Harris Glenn Milstead, better known by his stage name Divine, was an American actor, singer, and drag queen. He is best known for his roles in the films of John Waters, including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Hairspray.
Divine was a pioneer of the drag queen subculture and a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. He was also a successful singer, releasing several albums and singles. Divine died in 1988 at the age of 42 from a heart attack.
Divine's legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and performers today. He is remembered as one of the most important figures in the history of drag and queer culture.
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Harris Glenn Milstead
Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine, was an American actor, singer, and drag queen. He was a pioneer of the drag queen subculture and a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. Divine's key aspects include:
- Drag queen
- Actor
- Singer
- LGBT rights activist
- John Waters collaborator
- Cult figure
Divine's drag queen persona was outrageous and over-the-top, and he often used his platform to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. He was a talented actor, and his performances in John Waters' films are iconic. Divine was also a successful singer, releasing several albums and singles. He was a vocal advocate for LGBT rights, and he used his celebrity to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community. Divine died in 1988 at the age of 42, but his legacy continues to inspire and influence artists and performers today.
1. Drag queen
Drag queen is a term used to describe a person, usually male, who dresses in women's clothing and performs in front of an audience. Drag queens often use makeup, wigs, and other accessories to create a feminine look. They may also lip-sync to popular songs or perform original material.
- Performance
Drag queens often perform in nightclubs, bars, and theaters. They may also appear in films and television shows. - Art form
Drag is an art form that allows performers to express themselves creatively. Drag queens often use their performances to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. - Community
Drag queens are often part of a community of other drag queens. They may share tips and advice, and support each other's careers. - Activism
Drag queens have a long history of activism. They have been involved in the fight for LGBT rights and have spoken out against discrimination and prejudice.
Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine, was one of the most famous drag queens in the world. He was known for his outrageous and over-the-top performances, and he was a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. Divine's drag persona was a powerful tool for self-expression and social commentary. He used his platform to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, and he inspired others to do the same.
2. Actor
Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine, was an American actor, singer, and drag queen. He is best known for his roles in the films of John Waters, including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Hairspray. Divine was a talented actor, and his performances were often outrageous and over-the-top. He was not afraid to take on challenging roles, and he often played characters that were marginalized or outcast. Divine's acting helped to raise awareness of LGBT issues, and he inspired others to be themselves.
Divine's acting career began in the early 1970s when he met John Waters. Waters was impressed by Divine's unique look and personality, and he cast him in his first film, Pink Flamingos. Divine's performance in the film was unforgettable, and he quickly became a cult figure. He went on to star in several other Waters films, including Female Trouble, Polyester, and Hairspray. Divine's acting was often praised for its originality and its ability to shock and entertain audiences.
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Divine's acting career was cut short when he died of a heart attack in 1988. He was only 42 years old. However, his legacy continues to inspire actors and filmmakers today. Divine was a pioneer of the drag queen subculture, and he helped to pave the way for other drag queens to achieve success in the entertainment industry. He was also a talented actor, and his performances were often groundbreaking. Divine's work continues to be celebrated today, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of drag and queer culture.
3. Singer
Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine, was an American actor, singer, and drag queen. He is best known for his roles in the films of John Waters, including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Hairspray. Divine was also a successful singer, releasing several albums and singles. His music was often outrageous and over-the-top, and it reflected his drag queen persona.
- Musical style
Divine's musical style was eclectic, and he often experimented with different genres. His music was often campy and humorous, and it featured elements of disco, funk, and soul. Divine's most famous song is "You Think You're a Man," which was released in 1984. The song was a hit on the dance charts, and it helped to raise Divine's profile as a singer. - Live performances
Divine was a dynamic live performer, and his shows were often outrageous and over-the-top. He was known for his use of props and costumes, and he often performed with a live band. Divine's live shows were a unique and unforgettable experience, and they helped to cement his status as a cult figure. - Influence
Divine's music and live performances have influenced many other artists, including RuPaul, Lady Gaga, and Justin Bieber. Divine is considered to be one of the pioneers of the drag queen subculture, and his music and performances helped to pave the way for other drag queens to achieve success in the entertainment industry.
