Edna Turnblad – John Travolta
It’s been a tradition for Edna Turnblad in Hairspray to be played by a guy. In the film adaptation of the romantic comedy musical, John Travolta took the stage in 2007 as Edna. The bigger-than-life appearance of the character was designed and created by makeup artist Tony Gardner.
To make Edna’s outfits as racy as possible, Travolta had to wear full-body prosthetics designed by costume designer Rita Ryack. These included foam and latex arms and legs connected to a spandex and foam body suit and silicone prosthetics on the star’s head and neck.