Harvey "Lee" Goodwin, Delineator of the Divine Feminine
Harvey "Lee" Goodwin was a Little Rock native whose love of performance blossomed into a career as a professional female impersonator. Despite a lifelong battle with tuberculosis, he successfully performed in movies and on stages around the world.
Harvey Wilson Goodwin was the second child born to Ernest Eugene Goodwin, contractor, and Ella Lorena (Hicks) Goodwin, homemaker. The Goodwin family claimed additional artists in the family besides Harvey. His paternal grandfather made violins, and his cousin, Nat Goodwin, performed as a tragedian actor.
Upon graduation from Little Rock High School In 1930, Goodwin attended business school and subsequently accepted a clerical position in Washington, D.C. He enrolled in dance lessons at the Hazel Richard Dance Studio. At this studio, he made his debut as a semi-professional female impersonator in 1933, performing a song and dance routine. Goodwin’s youthful talents were noticed by many. In fact, in January 1934, Goodwin was asked to perform in costume at one of the first of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s birthday balls.
(Harvey’s papers are referenced as ualr.ms.0112. Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
Harvey's Big Break
In 1934, Goodwin received his big break when Club Richman in New York City offered him a position with a salary equal to his government employment. Harvey's good luck continued during his time at Club Richman when he secured the part of a female impersonator in Warner Brothers-Vitaphone musical comedy entitled The City Slicker.
(Harvey’s papers are referenced as ualr.ms.0112. Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
Bad Luck - But the Show Must Go On
Unfortunately, Goodwin's luck in the performing arts came to a halt in 1936 when he contracted pneumonia. Subsequent x-rays revealed that Goodwin had tuberculosis, a condition that required him to recover in a sanatorium from 1936 to 1941. Upon recovery, he decided to re-enter show business by securing a position at Club Finocchio’s in San Francisco, California. People commented on how seamlessly Goodwin returned to his profession, and his confidence rebounded.
(Harvey’s papers are referenced as ualr.ms.0112. Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
Another Turn for the Worse, then Triumph!
In October 1952, Harvey suffered a third bout of debilitating tuberculosis. By 1957, Harvey felt sufficiently strong enough to return to the stage and turned his sights on France and Germany. Upon his successful European performances, he moved back to New York where once again he worked in various clerical positions. Fortunately, in 1964, “Lady Luck” surfaced in the guise of a six-month contract at the night club Finocchio’s in San Francisco.
(Harvey’s papers are referenced as ualr.ms.0112. Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)
Coming Home
After the 1989 San Francisco earthquake, Harvey returned to Little Rock as his San Francisco apartment sustained major damage. His decades-long battle with tuberculosis ended in 1992, when he died on July 4 and was buried in Greer's Chapel Cemetery, Magnolia, Arkansas.
(Harvey’s papers are referenced as ualr.ms.0112. Find out more by visiting the finding aid online.)