One of the most iconic Marylanders to have ever lived is the filmmaker, artist, and local character John Waters. You've probably seen some of his films -- either the trangressive, weird and shocking ones like Pink Flamingos or the more mainstream ones like Cry-Baby and Hairspray -- but you might not realize there's even more to this local treasure than just his movies. Read on here.
1. Waters sends his fan mail to Atomic Books
If you've visited Hampden, you may have seen Atomic Books, a spot where you can browse for your next favorite read and also grab a drink. But you may not realize that this is also where fan mail to Mr. Waters can be sent! Here are instructions on how to get than fan letter to Baltimore's king of filth.
2. He met his regular collaborator Divine when they were growing up in Baltimore County together
Waters met Glen Milstead, who would later be better known by the persona Divine, as kids in Lutherville. They began making films together and were known for pushing the boundaries of good taste, especially in their early projects together. Divine is buried in Prospect Hill Park cemetery near Towson University.
3. His iconic mustache has been the same for decades
Waters has worn his mustache in the distinctive pencil-thin style since the year 1970, early on in his career as a filmmaker. He claimed in an interview with the New York Times Style Magazine that he would only shave it if he ever went to prison, as he wouldn't have 'the proper tools' -- cuticle scissors, a Bic razor, and a Maybelline eyebrow pencil.
4. There's plenty of Maryland and Baltimore flavor in Waters' works
Anyone who's seen Hairspray knows that it's packed full of Baltimore-ness; even the teen dance show in the movie is based on a real-life Baltimore-area program called the Buddy Deane show. Many of his films take place in the city or are filmed in the suburban areas around Baltimore.
5. Waters owns thousands of books
Coming full circle -- Waters' home closely resembles the type of bookstore where his fan mail is sent, and he has a little bit of everything in his collection of over 8,000 books. He also has written a number of books himself, including 2022's Liarmouth, which is set to be adapted into a film.
