ADULT LANGUAGE
The 2013 documentary I Am Divine tells the extraordinary story of Divine, the larger-than-life drag superstar who became the unforgettable muse of filmmaker John Waters. Directed by Jeffrey Schwarz, the film explores the life of Divine, born Harris Glenn Milstead, and how he transformed from a shy Baltimore kid into one of the most outrageous and beloved figures in underground cinema.
Divine rose to fame through a series of cult classics with Waters, including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Polyester, where his fearless performances shattered social taboos and helped define the midnight movie era. Through interviews with friends, collaborators, and Waters himself, I Am Divine reveals the person behind the makeup—an ambitious performer determined to be respected not just as a drag icon, but as a serious actor and entertainer.
The documentary also highlights Divine’s surprising crossover into mainstream pop culture with his role in Hairspray, which introduced him to a wider audience shortly before his sudden death in 1988. Today, I Am Divine stands as both a heartfelt tribute and an important piece of LGBTQ+ cultural history, reminding viewers how one fearless performer turned shock, humor, and unapologetic authenticity into a lasting legacy.
