When Stephanie “Tanqueray” Johnson first appeared on Humans of New York, she captured the internet’s heart overnight. With her sharp wit, glamorous tales of 1970s New York, and unapologetic confidence, she became an instant icon—proof that resilience and authenticity never go out of style. But behind the sequins and sass was a woman who had endured heartbreak, poverty, and rejection, only to turn those struggles into the story of a lifetime. Her passing at 81 marks the end of an era for those who saw in her a rare kind of courage—the ability to live loudly, truthfully, and without regret.
Born Aquila Stephanie Springle in 1944 in Albany, New York, her childhood was far from easy. Raised in a strict home, she faced rejection as a pregnant teenager and was forced to build her life from scratch. Moving to Manhattan, she reinvented herself as “Tanqueray,” a name that would soon light up the stages of New York’s underground nightlife. She became one of the most memorable burlesque performers of the 1960s and ’70s—famous for her radiant costumes, commanding presence, and undeniable charm. “Back in the seventies,” she once said proudly, “I was the only Black girl making white girl money.”
For decades, her story remained largely untold—until 2019, when photographer Brandon Stanton met her by chance and shared her story on Humans of New York. The response was overwhelming. Millions followed along as Tanqueray recounted her life in a 33-part series that mixed heartbreak with humor and grit with grace. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $2.5 million for her medical care, and her 2022 memoir Tanqueray became a bestseller, ensuring that her voice—and her truth—would never be forgotten.
Those close to her knew that beneath the bold persona was a woman who loved deeply and carried her past with tenderness. Stanton once revealed that she slept with a teddy bear in her final days—a small but beautiful symbol of the softness that lived within her fierce spirit. Stephanie “Tanqueray” Johnson passed away on October 11 at 81, leaving behind a story that transcends time. She turned pain into performance, shame into strength, and her life into art. Her legacy reminds us that no matter where we begin, it’s never too late to become unforgettable.
