Edith Massey

The wonderfully eccentric, snaggle-toothed 'Edith Massey' (qv) was born in New York City and raised in an orphanage in Denver, Colorado, before running away to Hollywood as a teenager. She met director 'John Waters' (qv) while working as a barmaid and as the owner of a thrift shop, Edith's Shopping Bag at Fells Point, Baltimore, in the late 1960s. Captured by her effervescent charm, Waters cast Massey in _Multiple Maniacs (1970)_ (qv) as Jesus's mother. Her next role was as Mama Edie in _Pink Flamingos (1972)_ (qv). She appeared in many of Water's earlier films leading up to _Polyester (1981)_ (qv), as well as being the subject of a biographical short film, _Love Letter to Edie (1975)_ (qv).After her role as Queen Carlotta in _Desperate Living (1977)_ (qv), Massey embarked on a singing career which lead to a nationwide tour, usually performing cover songs including "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "Punks, Get Off the Grass" Fellow Dreamlander 'Cookie Mueller' (qv) occasionally performed as a backup singer. Sadly, 'Edith Massey' (qv) passed away in October of 1984.::<stimpy@ihug.co.nz>