Stephanie Johnson, known to the world as Tanqueray, passed away on October 11, 2025, at 81, leaving behind a legend that bridged New York’s mid-century nightlife and the digital age. Born in 1944 in Albany, her early life was marked by hardship, including being cast out as a pregnant teenager. Manhattan became her stage—and her reinvention.
In the 1960s and ’70s, she became a burlesque icon, handcrafting dazzling costumes and navigating the city’s nightlife with both talent and cunning. She thrived in spaces others feared, moving seamlessly from drag clubs to mob-run venues, famously remarking she was “the only Black girl making white girl money” in those rooms.
Tanqueray’s fame resurfaced in 2019 when Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York featured her. Her stories—raw, witty, and unflinchingly honest—captivated millions, leading to a GoFundMe that raised $2.5 million and a bestselling memoir. Beyond the glamour and bravado, she revealed a surprising softness, a woman of dualities: fierce performer, yet tender at heart.
Stephanie was more than a survivor; she was a storyteller, a connector across generations, showing that artistry often demands resilience first. Chelsea neighbors and global fans alike remember her presence, her charisma, and her indomitable spirit.
Her legacy is clear: Tanqueray didn’t just survive New York—she conquered it, leaving a blueprint of courage, style, and storytelling for anyone striving to remake their life against the odds.