Transgender figure The Lady Chablis (also known as Brenda Dale Knox)—who became famous in John Berendt’s best-selling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil—passed away Sept. 8 in Savannah, Georgia. She was 59.
In 1996, Chablis penned her autobiography, Hiding My Candy, and went on to play herself in Clint Eastwood’s 1997 movie adaptation of “Midnight.” Her fame helped bring attention to Savannah’s LGTBQ community as well as Club One (where she often performed). Chablis even appeared on The Real Housewives of Atlanta in late 2013.
Club One released a statement: ” The Club One Cabaret mourns the loss of the entertainer that paved the way for female impersonation in Savannah, Ga. A trendsetter in the nightclub entertainment industry, Chablis was not only a privilege to work with, but an inspiration to others in our business. As someone who was not afraid to push limits and set the bar higher, her presence will be forever missed.”
Club One plans to host a benefit and memorial show that will most likely be scheduled around the beginning of the month to coincide with Chablis’ next scheduled appearance.
People may order flowers and cards as well as sign the guestbook at AdamsFuneralServicesInc.com.