John Waters

Birth Name:

John Samuel Waters

Birth Place:

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Profession

Actor, Writer, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Soundtrack, Editor, Music department

Is a supporter of gay rights, speaking out about gay pride at Gay Pride parades and through other venues
Received the Filmmaker on the Edge Award at the 1999 Provincetown International Film Festival
Made $50 dollars a week as a youth performing puppet shows at the birthday parties of neighborhood children and other events
Quote: "I pride myself on the fact that my work has no socially redeeming value․"
Quote: "If you can make someone laugh who's dead set against you, that's the first step to winning them over to your side․"
Known for depicting shocking subject matter, violence and gore, but combining these elements with a sense of humor
All of his films are set in Baltimore and often include actresses Patricia Hearst and Mink Stole
Before he was old enough to buy tickets, he would watch adult-only films playing at the local drive-in through a set of binoculars
Fondly remembers seeing real blood on the seat of a wrecked car as a child while on a visit to a scrap yard
Has a collection of over 8,000 books in his Baltimore home

Fast Facts