Divine, born Harris Glenn Milstead on October 19, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland, was a trailblazing drag queen and actor who rose to fame for his iconic collaborations with director John Waters. Growing up, Divine was known for his larger-than-life personality and flamboyant style. He attended beauty school and honed his skills working in various hair salons, which would later play a role in shaping his signature look.
Divine's breakthrough role came in John Waters' cult classic film Pink Flamingos, where he portrayed the outrageous and unforgettable character of Babs Johnson. This role catapulted Divine to stardom and cemented his status as a pop culture icon. He went on to star in a string of successful films, including Hairspray, Roman Candles, Eat Your Makeup, and Multiple Maniacs, showcasing his versatility as an actor and performer.
One of the defining aspects of Divine's career was his close collaboration with director John Waters. The duo shared a unique creative vision and pushed boundaries with their films, often tackling taboo subjects with humor and subversion. Their partnership resulted in some of the most iconic and unconventional works in cinema history, earning them a dedicated following of fans.
Divine's impact on the entertainment industry was profound, with his fearless and unapologetic approach to drag inspiring generations of performers. He was recognized by People magazine as the Drag Queen of the Century, a title that spoke to his enduring influence and cultural significance. Even after his passing, Divine's legacy continues to resonate in the worlds of film, fashion, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Despite his larger-than-life persona on screen, Divine was known for his down-to-earth demeanor off-camera. He had a colorful personal life, including brief relationships with a married man named Lee and adult film star Leo Ford in the 1980s. Divine's friendships and romantic entanglements added another layer of complexity to his public image, showcasing the multi-faceted nature of his personality.
Divine continued to work in film and television, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances until his untimely death in 1988. While his physical presence may have been lost, Divine's spirit lives on through his groundbreaking work and enduring influence on popular culture. His fearless embrace of individuality and defiance of societal norms have made him an everlasting icon in the world of entertainment.