Raised in Maryland

Film acting debut in John Waters' "Roman Candles"

First gained relatively widespread attention in Waters' "Pink Flamingos"; film became a classic of studied bad taste

Briefly appeared as a male character in John Waters' "Female Trouble"

Starred opposite Tab Hunter in Waters' "Polyester"; original run included Odorama cards distributed to audiences in order to scratch and sniff odors depicted on screen

Again paired with Hunter for Paul Bartel's "Lust in the Dust"

Played first substantial (and entirely) male role in Alan Rudolph's "Trouble in Mind"

Guest starred in "Seymourlama" episode of syndicated "Tales from the Darkside", directed by George Romero

Starred in mainstream Waters hit "Hairspray"; played both tawdrily dressed mother and bigoted male television station owner

Last film, Paul Bartel's "Out of the Dark"; Bartel dedicated film to Divine