TL;DR
- Dito van Reigersberg, known as Martha Graham Cracker, passed away at 53.
- He was a beloved drag performer in Philadelphia.
- Martha’s performances blended music, humor, and emotional depth.
- Van Reigersberg’s legacy reshaped the drag scene in Philly.
- He is survived by his husband, Matthew Neenan.
Philadelphia is reeling from the loss of one of its most cherished drag artists, Dito van Reigersberg, who graced the stage as the iconic Martha Graham Cracker. The performer, actor, and theater-maker passed away on June 1, 2026, after a brave battle with leukemia that began in 2022. Surrounded by family, friends, and the music that defined his life, Dito left this world, but not before leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
Victor Fiorillo, van Reigersberg’s longtime pianist, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, stating, “I am absolutely devastated to tell you that my sweetest and most generous and most talented friend Dito van Reigersberg aka Martha Graham Cracker has given her last bow — or is it curtsey?” This sentiment echoes the feelings of countless fans who adored the towering, hairiest drag queen in the world.
A proud graduate of Swarthmore College, Dito co-founded Philadelphia’s Pig Iron Theatre Company, where he dazzled audiences in nearly every production since its inception in 1995. His performances in the Obie Award-winning works like Hell Meets Henry Halfway and Chekhov Lizardbrain showcased his immense talent long before he donned the wig and heels of Martha Graham Cracker.
Since her debut in 2005, Martha Graham Cracker became a staple of Philadelphia nightlife, known for her genre-defying cabaret shows that could swing from Judy Garland to Black Sabbath in a single performance. With a full band backing her, Martha’s monthly shows at L’Etage became a sold-out phenomenon, drawing devoted fans who craved not just music, but the spontaneity and emotional richness that Dito infused into every act.
In a 2025 interview with Philadelphia magazine, Dito reflected on the magic of Martha: “Oh, God, I have no idea. Maybe it’s a bunch of things coming together. If you’re just a person who likes music, hopefully the music side of the show is satisfying to you. And maybe there’s a feeling like anything could happen, which is exciting and weirdly liberating.” His goal was simple yet profound: to take audiences on a wild ride and leave them with sore cheeks from laughter.
As Martha Graham Cracker, Dito expanded the horizons of what drag could embody in Philadelphia: theatrical, literary, absurd, and deeply musical. He was not just a performer; he was a force of nature, commanding the room with both humor and heartfelt songs. After his leukemia diagnosis, he stepped back from the stage, but his return was a testament to his resilience. He shared, “You have to form a relationship with the idea that you’re not going to always be here. You learn a lot about how precious time is.” This perspective only deepened the connection he had with his audience.
For the LGBTQ+ community in Philadelphia, Dito van Reigersberg was more than just a performer; he was a beacon of creativity and joy. His character, Martha, created a vibrant world filled with music, humor, and heart. As we mourn his passing, we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind — a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of drag performers.
In lieu of flowers, Dito’s family has set up an email address, lovefordito@pigiron.org, where fans and friends can send memories, poems, artwork, photos, videos, and messages to honor his memory. Philadelphia will never be the same without him, but his spirit will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who loved him.