John Waters (1946 – ) film director, born and raised in Baltimore, releases “Multiple Maniacs” and soon becomes the national leader in the production of transgressive cheap cult films featuring shock value and dark humor.
With Glenn Milstead aka Divine,(1945-1988), Waters’ friend and star, he produces “Pink Flamingos”(1972), “Female Trouble” (1974), and wins widespread attention in the underground film world. John Waters writes and directs “Hairspray” (1988) and wins international success as the film becomes an award-winning Broadway show.
Gaining national celebrity status as a writer, actor and performance artist, his titles as the “Pope of Trash” and “Sultan of Sleaze” make him a popular fixture in the cultural world. Waters is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023.