In May 2008, I wrote about actor Christopher Morley, “who femulated in films, television shows, and even the pages of Playboy during the last half of the last century. Morley passed and definitely was not a guy in a dress like some of the femulators you see in films and on television. He was thin, pretty, and had one of the best femulated voices I have ever heard.”
In a follow-up blog post, we wondered what had become of Christopher Morley. I researched the matter and could not find anything recent; Morley's last known appearance (according to IMDB) was on an episode of the TV series Roseanne in December 1995.
Three years after that post, out of the blue, I received an e-mail from Christopher Morley!
He wrote how he had never heard of the expression “femulate” before and that he loved it adding that femulate was “so much more accurate than ‘female impersonator,’” which he never cared for and “drag queen,” which he loathed.
He also e-mailed me his publicity photo (above) from the 1980s when he was a celebrity illusionist at the at the La Cage aux Follies supper club in Los Angeles.
Needless to say, I was flabbergasted to receive an e-mail from a celebrity, especially one who inspired me to femulate and actualize the woman I am today.
Sadly, Christopher Morley died on November 2, 2023, at the age of 72.
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| Wearing Boston Proper |
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| Stana as Marilyn |
So sad to hear of the passing of Christopher Morley . He made many appearances in beautiful femme mode, and he deserved to be remembered as a true pioneer .
ReplyDeleteDid you know that Some Like It Hot was playing at the Bushnell this week?
ReplyDeletehttps://bushnell.org/shows-concerts/some-like-it-hot
I just saw it mentioned on "Good Morning Connecticut" on WTNH channel 8.
DeleteOh Stana, you look adorable as Marilyn now let’s put on that white halter dress and heels and find an air vent to stand over. Such a shame to lose someone at the young age of 72. Jill
ReplyDeleteSadly Christopher Morley was possibly less known in the UK, well by me anyway, but thank you Stana for educating me on this wonderful person.
ReplyDeleteFaye x
I remember him in "Feebie and The Bean" and in a show called "Vegas". He was stunning and stirred up deep feelings in me! While I couldn't engage in femulation at that time, he made the urge to be like him strong enough that I finally came out as Kathryn! Great remembrance, Stana!
ReplyDeleteWow Stana! Ava Vaa Voom! You make a great Marilyn. I know you’ve always said you naturally fill out your bra and don’t stuff, but as Marilyn you’re using a little extra, right?
ReplyDeleteThank you for the beautiful article on Christopher Morley. As it happens, I just started watching a two-parter on U-tube and he is on what looks like a daytime soap. Can't wait to see how it turns out. He did have a wonderful voice, too. TY
ReplyDeleteChristopher Morley was my favorite of the true female impersonators of the 70's and 80's. She was inspirational to me in my teenage years.
ReplyDeleteThree beautiful women in today's post! I never heard of Christopher Morley, so it appears I now have a little homework.
ReplyDeleteI remember Chris Morley ... extraordinarily gifted ... another one that was phenominal was Jim Bailey, who appeared on The Late Show during Carson's time ... also a great actor who I often wondered how he could get the voice and mannerisms so perfect of the real singers .. believe is deceased, too
ReplyDeleteStana makes a smashing Marilyn!
ReplyDeleteI hardly recognized her she looks so different.
Norah
Stana, thanks for the update on Christopher Morley … I’d heard rumours he had passed but couldn’t confirm. Sad to know he’s gone, but he leaves an inspirational legacy as a true femulator — beautiful, stylish and that voice! Even the most passable among us (sadly, I’m not in that group) can be betrayed by a less-than-feminine speaking voice, but that was never a problem for Christopher. For those reading who don’t know of his acting work, search Christopher Morley on youtube; there are several good clips. He wont be forgotten.
ReplyDeleteWow, Stana! I did not recognize you in your picture! I don't know the story of you as Marilyn Monroe. Tell us more. ... you naughty girl, you!
ReplyDeleteJoey