Legendary Drag Performer Melinda Ryder, Heart of Hamburger Mary’s Kansas City, Dies
Melinda Ryder, the legendary drag performer and "matron and heart" of Hamburger Mary's Kansas City, has died. Known offstage as Bruce, Ryder was a fixture for over five decades, entertaining the region and raising thousands of dollars for local charities…
Kansas City, MO, September 10, 2026 —
Melinda Ryder, a celebrated drag performer and a central figure at Hamburger Mary’s Kansas City, has died. Ryder, who was known offstage as Bruce, passed away after a battle with cancer.
Ryder was widely recognized as the “matron and heart” of Hamburger Mary’s Kansas City, a role she held for over five decades. Throughout her extensive career, she entertained audiences across the region and dedicated her efforts to raising substantial funds for local charitable organizations through her work at the establishment. Her passing marks the end of a significant era for the Kansas City performance community and the venue she called home for so long. The specific date of her death and details regarding services were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Julia Scammahorn on www.kctv5.com, see more information here.
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