John Waters Reflects on Career and New Projects in 80th Birthday Interview

John Waters marked his 80th birthday by discussing his retrospective exhibition, 'John Waters: Pope of Trash', currently on display at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles. This exhibition, co-curated by Dara Jaffe and Jenny He since 2020, features items from his childhood, including a 1959 puppet show advertisement. Waters is known for films such as 'Multiple Maniacs', 'Pink Flamingos', 'Hairspray', and 'Serial Mom', with his last directorial effort being 'A Dirty Shame' almost two decades ago. He remains engaged in creative pursuits, having published his 2022 novel 'Liarmouth' and hosting events like John Waters Easter. Notably, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame the same week the exhibition debuted. His archive has been housed at Wesleyan University since 1986, and he is currently developing a film adaptation of 'Liarmouth' alongside planning a Christmas tour.