Stephanie “Tanqueray” Johnson lived a life that seemed scripted for cinema — a story of grit, glamour, survival, and reinvention. Born Aquila Stephanie Springle in Albany, New York, in 1944, she grew up in a household marked by strict rules and harsh realities. Poverty and discipline shaped her early years, yet even amid these constraints, she found sparks of creativity and resilience that would define her journey. Expelled from home as a teenager after becoming pregnant, she briefly served time in prison before deciding to flee to New York City, determined to carve out a new existence on her own terms.
Arriving in Manhattan, Stephanie immersed herself in the vibrant world of burlesque, adopting the stage name Tanqueray. She danced in clubs that glittered with neon lights, performing for audiences in Manhattan and Harlem while building a reputation for charisma, daring, and talent. Designing her own costumes — elaborate creations studded with rhinestones and beads — she distinguished herself not just as a performer but as a visionary, someone who could transform her personal struggles into dazzling artistry.
Her career in burlesque was more than entertainment; it was survival. Stephanie navigated mob-run clubs, the intricacies of the X-rated nightlife, and the complex hierarchy of Manhattan’s underground scene. She learned Italian from working with mobsters and adapted to a world that demanded cunning and boldness. Through it all, she retained a sense of humor, often recounting escapades that seemed as if pulled from a Scorsese film — yet every story she told was true, a testament to her resourcefulness and will to endure.
In later years, Stephanie’s life took on a new kind of spotlight. She became a viral sensation in 2019 after Brandon Stanton of Humans of New York encountered her in Chelsea. At first, her striking red patchwork coat and fur accents drew attention, but it was her storytelling that captivated the world. She shared vivid accounts of mob-run clubs, X-rated venues, and encounters with powerful figures, giving the internet a raw and unfiltered glimpse into a bygone era of New York nightlife.
Stephanie was unapologetically candid. “My stripper name was Tanqueray,” she said. “Back in the seventies, I was the only Black girl making white girl money. I danced in so many mob clubs that I learned Italian.” These words resonated far beyond the burlesque community, as audiences everywhere were drawn to her honesty, her wit, and her unflinching courage in telling her story. Her narrative became a bridge between generations, a reminder of both the glamour and the grit of the city she called home.
Her online presence rapidly grew, reaching millions through Humans of New York’s serialized posts. Every anecdote showcased her resilience, creativity, and survival instincts. Readers followed her journey with awe, laughing at her humor, marveling at her bravery, and mourning the hardships she endured. The world came to see Stephanie not just as a performer but as a symbol of defiance, strength, and unapologetic self-expression.
Stephanie’s compelling story inspired tangible support. A GoFundMe campaign, initiated by Stanton to cover her medical care, raised over $2.5 million. Her fans and the broader public were eager to give back to someone who had given so much of herself through her performances and storytelling. In 2022, she published her memoir, Tanqueray, chronicling her life on the stage, her fashion endeavors, and her extraordinary survival in a world that demanded toughness and ingenuity.
Her memoir became a bestseller, a testament to her enduring appeal and the hunger of audiences for her voice. Stephanie reflected on her life with humor and insight, revealing layers of complexity that many might have overlooked behind the glamour. She described the juxtaposition of her sharp-edged persona with moments of tenderness, famously noting that she slept with a teddy bear until the day she died — a symbol of innocence persisting alongside a life of audacious adventures.
Even in death, Stephanie’s life sparked conversation, reflection, and admiration. Her passing on October 11 at her Manhattan home, following a severe stroke, was confirmed by her son, Mitchell Springle. Tributes poured in from around the world, celebrating not just her legendary performances but also her humanity, resilience, and ability to transform hardship into art. Chelsea and the wider New York community felt a profound loss, mourning a figure who had embodied both spectacle and spirit.
Fans shared anecdotes online, recalling encounters that highlighted Stephanie’s warmth and humor. One remembered meeting her at Eataly, where she gifted a hilarious keepsake; another spoke of passing her daily near Grand Central, marveling at the life she had lived. These memories captured not only her charisma and entertainment but also her ability to connect, however briefly, with those who crossed her path.
Stephanie’s philosophy was as bold as her performances. “I hope when I get to heaven God shows me a movie of my life,” she said. “But just the funny parts. Not the in-between parts, ‘cause then we’d both start crying. Underneath all the laughs and gags, it was always about one thing: survival.” This sentiment framed her life as one of resilience, humor, and triumph over adversity, leaving an enduring lesson for everyone who admired her.
Stephanie Johnson, Tanqueray, was many things: a survivor, a storyteller, a burlesque lege
nd, and a symbol of joy and courage in the face of hardship. She reminded the world that life could be lived fully, creatively, and unapologetically, no matter the obstacles. Her legacy endures in her performances, her memoir, and the hearts of countless fans who will remember her brilliance, humor, and unbreakable spirit. Rest in power, Stephanie — a true icon whose story will inspire generations.