Ethyl Eichelberger (July 17, 1945 - August 12, 1990) was an American drag performer, playwright and actor. Born James Roy Eichelberger in Pekin, Illinois, he attended Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois and graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City in 1967. For seven years he was the lead character actor at the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island, then returned to New York, changed his name to Ethyl, and became a member of Charles Ludlam's Ridiculous Theatrical Company, acting and designing wigs.