Remembering Robyn Lee: A Trailblazing Icon of the Stage and Beloved Original Playgirl
LOS ANGELES, CA — The entertainment community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Robyn Lee, one of the original showgirls in the famed Simone & Monique Playgirls Review, whose elegance, charisma, and pioneering spirit helped define a generation of drag and cabaret performance. She passed away recently, leaving behind a legacy of beauty, boldness, and brilliance.
Known for her glamorous presence and unmatched stage artistry, Robyn was a foundational figure in the Playgirls Review, a celebrated and trailblazing show that carved out space for gender illusionists and drag performers long before mainstream recognition. Her passing has sent ripples of grief throughout the performance world, particularly among those who shared the stage, the spotlight, and the sisterhood she helped shape.
A Dazzling Legacy
From the moment she first stepped onto the stage with Simone & Monique, Robyn Lee captivated audiences with her commanding presence, sultry poise, and impeccable glamour. But behind the glitz and show lights was a woman of profound warmth, wit, and wisdom.
She was more than just a performer—she was a mentor, a friend, and a protector of the arts. Fellow performers recall her kindness backstage, her fierce loyalty to her showgirl family, and her ability to light up a room with nothing more than a smile.
“Robyn was one of the originals. The blueprint, the beauty, the bold,” said a longtime friend and fellow Playgirl. “She helped build something magical. She taught us how to own our power.”
Tributes Pour In
News of Robyn’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes across social media and within the LGBTQ+ performance community. Colleagues and fans alike have been sharing stories of her dazzling performances, her gentle soul, and the way she made everyone feel seen and celebrated.
“RIP lovely Robyn,” one tribute read. “You were beautiful inside and out. Thank you for all the unforgettable moments, for the grace you carried, and for helping pave the way for so many of us.”
Another performer wrote: “We owe so much to the original girls like Robyn Lee. She was fearless and fabulous, and she gave us permission to shine.”
A Star Beyond the Spotlight
Outside of the spotlight, Robyn was deeply connected to her chosen family and the broader LGBTQ+ community. She was known for her unwavering support of younger performers and her steadfast belief in creating safe, inclusive spaces where art and authenticity could flourish.
While the Playgirls Review was her stage, Robyn’s impact extended far beyond the footlights. She helped transform drag from a niche underground act to an art form celebrated on national stages. Her contributions will forever live in the DNA of modern drag performance.
In Loving Memory
As we reflect on the life and legacy of Robyn Lee, we are reminded not only of her beauty but of her bravery—her willingness to step forward when few others dared, to be unapologetically herself, and to lift others as she climbed.
Her loss is felt deeply, but her spirit lives on in every performer who struts confidently across a stage, every show that dares to be bold, and every audience moved by the magic of transformation.
Our sincere condolences go out to Robyn’s family, close friends, and the entire Simone & Monique Playgirls Review community.
May she rest in power, forever remembered as one of the greats.