John Waters wanted him to be in Desperate Living (1977), and had written the movie with him in mind, but he was unable to be in the movie as he was appearing in a play at the time.
Actor featured in comic transvestite roles.
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume Two, 1986-1990, pages 247-248. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1999.
Buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Towson, Maryland.
Died in his sleep from a combination of his weight and a disorder called sleep apnea, a disorder in which the body "forgets" to breathe or is unable to breathe due to blockage or excessive pressure. A classic symptom of this disorder is a sudden cessation of snoring for several seconds, indicating the inability to breathe.
Had a successful singing career (dance/disco), touring the world's clubs, and released numerous albums.
Idolized Elizabeth Taylor as a teenager, and dressed up as her character "Gloria" from BUtterfield 8 (1960) for a Halloween party that he attended wearing a slip, fur coat, and stillettoes.
In Disney's The Little Mermaid (1989), the character of "Ursula" (voiced by Pat Carroll) was based on her.
Plays both a woman and a man (as the racist head of the station that airs the Corny Collins show) in his last film Hairspray (1988).
Was contracted to play a recurring role as the Uncle in "Married with Children" (1987), but died the day before the shooting of the episode (#2.22, "All in the Family"). James 'Gypsy' Haake was cast as 'Uncle Otto' in Divine's place, and the episode was dedicated to Divine's memory.
Was one of the 250 male nominees of the AFI top 50 stars.