Divine's legacy as a singer continues to inspire artists and performers today. He was a talented and unique artist, and his music and performances helped to change the face of drag and queer culture.
4. LGBT rights activist
Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine, was an American actor, singer, and drag queen. He was also a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. Divine used his platform to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community, and he was a pioneer of the drag queen subculture.
- Activism
Divine was a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. He spoke out against discrimination and prejudice, and he used his celebrity to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community. Divine's activism helped to change the way that people thought about drag queens and LGBT people in general. - Visibility
Divine's drag queen persona was a powerful tool for visibility. He was one of the first drag queens to achieve mainstream success, and his performances helped to challenge societal norms and stereotypes. Divine's visibility helped to make drag queens more visible and accepted. - Community
Divine was a strong supporter of the LGBT community. He was a member of the Gay Men's Health Crisis, and he donated money to organizations that supported LGBT youth. Divine's support of the LGBT community helped to create a sense of community and belonging for LGBT people. - Legacy
Divine's legacy as an LGBT rights activist continues to inspire activists today. He was a pioneer of the drag queen subculture, and he helped to pave the way for other drag queens to achieve success in the entertainment industry. Divine's activism helped to change the way that people thought about drag queens and LGBT people in general, and his legacy continues to inspire activists today.
Divine was a courageous and outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. He used his platform to challenge societal norms and stereotypes, and he helped to make the world a more welcoming place for LGBT people.
5. John Waters collaborator
John Waters is an American filmmaker, actor, and writer. He is known for his transgressive and humorous films, which often explore themes of sexuality, gender, and class. Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine, was an American actor, singer, and drag queen. He is best known for his roles in John Waters' films.
Waters and Milstead first met in the early 1970s, and they quickly became friends and collaborators. Milstead starred in several of Waters' early films, including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Polyester. Waters' films helped to launch Milstead's career as a drag queen and singer, and Milstead became one of Waters' most iconic collaborators.
Waters and Milstead's collaboration was based on their shared love of transgression and humor. Waters' films often pushed the boundaries of good taste, and Milstead's drag persona was equally outrageous. Together, they created some of the most memorable and controversial films of the 1970s and 1980s.
Milstead died in 1988, but his legacy continues to inspire Waters' work. Waters has said that Milstead was his "muse," and that he continues to make films that Milstead would have loved.
The collaboration between John Waters and Harris Glenn Milstead was one of the most important and influential in the history of drag and queer cinema. Waters' films gave Milstead a platform to express his unique and outrageous drag persona, and Milstead's performances helped to make Waters' films some of the most memorable and controversial of the 1970s and 1980s.
6. Cult figure
Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine, was a cult figure in the drag and queer communities. He was known for his outrageous and over-the-top performances, and he was a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. Divine's cult status was due to several factors, including his unique persona, his groundbreaking work in John Waters' films, and his activism.
- Unique persona
Divine's drag persona was unlike anything that had been seen before. He was a large, overweight man who wore outrageous costumes and makeup. He was also known for his vulgar and often shocking behavior. Divine's persona was both fascinating and repulsive, and it attracted a cult following. - Groundbreaking work in John Waters' films
Divine starred in several of John Waters' early films, including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Polyester. Waters' films were known for their transgressive and humorous content, and Divine's performances were often the most outrageous element of the films. Divine's work in Waters' films helped to cement his status as a cult figure. - Activism
Divine was a vocal advocate for LGBT rights. He spoke out against discrimination and prejudice, and he used his celebrity to raise awareness of the issues facing the LGBT community. Divine's activism helped to make him a cult figure among LGBT people.
Divine's cult status continues to inspire artists and performers today. He was a pioneer of the drag queen subculture, and he helped to pave the way for other drag queens to achieve success in the entertainment industry. Divine's work continues to be celebrated today, and he is considered to be one of the most important figures in the history of drag and queer culture.
