by Jen “Lil’ Bit” Schleusner
Come and knock on our door
For the second year in a row, the Mrs. Roper Romp took over Sunday night at Dragon Con. I must admit, it’s a refreshing change of pace to see the confused looks on attendees’ faces as they try to figure out what characters this lively group in curly wigs and caftans are, instead of the usual “What anime or video game is that from?”
Full disclosure before we dive in, as of a few weeks ago the originator of Mrs. Roper at DC, Dee Coble, has passed the baton to myself. So I am now one of the leads for the group and will help to plan next year and beyond’s festivities and group photo.
Who is Mrs. Roper?
For the uninitiated, or those wondering why and how Mrs. Roper has become so popular, here’s a bit of backstory. The viral trend of “Roper Romps” is a fun and nostalgic homage to Helen Roper, the character from the 1970s and 1980s sitcoms Three’s Company and The Ropers. Helen Roper, played by Audra Lindley, was known for her vibrant caftans, curly red (or sometimes strawberry blonde) hair, and chunky costume jewelry.
Where did the Roper Romp come from?
The origins of the Romp go back to 2013 during the Southern Decadence parade in New Orleans, where a group of 50 people dressed up as Mrs. Roper. Since then, it has grown in popularity, with events popping up across the United States and Canada.
What happens at a Romp, you might ask? Participants, often referred to as “Helens” regardless of gender, dress up in Mrs. Roper’s iconic style and gather for pub crawls, parties, and parades. These events are known for their carefree, vibrant energy, and they’re often shared widely on social media. Increasingly, it’s not just Mrs. Roper you’ll see; participants come dressed as Stanley, Jack, Chrissy, the staff of the Regal Beagle, Mr. Furley, and more. (Although, come to think of it, I’ve yet to see a Janet!)
Why Mrs. Roper?
Part of what makes Mrs. Roper such a standout character is her unapologetic nature. She speaks her mind, never lets her husband Stanley’s curmudgeonly attitude get her down, and doesn’t care what others think of her. She embraces aging gracefully with a carefree, IDGAF attitude. And, rare for her time, she displayed a sense of sexual agency to younger generations, owning her desires without shame.
Mrs. Roper has become a symbol of fun and freedom, especially for older women who admire her free-spirited, unapologetic attitude. The trend has also been embraced by the LGBTQIA+ community for its playful subversion of traditional gender roles. And as a bonus, at Dragon Con? Caftans are incredibly comfortable, and the possibilities for creative mashups are endless. Various Mrs. Ropers seen this year: The Stanley Hotel, Nightmare Before Christmas, Star Wars, our beloved resident Klinger and more.
The Mrs. Roper Romp is a great example of how a beloved TV character can inspire a joyful and inclusive community event.
We’ve been waiting for you!
What could have been a one-off event at Dragon Con has continued to grow. In 2023, the inaugural Romp had around 200 participants with an increase this year. Social media numbers tell the same story: at the time of writing, the con-specific Facebook group Mrs. Roper Does Dragon Con has 650 members eager for next year’s Romp, while the larger, original Mrs. Roper Romp group, has 63.6K members and the International Order of Mrs. Ropers boasts 24.5K.
And you don’t have to wait until next year’s Con to join the fun. Roper Romps are increasingly popping up in more cities and states, and there’s a good chance there’s a local chapter near you. So whether you venture out to a Romp in your area or join us at Dragon Con in 2025, grab your caftan, curly wig, and get ready to shout “Hi Helen!” alongside hundreds of like-minded folks.
