Edna Turnblad – John Travolta
It has become customary for a man to portray Edna Turnblad in the production of Hairspray. In the 2007 film adaptation of this romantic comedy musical, John Travolta took on the role of Edna. The task of designing and bringing to life the character’s extravagant appearance was entrusted to makeup artist Tony Gardner.
Due to costume designer Rita Ryack’s desire for Edna to don revealing attire, Travolta had to wear complete body prosthetics. This entailed wearing foam and latex arms and legs that were attached to a spandex and foam bodysuit, along with silicone prosthetics on the actor’s head and neck.
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