Showtime Specials Season 1 Episode 76 I Am Divine

I Am Divine is the season one, episode 76 of the Showtime Specials. This one-hour documentary is a touching tribute to the life and career of Harris Glenn Milstead, better known as Divine. Directed by Jeffrey Schwarz, this special episode encompasses the highs and lows of the legendary drag queen who pushed boundaries and paved the way for many LGBTQ+ performers to follow in her footsteps.

The episode examines Divine's early life, her relationship with her parents, her love for music, and her initial struggles to find acceptance in Baltimore's conservative society. Growing up overweight and gay, Divine turned to the world of drag to find her place. But what started as a coping mechanism to deal with the cruelty of the outside world quickly became her path to stardom.

The documentary delves into the early days of her career, including her collaborations with John Waters on cult classics like Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, Polyester, and Hairspray. It offers valuable insights into the ways in which Divine's comedy, shock value, and charisma earned her a spot in Hollywood's underground scene, and at the forefront of queer representation in popular culture.

The episode also features interviews with some of the industry's most well-known names, from filmmakers like Waters, Ricki Lake, and Tab Hunter to musicians such as Debbie Harry and Michael Stipe. They share their own experiences working with Divine and explain her influence on their lives and careers.

Through a combination of archival footage, personal photographs, and interviews with those who knew her best, I am Divine brings to life the outrageous and irreverent persona that made Milstead a household name in her own right. At the same time, the documentary also takes a deeper dive into her personal struggles, including her battles with addiction and her eventual death from cardiac arrest at the age of 42.

Throughout this episode, the audience gets a comprehensive look into Divine's life, career, and impact on pop culture. It explores her resilience, her humor, and her willingness to push boundaries, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on future generations of artists.

In summary, I Am Divine is a poignant and engaging documentary that pays tribute to one of the most iconic figures in LGBTQ+ history. It is a celebration of glamour and confidence, but also of vulnerability, pain, and the power of self-expression. It is a must-watch for those who want to learn more about one of the most flamboyant personalities of the 20th century, and the unique path that led her to become a legend.