UPDATE: The Bianca Paige Memorial Fund has been established at Regions Bank; anyone wishing to contribute may do so at any Regions Bank in Middle Tennessee.
Gravel-voiced Mark Middleton, whose alter ego Bianca Paige was a longtime local favorite on the drag circuit, has passed away.
Middleton died Friday evening of an undisclosed illness. He was with his father, stepmother, a representative from Nashville CARES and other friends,including performer Veronika Electronika. He had been hospitalized several times in recent years with a variety of ailments, often joking about his physical condition from the stage.
Middleton moved to Nashville more than 20 years ago from his hometown of Paducah, Ken., and in the ensuing years honed and perfected Bianca Paige, “The
The titles were plentiful; more than 20 at last count, among them Miss State of Tennessee, Miss Music City, and favorite drag queen/drag performer in dozens of reader polls. If a Nashville bar had a stage, she likely called it home for a while, and was always in demand both here and on the road.
In addition to performance work, Middleton also donated his time and behind-the-scenes talents to Nashville CARES, Nashville Pride, Vanderbilt’s AIDS/HIV vaccine studies, Vanderbilt Children with AIDS, The Conductors, Human Rights Campaign and the Comprehensive Care Center. He also served as spokesperson for “The Bianca Paige Awareness Network,” an organization dedicated to AIDS awareness and prevention.
His theater work included productions of “Torch Song Trilogy,” “Sitcom” and “Ain’t We Got Fun.”
A benefit will be held on June 20 at Play Dance Bar from 10 p.m. onward, with all proceeds going to meet Middleton’s final expenses and any remaining funds to be disbursed, as he wished, between Nashville CARES, the Comprehensive Care Center, the Conductors and the Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association. |
Within minutes of his death, tributes began popping up on Facebook and other social media as Nashvillians learned the sad news.
“This is truly a sad day for the Nashville gay community,” said Brad Beasley. “I’ve always though the world of Mark, and will miss his smile terribly.”
“Really heartbroken to hear about the Pantomime Rage, Miss Bianca Paige, passing,” added Mike Smith. “One of the best comediennes I've ever seen. Mark was a sweetheart and a friend. I'll miss him. Rest in peace.”
Funeral arrangements are pending; however, Middleton had made known he wished to be cremated, and funds are being raised to cover expenses. A benefit will be held on June 20 at Play Dance Bar from 10 p.m. onward, with all proceeds going to meet Middleton’s final expenses and any remaining funds to be disbursed, as he wished, between Nashville CARES, the Comprehensive Care Center, the Conductors and the Smoky Mountain Rodeo Association.