Her regular performances at Savannah's Club One became the hottest ticket in town. .

"The Doll" rose to fame in the book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and movie of the same name. The Lady Chablis -SAVANNAH - Brenda Dale Knox better known as The Lady Chablis, 59, had her transition on Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Candler Hospital … "When Clint Eastwood announced he was doing the movie, Chablis made an announcement of her own. Berendt told a darkly humorous tale about one of Savannah's most infamous real life murder trials — the city's richest man, who lived his life deep in the closet, was charged with murdering a young hustler who may have been his lover. Audiences loved her. Lady Chablis, of course, became ... She was a guest on Good Morning America, and was interviewed by Oprah. As the story unfolded, Berendt also exposed some embarrassing truths about Savannah's eccentric population.The Lady Chablis was the book's most colorful character. "Eastwood wisely cast Chablis as Chablis. Lady Chablis was born Benjamin Edward Knox but legally changed her name to The Lady Chablis around the time author John Berendt's book "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" became a movie in 1997, according to the AP. In 1996, she released her autobiography “Hiding My Candy,” dubbed by her publisher as a cross between The Color Purple and Cinderella. "She was a breakout star, no doubt about it," Hall said. A close friend, Cale Hall, said Chablis died from pneumonia and had been in the hospital for the past month.A modern, nonfiction murder-and-mischief take on Southern Gothic storytelling, author John Berendt's "The legacy that she wanted to leave was one of 'believe in who you are and never let the world change who you are,'" Ponder said. Funeral Home website by She insisted to USA Today that she would play herself in the movie – or there would not be one. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, who request privacy during this time of grief.Chablis became notable in the early 1990s when she was featured as one of Savannah’s colorful characters in John Berendt’s book “Midnight in The Garden of Good and Evil” based on a true crime story. In 1997, Hollywood wasn't quite ready to embrace LGBT performers.Chablis went back to Savannah and performed at Club One until about a month before her death from pneumonia on September 8, 2016. The Doll loved to cook, and included several of her favorite recipes at the back of her book, like Brenda’s Kickin’ Chicken. She didn't receive the Oscar nomination she so richly deserved. John Berendt speaks at the memorial service for The Lady Chablis.
People devoured the book, or they watched her steal scenes from John Cusack, or they saw her on “Oprah.” Tourists and suburbanites and bachelorette parties poured into tiny clubs to see her. She insisted to USA Today that she would play herself in the movie - or there would not be one. Chablis continued performing around the country making Club One her home base in Savannah, drawing crowds once a month for special appearances. In his Best Selling novel, known in Savannah as The Book, John Berendt wrote that when he first met The Lady Chablis, “she had both hands on her hips and a sassy half-smile on her face,” a pose that would grace many stages. © 2020 Adams Funeral Services. . With her declining health, she regretted that her body wouldn’t allow her to give more. She has long been a giver to the community. A star was born — or should have been.For reasons unknown, The Lady Chablis' Hollywood career began and ended with "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil."

Rest In Peace, Grand Empress of Savannah.AUTHOR JOHN BERENDT COMMENTS ON PASSING OF LADY CHABLIS...I just spoke to John Berendt on the phone. Chablis is survived by her sister, Cynthia. Just as The Book shined the spotlight on Savannah, so too did Chablis shine the spotlight on the gay scene, and especially on Club One.
"I dance, I do lip sync, and I emcee," Chablis says in Chablis had performed at Club One in downtown Savannah since its opening day in 1988, said Hall, the nightclub's co-owner. "Her big eyes sparkled. "Love yourself first and respect yourself first and others will love and respect you.

She’d be the first to tell you that she stole the show in Clint Eastwood’s 1997 adaptation. SAVANNAH, Ga. — The Lady Chablis, the transgender performer who became an unlikely celebrity for her role in the 1994 best-seller Chablis' sister, Cynthia Ponder, confirmed she died at Candler Hospital. She was 59 years old. "Order Flowers, Cards and Sign the Guestbook using the links on our website: www.AdamsFuneralServicesInc.comOur support in your time of need does not end after the funeral services. She told you what she thought. Throughout the 2000’s, she worked closely on various campaigns for the American Diabetes Association, donating thousands of dollars raised by her performances to the cause.She was the headlining entertainer for Savannah Pride’s inaugural celebration, and hosted their Miss Gay Pride Pageant.