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Summary
Harris Glenn Milstead , cognise by his microscope stage nameDivine , was an American actor , drag queen , and singer well known for his function inHairspray . He rise up to fame through his work withindependent filmmaker John Waters , performing principally female roles in both cinematic and theatrical productions . Divine ’s other pursuit in drag get while lick as a womanhood ’s styler , leading him to the countercultural scene of Baltimore where he met water . His portrayal of bold , often controversial characters , alongside his singular retarding force theatrical role in his medicine career , made him an iconic figure in American counterculture . His career was still expand when he passed away on March 7 , 1988 , at age 42 .
Divine ’s collaborationism with John Waters began in the mid-1960s when he joined Waters ' acting company , the Dreamlanders . He star in Waters ' experimental films such asRoman Candles(1966),Eat Your Makeup(1968 ) , andThe Diane Linkletter Story(1969 ) . His breakthrough came with Waters’Pink Flamingos(1972 ) , a cult classic that make for him renown in American counterculture . Divine continue to work on with Waters , starring in motion picture likeFemale Trouble(1974),Polyester(1981 ) , andHairspray(1988 ) , the latter marking his entranceway into mainstream cinema and earning him a nominating address for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male .
10Divine Was Considered To Play Both Edna & Tracy In Hairspray
Divine still played two characters in the 1980s classic.
Divine , a prominent figure in Waters ' cinematic universe , was originally considered for twoHairspraycentral roles : Tracy Turnblad and her mother , Edna . This alone casting idea highlight Divine ’s various talent and the daring creativity of Waters ' filmmaking . However , the film ’s distributor , New Line Cinema , was not in party favour of this concept ( viaJohn Waters : Interviews ) , leading to its eventual abandonment . Divine still portrayed Edna Turnblad inHairspray , a role that became one of his most memorable performances . to boot , Divine play Arvin Hodgepile , the antiblack television receiver station manager . This photographic film , which was Divine ’s last to be relinquish during his lifetime , showcased his ability to enchant hearing with various and challenging characters .
9The Little Mermaid’s Ursula Was Inspired By Divine
Producer Howard Ashman was an admirer of Divine’s work.
Divine ’s influence extended far beyond the boundaries of cult cinema , allow for a hold out impression in the world of mainstream animation . His showy and commanding presence inspired one ofDisney ’s most iconic villains , Ursula the sea crone , inThe small Mermaid . Howard Ashman , the executive manufacturer of the film and a native of Baltimore like Divine , was a great admirer of the drag queen ’s work ( viaCultura Colectiva ) . Ashman played a pivotal role in mold Ursula ’s character , tincture Ursula with Divine ’s typical style and personality . This creative decision not only honored Divine ’s impact on popular culture but also brought a piece of his legacy to a new generation of audiences .
Ursula is played by Melissa McCarthy in the live - natural action The lilliputian Mermaid , but who provides the telling representative for her birdcall " Poor Unfortunate Souls " ?
8Divine’s Appearance Is A Mix Between Jayne Mansfield & Clarabell The Clown
Divine’s has the exaggerated features of the 1950s Hollywood sex symbol.
Divine ’s outstanding appearance , a key element of his larger - than - life character , was a deliberate and intricate creation by John Waters . amnionic fluid envisionedDivine as a fusion of the glamour of Jayne Mansfield , a 1950s Hollywood sexual urge symbol , with the freakish , exaggerated feature film of Clarabell the Clown(viaThe Quietus ) , a character known from former American television receiver . This alone portmanteau was vividly showcased in the filmPink Flamingos , where Divine ’s enlarged blonde bombshell look became iconic . The movie feature Divine with a dramatically receded hairline and sheer , exuberant eye war paint , a style that became synonymous with his public image . This distinct look cement Divine ’s status as an avant - garde icon .
7Divine Inspired Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol took polaroids of Divine.
Divine ’s unique persona and influence transcended the kingdom of celluloid and theater of operations , capturing the attention of iconic creative person Andy Warhol . Warhol , known for his captivation with celebrity culture and the avant - garde , find a muse in Divine . He created portrayal of Divine ( viaThe Guardian ) , capturing the gist of his striking and flamboyant style . These artworks are a testament to Divine ’s encroachment on the contemporaneous art scene , showcasing how his distinguishable trope and character resonated with leading artist of the time . Warhol ’s portrayal of Divine not only immortalise him in the pop art movement but also play up the intersection of puff culture with mainstream art , instance the influence of Divine ’s unconventional part .
