Out in Film: Charles Busch

Idol worship: Charles Busch, multi-talented actor/ writer/director.
- What he's known for: His indelible onstage performances in his own plays (with such titles as Vampires Lesbian of Sodom and Theodora, She-Bitch of Byzantium), crafting female characterizations that go beyond mere camp or drag to create a living embodiment of the silver screen goddesses he has idolized since childhood.
- Film debut: Countess Aphasia du Berry in The Addams Family Values.
- Choice onscreen roles: Hardboiled police detective Monica Stark in Psycho Beach Party, homicidal drag queen Nat Ginzburg on Oz, hysterical show biz has-been Angela Arden in Die Mommie Die!
- What else has he done: Subject of the documentary The Lady in Question is Charles Busch, a must-see for fans thanks to a host of rare home video footage of his Theatre-in-Limbo performances.
- Awards on his mantel: Tony Award nomination for The Tale of the Allergist's Wife, Sundance Jury Prize for Die Mommie Die!
- Bet you didn't know: An expert on old Hollywood, he has contributed to several television documentaries and DVD features on everything from Judy and Joan to The Bad Seed.
- Yes, it's true: Yours truly has met him.
- Can we quote you on that: "The artistic journey is an ongoing process of discovering who you are, and I'm still searching. You may have been dealt an odd hand, but instead of walking away from the game, keep playing. Magical things can happen."
- Side jobs: Best-selling author of Whores of Lost Atlantis,a fictionalized account of his early East Village days.
- Where you can learn more: On his official website or at my pal Dean's blog, The Charles Busch Page.
- Latest project: Currently starring in the Off Broadway debut of Die Mommie Die!
- Where we can see him next: His directorial debut, the semi-autobiographical A Very Serious Person, hits DVD Tuesday (and you can pre-order ithere from Amazon.com).

Links via Amazon.com, Imdb.com, CharlesBusch.com, CharlesBusch.blogspot.com, BroadwayWorld.com, DMDthePlay.com, GayBlade.com and SeriousPersonTheMovie.com.