Frenchy Colbert:
The Burlesque Star and Her Cheetah, Taquitto

The world of burlesque has seen its fair share of wild acts, but few could match the audacity and spectacle of Frenchy Colbert, a performer who captivated audiences in the 1960s with her daring routines alongside a pet cheetah named Taquitto. Her story is one of glamour, danger, and a few run-ins with the law that only added to her mystique.

The Bold Performer and Her Exotic Companion

Frenchy Colbert was no ordinary burlesque dancer. As the art of burlesque evolved in the mid-20th century, performers were always searching for new ways to dazzle crowds. Frenchy took that to heart, incorporating an exotic cheetah into her act—a bold choice that set her apart from the rest of the performers of her era. The cheetah, named Taquitto, added an air of both elegance and danger to Frenchy’s performances, blending sensuality with the thrill of unpredictability. It was a perfect match for the burlesque scene of the 1960s, which embraced more daring and experimental acts to compete with the rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

Legal Trouble with Taquitto

While Frenchy’s act with Taquitto thrilled audiences, it also attracted the attention of local authorities. In 1962, Frenchy found herself in legal hot water for violating a city ordinance that prohibited keeping exotic animals within city limits. The case, which made headlines, centered on concerns about public safety, as authorities argued that even a tame cheetah could pose a risk in a nightclub or theater environment.

Frenchy defended her act, insisting that Taquitto was well-trained and posed no threat to her audience. However, the court was unmoved by her arguments, and she was fined $100 (around $850 today) for breaking the city’s animal regulations. Though the fine was relatively small, the case added to her notoriety. Frenchy’s legal troubles highlighted the tension between performers pushing boundaries and increasingly strict public safety regulations.

The Legacy of Frenchy Colbert

While Frenchy Colbert’s performances were unique and captured the imaginations of many, her legacy remains somewhat mysterious. Beyond the well-documented incident with Taquitto, there is little available information about her life or whether she encountered further legal troubles. Like many burlesque performers of the time, Frenchy operated in a world that was often on the fringes of legality, where performers constantly pushed against societal norms in the name of entertainment. Her cheetah routine is emblematic of the way burlesque blurred the lines between art, spectacle, and controversy.

Here at Burlesque Bits, we strive to unearth the almost forgotten entertainers like Frenchy Colbert, whose contributions to the art of burlesque remain in the shadows of history. Through our research, we hope to shine a light on these daring performers, who shaped burlesque’s evolution and pushed the boundaries of entertainment. Frenchy’s bold choice to perform with a live cheetah made her act a standout in the competitive world of burlesque, where performers constantly sought to shock and excite their audiences. Her run-in with the law only fueled her fame, solidifying her status as one of the more daring performers of her time.

Final Curtain Call

Details about Frenchy Colbert’s later years and passing remain elusive, as is the case with many niche performers who, while influential in their time, have largely been forgotten by mainstream history. Her story, however, continues to captivate those fascinated by burlesque’s history, a reminder of the wild and untamed spirit of the art form during its mid-century heyday.

Frenchy Colbert’s life, punctuated by her thrilling performances and her legal skirmishes, offers a glimpse into the world of burlesque during an era when performers were unafraid to take risks. Her act with Taquitto may be her most enduring legacy—a testament to the daring creativity and spectacle that defined the burlesque stage.