Actor. He is known exclusively by his female impersonator persona "Divine." Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he moved at age 12 to Lutherville, a Baltimore suburb, where he later met future motion picture director John Waters in high school. Waters became a lifelong friend, with Milstead starred in a number of his films and becoming well known for being a part of the regular cast and crew of the troupe "The Dreamlanders" who appeared in many of Waters' earlier works such as "Pink Flamingos," "Female Trouble," and "Polyester," and much later, "Hairspray." He also appeared in "Lust In The Dust", his 1st film NOT directed by John Waters. He also enjoyed a short lived music career in the 1980s with songs like "I'm So Beautiful," "Love Reaction" and "Native Love." His most remembered role was his portrayal of housewife turned scary stage-mom 'Edna Turnbladt' in "Hairspray," Waters' spoof on 1960s dance shows which heralded near unanimous critical acclaim.

Actor. He is known exclusively by his female impersonator persona "Divine." Born in Baltimore, Maryland, he moved at age 12 to Lutherville, a Baltimore suburb, where he later met future motion picture director John Waters in high school. Waters became a lifelong friend, with Milstead starred in a number of his films and becoming well known for being a part of the regular cast and crew of the troupe "The Dreamlanders" who appeared in many of Waters' earlier works such as "Pink Flamingos," "Female Trouble," and "Polyester," and much later, "Hairspray." He also appeared in "Lust In The Dust", his 1st film NOT directed by John Waters. He also enjoyed a short lived music career in the 1980s with songs like "I'm So Beautiful," "Love Reaction" and "Native Love." His most remembered role was his portrayal of housewife turned scary stage-mom 'Edna Turnbladt' in "Hairspray," Waters' spoof on 1960s dance shows which heralded near unanimous critical acclaim.

Bio by: Izzebella