Born on this day 107 years ago: the fabulous Edith Massey (28 May 1918 – 24 October 1984) – barmaid turn snaggle-toothed naïve outsider actress, “egg lady”, punk granny, plus-size model, thrift shop proprietress and perhaps the most beloved of John Waters’ stable of regular performers (aka the Dreamlanders). Massey made her film debut in Waters’ early “gutter film” Multiple Maniacs (1970). Her swan song was in Polyester (1981). Her most treasured performances – as Mama Edie in Pink Flamingos (1972) and Aunt Ida in Female Trouble (1974) – will enthral aficionados of cult cinema forever. The combo of Massey and Divine onscreen together is probably my all-time favourite comedy double act (like Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz for freaks and punks). Pictured: Massey as the cruel and corrupt Queen Carlotta, a rare villainous role in in Desperate Living (1977). Massey’s delivery of lines like “Every word I ever utter shall be considered a royal proclamation!”, “Seize her and fuck her!”, “This’ll teach you to arouse royalty!” and “Damn that hellcat of a daughter of mine!” are immortal. Eat a hard-boiled egg or use “rah sha sha” in a sentence today in Edith Massey’s memory!
