Divine’s career began in the late 1960s when he met filmmaker John Waters. Waters cast him in several films, including “Pink Flamingos,” “Female Trouble,” and “Polyester.” These films became cult classics known for their shocking and unconventional content. Divine quickly became an icon in the underground film scene, and his performances were praised for their fearless and boundary-pushing nature.
In addition to film, Divine was also a talented singer. He began his music career in the early 1980s and released several albums, including “Jungle Jezebel” and “The Story So Far.” His music was a mix of punk, disco, and new wave, and his live performances were notoriously wild and unpredictable.
One of Divine’s most memorable performances came in 1982 when he performed at the Hacienda nightclub in Manchester, England. The Hacienda was a legendary club that became synonymous with the rave scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Divine’s performance at the Hacienda was a pivotal moment in the club’s history and helped establish its reputation as a venue for cutting-edge music and performance art.
Divine’s influence extended beyond the underground scene and into the mainstream. His over-the-top style and fearless attitude inspired a generation of musicians, artists, and performers. He was a champion for LGBTQ rights and helped pave the way for greater acceptance and visibility for queer culture.
Sadly, Divine’s life and career were cut short when he died of heart failure at the age of 42. However, his legacy lives on, and his impact on popular culture continues to be felt to this day. In 2019, a biopic about Divine’s life was released, titled “Divine: The Real Thing.” The film was directed by Jeffrey Schwarz and featured interviews with John Waters, Ricki Lake, and other friends and collaborators of Divine.
Divine’s career was defined by his ability to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms. He was a true original who blazed a trail for others to follow. His outrageous persona and electrifying performances will always be remembered as a testament to the power of creativity and self-expression. As John Waters once said, “Divine was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen, and she didn’t have to change a thing.”