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Elyssa Goodman

Elyssa Goodman is a New York-based writer and photographer and the author of Glitter and Concrete: A Cultural History of Drag in New York City.

Portrait of Faye Emerson in Paris, August 17, 1951

Faye Emerson Became the ‘First Lady of Television’ During the Medium’s Early Days. But Her Groundbreaking Success as a Late-Night Host Is Largely Forgotten Today

She rose to fame in the mid-20th century with “The Faye Emerson Show” on CBS, interviewing luminaries and speaking directly to viewers

A view of Mei Lanfang performing in 1930

Mei Lanfang Was Famous for His Masterful Performances as Female Leads. In the 1930s, He Introduced American Audiences to the World of Chinese Opera

He is considered one of China’s greatest 20th-century opera performers, and his influence on the art form is still felt today

Invocation: Severance of Ties, Jim Chuchu, digital video (still), 2014

This Groundbreaking New Showcase of Nearly 60 Works Is the Biggest-Ever Exhibition of LGBTQ+ African Art

One of its co-curators wants historians to expand on the display and “write a proper history” of this artistry

Elsa Lanchester as The Bride in Bride of Frankenstein, 1935

This Designer Created Iconic Costumes for ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ and Other Classic Monster Movies. Her Mysterious Life Ended Tragically

Vera West made her mark on 20th-century horror cinema. Historians continue to ponder the sad circumstances of her story