Why John Travolta Played a Woman in Hairspray
John Travolta played Edna Turnblad in the 2007 musical film Hairspray, a role originated by drag performer Divine in the 1988 John Waters film and later by Harvey Fierstein on Broadway. Travolta, a mainstream Hollywood star known for films like Saturday Night Fever and Pulp Fiction, took on the role of a larger-than-life female character to support the film's message of body positivity and inclusion. The casting decision was driven by director Adam Shankman's vision for a recognizable star who could anchor the remake and draw audiences, while still honoring the spirit of the original story. Travolta's performance was widely seen as a comedic, sympathetic portrayal of a supportive mother navigating segregation and self-acceptance in 1960s Baltimore.
The 2007 Hairspray remake was produced by Ingenious Media and distributed by New Line Cinema, a division of Warner Bros. Pictures. It starred Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad, Queen Latifah as Maybelle, James Marsden as Corny Collins, and Zac Efron as Link Larkin. The film earned $202 million worldwide against a reported budget of $75 million and received eight Academy Award nominations, winning Best Supporting Actress for Queen Latifah and Best Art Direction. Travolta's casting was a deliberate choice to blend star power with the film's themes of transformation and acceptance, and the movie remains a benchmark for inclusive Hollywood remakes in the 2000s.
John Travolta's Casting and the Role of Edna Turnblad
In the original 1988 film, Divine, a drag performer, played Edna Turnblad, and the character became a cultural icon for unapologetic self-expression. When the 2007 remake entered development, the filmmakers sought a lead actor who could bring mainstream visibility to the role while still respecting its roots in drag and body positivity. John Travolta was cast as Edna after extensive discussions with the production team, and he wore prosthetic makeup and costumes to portray the character. The decision was controversial at the time, with some fans questioning why a cisgender male actor was chosen over a drag performer or transgender actress, but the studio emphasized Travolta's ability to deliver both comedic and emotional depth.
Travolta's portrayal of Edna Turnblad required significant physical transformation, including a fat suit, wigs, and heavy makeup. He has spoken publicly about the experience, noting that the role challenged him to explore vulnerability and humor outside his usual leading-man image. The film's makeup and costume design team, led by composer-turned-director Adam Shankman's creative collaborators, worked to ensure Edna felt authentic and larger than life. Travolta's performance was supported by the film's broader ensemble, which included Ricki Lake reprising her original 1988 role as Tracy's mother, Penny, and Leslie Grossman as the strict Velma Von Tussle.
Cultural Impact and Legacy of the Casting Choice
The 2007 Hairspray remake arrived at a time when Hollywood was increasingly focused on diversity and representation, though the conversation around casting cisgender actors in transgender or drag roles was still evolving. John Travolta's casting as Edna Turnblad sparked discussions about authenticity, with advocates for transgender and drag performers calling for more opportunities for those communities in mainstream film. The movie itself was praised for its inclusive storyline, featuring characters of different body types, races, and backgrounds, and it was celebrated as a family-friendly musical that promoted tolerance. Travolta's involvement helped introduce the story to a new generation of viewers who might not have engaged with the 1988 original or the Broadway stage production.
In the years since the film's release, the conversation around who should play roles like Edna Turnblad has