FAQs about Harris Glenn Milstead
Below are answers to some of the frequently asked questions about Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine. These questions and answers offer insights into his life, career, and impact on popular culture.
Question 1: Who was Harris Glenn Milstead?
Answer: Harris Glenn Milstead was an American actor, singer, and drag queen, known for his stage name Divine. He gained prominence through his collaborations with filmmaker John Waters and became a cult figure in the drag and queer communities.
Question 2: What was Divine's significance in the drag and queer subcultures?
Answer: Divine was a pioneer in the drag queen subculture. His outrageous and over-the-top drag persona challenged societal norms and stereotypes, pushing the boundaries of gender expression and performance.
Question 3: How did Divine's collaboration with John Waters shape his career?
Answer: Divine's collaboration with John Waters was instrumental in his rise to fame. He starred in several of Waters' early films, including "Pink Flamingos," "Female Trouble," and "Polyester." These films showcased Divine's unique talent and cemented his status as a cult figure.
Question 4: What was Divine's involvement in LGBT activism?
Answer: Divine was an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights. He used his platform to raise awareness about issues faced by the community and challenged discrimination and prejudice.
Question 5: How is Divine's legacy remembered today?
Answer: Divine's legacy continues to inspire artists and performers in the drag and queer communities. He is remembered as a pioneer who paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of drag and queer culture.
Question 6: What are some of Divine's most notable achievements?
Answer: Divine's achievements include starring in several cult classic films, releasing music albums, and becoming a symbol of the drag and queer subcultures. He also received critical acclaim for his performances and was recognized as an influential figure in popular culture.
In summary, Harris Glenn Milstead, known as Divine, was a groundbreaking artist who used drag and performance to challenge societal norms and advocate for LGBT rights. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the entertainment industry and the broader cultural landscape.
Transition to the next article section: Divine's impact on popular culture and the performing arts.
Tips by Divine
Divine, the renowned drag queen and performer, left a lasting legacy of groundbreaking artistry and activism. Here are some key tips inspired by his approach to performance and self-expression:
Tip 1: Embrace Authenticity
Divine's drag persona was a reflection of his true self, embodying his unique qualities and experiences. Embrace your own authenticity and let it shine through in your performance or creative expression.
Tip 2: Challenge Norms
Divine's performances often pushed the boundaries of societal norms and expectations. Don't be afraid to challenge conventions and explore new possibilities in your work.
Tip 3: Use Humor and Exaggeration
Divine's performances were characterized by their use of humor and exaggeration. Incorporate these elements into your work to create a memorable and engaging experience.
Tip 4: Be Fearless
Divine's performances were often provocative and fearless. Embrace your own courage and don't let fear hold you back from expressing yourself fully.
Tip 5: Connect with Your Audience
Divine had a unique ability to connect with his audience on a personal level. Build a connection with your audience through your performances and create a shared experience.
Tip 6: Use Your Platform for Advocacy
Divine used his platform to advocate for LGBT rights and social justice. Consider how you can use your creative work to raise awareness and promote positive change.
Tip 7: Be Original and Unforgettable
Divine's performances were always unique and left a lasting impression. Strive to create original work that will captivate and inspire your audience.
Summary
By following these tips inspired by Divine, you can embrace your authenticity, challenge norms, and create powerful and memorable performances that resonate with your audience. Remember to be fearless, connect with your audience, and use your platform to make a difference.
Conclusion
Harris Glenn Milstead, known by his stage name Divine, was a groundbreaking artist and activist who left an indelible mark on popular culture. Through his outrageous drag performances and collaborations with John Waters, Divine challenged societal norms, advocated for LGBTQ+ rights, and inspired countless individuals.
Divine's legacy continues to resonate today, reminding us of the power of self-expression, the importance of challenging conventions, and the need for inclusivity and acceptance. His fearless approach to performance and his unwavering commitment to social justice serve as a timeless source of inspiration for artists, activists, and all who seek to make a difference in the world.
