Martha Graham Cracker, the celebrated drag persona of actor and performer Dito van Reigersberg, left an enduring impact on Philadelphia’s cultural and LGBTQ+ communities. Known for describing herself as “the world’s tallest and hairiest drag queen,” Martha Graham Cracker combined humor, music, and heartfelt storytelling to create performances that resonated with audiences for nearly two decades. Following complications from a bone marrow transplant related to his battle with cancer, van Reigersberg passed away in June 2026 at the age of 53, leaving behind a remarkable artistic legacy.
Born near Washington, D.C., van Reigersberg developed an early interest in theater and performance. While attending Swarthmore College, he met collaborators who would later help establish the Pig Iron Theatre Company in 1995. Their experimental productions earned recognition and helped shape Philadelphia’s contemporary theater scene. After further training in New York, including studies at the Martha Graham School of Dance, van Reigersberg gradually developed the character of Martha Graham Cracker, who became a regular presence on local stages beginning in 2005.
The contrast between the performer and his alter ego was part of Martha’s appeal.
Onstage, she was bold, flirtatious, and larger than life, while offstage van Reigersberg was known for his kindness, thoughtfulness, and commitment to the arts. Even while facing leukemia and other serious illnesses, he remained optimistic and continued advocating for creativity, inclusion, and community.
I photographed several Martha Graham Cracker shows in 2014, and had no idea what to expect before they began. They were sweet, very funny, and wildly entertaining – and audience members were captivated. Dito van Reigersberg was so kind to everyone involved with them, regardless of their position, and had a way of making you feel like you were in on something silly, unpredictable, and more than a little bit magical. I also couldn’t help but notice how much work went into creating a show that looked effortless, and how the performance was essentially a joyous celebration that the audience was all a part of. This is such a tremendous loss for Philadelphia’s cultural scene, and for van Reigersberg’s friends and loved ones – but Martha was unforgettable, not only for her talent, but for the wonderful way she treated those around her. She will be greatly missed.
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