This Monday July 23rd, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences held a belated 30thanniversary screening of John Waters’ 1988 hit, Hairspray. The 35mm screening was accompanied by a Q&A with John Waters, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Deborah Harry, Ricki Lake, Clayton Prince, Mink Stole, and Pia Zadora. The event (hosted by Moonlight director, Barry Jenkins) was reminiscent of “a high school reunion” and brought the cast together in Los Angeles’s Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
John Waters, an open gay man and icon, is best known for his cult classic films from the 70’s but gave us something that still lives on today- Hairspray. At the event, Barry Jenkins joked that when he sat down to have a cocktail in John Waters’ home, Waters let him know the cocktail had been paid by Hairspray. It inspired a stage musical, it inspired a movie remake, it inspired a live tv musical on NBC, and it inspired the hearts of many to be a bit more open and a bit more fun. During the event, Waters was clear about what he set out to do and what he succeeded in doing- telling a story about segregation, both racial and sexual, and how when we let things come together it all works out.
However, Hairspray would not be Hairspray without Harris Glenn Milstead, better known by his performer name- Divine. Divine appeared in most of John Waters’ work in drag and came to be earn the title of “Drag Queen of the Century” from People magazine. His contribution to our society was unashamed drag, unlimited fun, and letting us know it was always okay to be exactly who we wanted to. Before the Q&A came to a close, Clayton Prince who played Seaweed took a moment to remind us of how much Divine contributed and to have a moment of remembrance for him. Divine will always be remembered by his cast mates, friends, and fans.
