John Hemmer Archive

Darlene Larson

grew up on a Canadian mink ranch. As a girl she attended vaudeville shows and cinemas where she fell in love with performing. Darlene was a cigarette girl at the Prince Edward Hotel in Toronto, Ontario before becoming a magician’s assistant as one of a two-personal act, MANDRAKE AND DARLENE. Her first role as a showgirl was at the Elmwood Casino in Windsor, Ontario before traveling to New York where she auditioned for Lou Walters World Famous Latin Quarter. She graced its stage with the likes of Eddie Albert, Sophie Tucker, Jayne Mansfield, Johnnie Ray, Bobby Vinton, Charro, Marie Wilson, Eleanor Powell, Mamie Van Doren, Lily St. Cyr and Buddy Hackett. Darlene toured with MINSKY FOLLIES, performed as a showgirl in Vegas, and in other productions nationwide. She was a model for Rudi Gernreich. Darlene enjoyed performing in the Latin Quarter Showgirls, Inc. charity productions. She continues to work in theater and performs as a showgirl with the Ziegfeld Society. She loves her job as a New York City tour guide.