Remembering the iconic Divine
In the mid-1960s, Gleen Milstead formed a transformative friendship with filmmaker John Waters, who dubbed him “Divine” and cast him in a series of provocative films that pushed the boundaries of taste and convention including the now cult movie “Pink Flamingos” in 1972 and later during the 1980’s in the memorable movies “Polyester” and “Hairspray”
Remembering the iconic Divine
The American actor, singer, and drag performer Glenn Milstead, best known as Divine, and who became a cult icon and a pioneering figure in both underground and mainstream entertainment, was born Harris Glenn Milstead on October 19, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland. Raised in a conservative, middle-class family, Milstead faced bullying during his youth due to his weight and effeminate demeanor. He found solace in creative expression, eventually training as a hairdresser and immersing himself in Baltimore’s countercultural scene.
In the mid-1960s, Milstead formed a transformative friendship with filmmaker John Waters, who dubbed him “Divine” and cast him in a series of provocative films that pushed the boundaries of taste and convention. Divine’s breakout role came in Pink Flamingos (1972), where his fearless performance as Babs Johnson solidified his status as a leading figure in transgressive cinema. He continued to collaborate with Waters on films like Female Trouble (1974), Polyester (1981), and the mainstream hit Hairspray (1988), in which he played the dual roles of Edna Turnblad and Arvin Hodgepile.
Beyond film, Divine achieved success in the music industry with a series of high-energy dance tracks, including “You Think You’re a Man” and “I’m So Beautiful,” which became hits in Europe and the LGBTQ+ club scene. He also appeared in theater productions, notably Women Behind Bars and The Neon Woman, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Divine passed away on March 7, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 42, due to heart failure. His death occurred shortly after the release of Hairspray, which had brought him newfound mainstream recognition. Today, Divine is remembered as a trailblazer who challenged societal norms and left an indelible mark on film, music, and drag culture.
Look back at the music video for Divine’s 1984 “You Think You’re a Man”
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