Why did Travolta play Tracy's mom? John Travolta was cast as Edna Turnblad, the main character's mother, in the 2007 remake of "Hairspray" because the role has always been played by a man in drag, starting with the original 1988 film, in which the role was played by famed drag queen Divine.
Did Travolta play Tracy's mom in Hairspray?
The 52-year-old actor has been cast as Edna Turnblad, the mother of an aspiring teenage dancer, in an upcoming feature film adaptation of the Broadway hit musical "Hairspray," which was based on the 1988 cult movie of the same name, distributor New Line Cinema said on Friday.
What role does Tracy's mom play in the musical?
The amazing Harvey Fierstein is reprising his role as Tracy Turnblad's mom in NBC's Hairspray Live! Fierstein won a Tony Award for "best actor in a musical" for playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray on Broadway.
Did Travolta enjoy Hairspray?
Travolta said the 7-year-old loved the movie and he suspects many girls will. "I think Edna is going to be more popular than I am.
Who plays Tracy's mom in Hairspray on Broadway?
Edna Turnblad is a character from the following four media: Hairspray (1988 film), played by Divine. Hairspray (musical), played on Broadway by Harvey Fierstein. Hairspray (2007 film), played by John Travolta.
Why is Mrs Turnblad always played by a man?
“The reason the character of Edna is always played by a man is because the characters don't think she is a man. It's a secret the audience shares but the characters do not.” It seems that Waters didn't want to answer the question directly because he didn't want it to be a question at all.
Why does Tracy's hair turn white in Hairspray?
There was a scene filmed but cut, where, prior to her Corny Collins audition, Tracy breaks into Amber's house, destroys Amber's room, and dyes her hair blonde.
Why did they choose John Travolta to play the mom in Hairspray?
In 2007, the Chicago Tribune reported that Meron said Travolta was cast as Edna in order to continue the tradition of the musical, which has continued years later in the NBC live version of the musical.
What did John Travolta get paid for Hairspray?
5 Hairspray (2007) Travolta was paid a paycheck of $14 million for his role from the $75 million budget. The movie made a mark at the box office, earning $203 million.
How long did John Travolta prepare for Hairspray?
Film producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron spent 14 months talking Travolta into wearing a fat suit and dresses to sing and dance the role. Eventually they won him over with the challenge of getting in touch with his feminine self.
What does Tracy's father do for a living in Hairspray?
Tracy's father, Wilbur, arrives home from work at his novelty gag and joke shop. Edna fears that Tracy will be ridiculed at the auditions, but Wilbur encourages Tracy. Meanwhile, Prudy berates Penny for listening to "race music" as Velma criticizes Amber on her poor dancing.
Who played Edna in Hairspray on Broadway?
playwright Harvey FiersteinActor and playwright Harvey Fierstein will reprise the Tony Award-winning role he created on Broadway as Edna Turnblad in "Hairspray Live!," set for December 7 on NBC.
Who is Edna Turnblad?
Edna Turnblad is the agoraphobic laundress mother of Tracy Turnblad and a central character in Hairspray.
Who plays Tracy Turnblad's mom?
The amazing Harvey Fierstein is reprising his role as Tracy Turnblad's mom in NBC's Hairspray Live! Fierstein won a Tony Award for "best actor in a musical" for playing Edna Turnblad in Hairspray on Broadway. Advertisement.
Why is Tracy Turnblad always a man?
But the reason it's always a man is because that's a secret the audience has. The cast, Tracy Turnblad doesn't think her mother is a man. It's a secret the audience has. The cast doesn't know.".
Who played Edna in John Waters?
Baltimore drag queen Divine played the role in the original 1988 John Waters film, and John Travolta played Edna in the 2007 movie musical. So why is Edna always played by a man? Waters shared the secret with WBAL-TV 11 News, saying, "People say, 'Why is Edna always a man?'.
Why does Velma reject Tracy?
Velma rejects her due to her weight and because Tracy states that she's in favor of racial integration ("Miss Baltimore Crabs"). The following day at school, Tracy is sent to detention because her monumentally teased hair is blocking other students' view of the blackboard. Click to see full answer.
Who played the mother in Hairspray?
John Travolta was cast as Edna Turnblad, the main character's mother, in the 2007 remake of "Hairspray" because the role has always been played by a man in drag, starting with the original 1988 film, in which the role was played by famed drag queen Divine. He doesn't wear those clothes when he's not making a movie.
Who played Edna in the original movie?
Travolta's casting as Edna continued the tradition of having a man in drag portray the character, going back to the original 1988 film, which featured drag queen Divine as Edna and at Hairspray's Broadway version, which featured Harvey Fierstein as Edna.