6Trouble In Mind’s Gangster Hilly Blue Was Written With Divine In Mind
Hilly Blue is one of Divine’s few male characters.
Inthe excellent eighties neo - noir pic , Trouble in Mind , Divine took on a role that was a substantial loss from his usual carrying into action . He playedthe persona of Hilly Blue , a jovial male person gangster . This role was specifically written with Divine in mind ( viaMy Son Divine ) , showcasing the film maker ' recognition of his unequaled talent and ability to impart deepness to various characters . Although Hilly Blue was not a major grapheme in the film , Divine was eager to take on the function , as it allowed him to explore the depicting of manful character , a direct contrast to his more frequent appearance in puff roles .
5Divine Isn’t Harris Milstead’s Only Alias
Though his passport stated “Divine” as his real name.
Harris Glenn Milstead , splendidly known as Divine , had a various persona extending beyond his stage name . While Divine was the name give to him by John Waters , and one he full embraced in his professional life , he was also known as Glenn among his tightlipped supporter . The name Divine was not just a stage name but became a significant part of his identity , reflecting the transformation and impact he had in the reality of amusement and drag culture . However , whileMilstead insisted Divine was n’t what he endure by in his personal liveliness , he did have Divine as his name on his passport at one point ( viaNot Simply Divine ! ) .
4How Harris Milstead Got The Name Divine
Waters named Milstead “Divine” when they started collaborating.
Harris Glenn Milstead ’s transformation into the iconic figure roll in the hay as Divine was catalyzed by his close association with film maker John Waters . water , recognizing Milstead ’s unique theatrical role and endowment , bestowed upon him the name " Divine " ( viaFar Out ) . This name was more than just a byname ; it represented a new identity operator and an artistic vision . Ethel Waters described Divine as " the most beautiful woman in the populace … almost,“a phrase that capsule the blend of glamor and violation that would add up to define Divine ’s character . This naming was a pivotal minute in Milstead ’s life-time , marking the birth of an alter ego that would become legendary in the worlds of retarding force , photographic film , and counterculture .
3Did Divine Really Steal Steaks During The Pink Flamingos Production?
Waters confirmed that Divine was caught stealing.
Divine played manymemorable John Waters characters , the most notable of which was inPink Flamingoes , andrumors about Divine ’s behaviour during the filming of the fad classic have long been a subject of involvement . One such story involve Divine allegedly stealing steaks , just like the character did in the movie . While the full details of this specific incident are elusive , it ’s have it away thatDivine was get steal in stores . water has talk about Divine ’s various put-on ( viaVogue ) , note :
" Divine sometimes stole thing like steak , but I do n’t think he did it that mode . Once he walk into a store and got catch steal the covers off a director ’s chairwoman . I said , ' You do n’t even own a director ’s chair ! What were you thinking ? ' "
2Divine’s Musical Career Was Successful In The UK
“You Think You’re a Man” reached no. 16 on British Magazine’s dance charts.
While Divine is preponderantly remembered for his iconic roles in film , he also had a notable vocation in music , particularly in the UK . further by his manager , Bernard Jay , to append his income , Divine commence performing in nightclubs , which lead to the transcription of several discotheque singles . His typical gravelly voice , combine with thudding discotheque beat generation , bring forth hits like " I ’m So Beautiful " and " You mean You ’re a Man . " Although his music ab initio had limited succeeder in the U.S. , it found a significant consultation in Britain . Divine ’s single " You believe You ’re a humankind " reached bit 16on the UK Top 75 chart .
1People Named Divine “Drag Queen Of The Century”
Divine had a huge impact on the drag community in the 20th century.
Divine ’s legacy widen beyond his filmography . Hisimpact on the drag and LGBTQ+ communities has been wakeless , leading to his recognition as the “ Drag Queen of the Century ” ( viaThem ) . This title reverberate the substantial influence Divine had in shaping the percept and acceptance of puff refinement . His bluff , unapologetic elan and fearless approach to his prowess separate boundaries and challenge social norm . Divine’spersona , qualify by its profligacy , defiance , and flair , became a symbol of authorisation and release within the fagot community . His enduring influence continues to exhort drag artists , cement his status not just as a remarkable entertainer but as an icon of cultural and societal import .
author : John urine : Interviews , Cultura Colectiva , The Guardian , The Quietus , My Son Divine , Not Simply Divine!,Far Out , Vogue , Them
