola Montez, Clytemnestra, Medea, Jocasta, and others. Eichelberger also appeared in "The Comedy Of Errors", "The Threepenny Opera", and the television series, "Encyclopedia" in 1986. The Eichelberger's Restaurant in San Francisco, California, was named in his honor. Eichelberger committed suicide in August 1990 at the age of 45, after being diagnosed with AIDS.
Playwright, actor, and drag performer. A native of Pekin, Illinois, James Roy Eichelberger began his career at the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island. After becoming the lead actor in the company he moved to New York and changed his name to Ethyl. Eichelberger soon joined Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, where he acted and designed wigs. Eichelberger became a popular figure in experimental theater and was best known for his writing, appearing in over 40 plays, and his solo works of impersonations of 'Grand Dames' of history including, Queen Nefertiti, Empress Carlota of Mexico, Lucrezia Borgia, Lola Montez, Clytemnestra, Medea, Jocasta, and others. Eichelberger also appeared in "The Comedy Of Errors", "The Threepenny Opera", and the television series, "Encyclopedia" in 1986. The Eichelberger's Restaurant in San Francisco, California, was named in his honor. Eichelberger committed suicide in August 1990 at the age of 45, after being diagnosed with AIDS.
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