It's DIVINE, the late leading lady of John Waters' films. Born Harris Glen Milstead, the 300-pound transvestite passed away in March of 1988, shortly after starring in John Waters' first big budget studio film, "Hairspray." He was 42. Divine was an integral part of Waters' ensemble cast, appearing in all his earlier films except "Desperate Living." Divine and Waters knew each other from childhood. It was Waters' movie "Pink Flamingoes" that made Divine famous, because he ate dog feces (yes, real feces) at the end of the film. Divine also made 2 films independent of Waters, playing a male gangster in "Trouble in Mind," and Tab Hunter's love interest in "Lust in the Dust." Divine spoke with Terry in February of 1988.int 3. : We feature a new interview with JOHN WATERS on the day his latest film, "Serial Mom," is released. After the low-budget "Polyester," Waters went to Hollywood to make the big-budget films "Hairspray" and "Cry Baby." Waters still lives in Baltimore, where he was born. "Serial Mom" stars Kathleen Turner and Sam Waterston. Waters is also the author of several books, including "Shock Value" and "Trash Trio."REV: Rock critic Ken Tucker reviews "Mellow Gold," by Beck.

Copyright 1994 Fresh Air