Larry Edwards
By: Nicole Holland
Larry Edwards on the set of “Miss Congeniality 2.”
Larry Edwards is Vegas’ first-class female impersonator/tribute artist and has taken his art of female impersonation to film and mainstream in the new documentary “Pageant.” “Pageant” debuts (and is included in the Documentary Feature Competition) at the 14th annual Slamdance Film Festival in January 2008.
Larry was featured in “Miss Congeniality 2,” starring Sandra Bullock and made an appearance in the Academy Award nominated movie, “What’s Love Got To Do With It – The Tina Turner Story.”
Recently, he appeared on A&E’s hit TV series “MindFreak,” VH1’s “Flavor Of Love” and ABC’s “The Next Best Thing.” Larry has been featured on such programs as “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” “Entertainment Tonight,” “Donahue,” “The Leeza Show,” “Sally Jesse,” and “Howard Stern.” Even famed gossip blogger Perez Hilton published a photo of Janice Dickinson and Larry as they fêted in style at Piranha in Las Vegas!
IFQ sits down with Larry to discuss his latest documentary “Pageant,” the art of female impersonation, films that have brought female impersonation into the mainstream and the one and only “Hot Chocolate.”
IFQ: You are in the documentary “Pageant.” Can you tell me about it?
Larry Edwards: “Pageant” is a documentary that is very special to me. “Pageant” producer and director Ron Davis and Stewart Halpern worked on this documentary for three years. “Pageant” features five top contestants who are competing in the Miss Gay America Pageant. I won the title of Miss Gay America (MGA) in 1980. Winning the pageant was one of the highlights of my career. It was the first time my mother saw me perform and saw the art of female impersonation. My mother was so proud when she saw that I was crowned the title of Miss Gay America. It’s a prestigious award for female impersonators around the country. I’m featured in the documentary “Pageant” as a judge and former winner of MGA. I’m so thrilled “Pageant” was accepted into the 14th Annual Slamdance festival.
IFQ: Have you secured distribution for “Pageant?” Which arms of distribution are you aiming for—TV? Theatrical? DVD?
LE: As of now, “Pageant” has no distribution, yet. It’s the World Premiere at Slamdance, and we hope to obtain a theatrical distribution at the festival.
IFQ: You said in another interview that one of the highlights of your career was when you were chosen to make a cameo appearance in the Academy Award nominated motion picture “What’s Love Got To Do With It – The Tina Turner Story.”
LE: “What’s Love Got to Do With It” is definitely one of the highlights of my career. Having the opportunity to be selected by “What’s Love” director as one of the top “Tina Turner Tribute Artists” in the country was such an honor. What else could a tribute artist ask for? Being featured in the movie of the artist you’re portraying is the best compliment ever.
IFQ: You resemble Tina Turner. Have you ever met her? What was her reaction?
LE: I met Tina Turner in Chicago. What a touching experience! After trying for so many years to meet her, I finally got the opportunity. Tina was very flattered with my portrayal of her. She appreciated the first class illusion. Imitation is the sincere way of flattery.
IFQ: Tell me about “Miss Congeniality 2.” What was it like on set and working with Sandra Bullock?
LE: “Miss Congeniality 2” was an amazing experience. We spent 12 days in LA rehearsing and filming. Sandra Bullock is by far the nicest and the most accommodating to her cast while on the set.
I had the opportunity to be featured as two characters in the movie. I opened the scene as Patti LaBelle and had a special Tina cameo with Sandra Bullock. Sandra yanked my Tina wig off in one of the scenes.
It was hilarious seeing the transformation from Tina to Larry right before your eyes!
IFQ: I can only imagine! What do you think of the terms drag queen and female impersonator? How do you identify yourself in these terms?
LE: I’m a female impersonator/tribute artist. The art of female impersonation is mainstream art these days. You must be a talented guy who can create a convincing female illusion. Most people are amazed with the transformation process going from a normal guy to a female. The term drag queen is normally a negative term for female impersonators. A drag queen is a campy type of character who enjoys wearing female attire for kicks without having a professional attitude. Thanks to all the movies like “Too Wong Foo” that have made the art form of female impersonation mainstream!
IFQ: You mentioned that you saw “Too Wong Foo Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar.” Have you seen “The Birdcage” and “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert?” What’s your opinion on these films?
LE: I had the opportunity to see all three of these films. Thanks to these movies, the art of female impersonation has become mainstream. The movies gave a positive light on the art of female impersonation and have opened eyes. They have brought laughter and joy to many people watching. I’m looking forward to “Pageant” opening many eyes as well.
IFQ: How did you start in female impersonation?
LE: Many years ago, I started my female impersonation career in Atlanta, Georgia. I had been fascinated with the art of female impersonation for many years prior. I auditioned for the show La Cage in LA. My Tina Turner character was a huge hit in the show. I was transferred to La Cage in Atlantic City, which had a larger stage and was a larger production. It was a great move for me. After performing in Atlantic City for years, La Cage had an opening in Vegas and I jumped at the chance. Here I am years later in the bright lights of Vegas.
IFQ: Tell me about your gig as the international celebrity impersonator Hot Chocolate.
LE: My international gig as Hot Chocolate started in alternative nightclub performances all over the world. Hot Chocolate is a character I created as high energy entertainment in nightclubs. Hot Chocolate is a very flamboyant character who helps set the mood in nightclubs. I have flown and performed in London, Hong Kong and the most fun of all was Sydney, Australia’s Mardi Gras. My Hot Chocolate character is currently the VIP Host at Piranha nightclub. Most people have given Hot Chocolate the title “Queen of Clubs.” If you see something glitzy on the dance floor, it might not be a mirror ball—it could be Hot Chocolate.
IFQ: Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman presented you with the Key to the City of Las Vegas. How did it come about?
LE: I have worked in the hospitality industry (USA Hosts) for many years. I have dedicated many years helping with our National Tourism week with Mayor Goodman and the Las Vegas Convention Authority. The Mayor and community wanted to show their thanks; therefore Mayor Goodman presented me with the Key to the City when the movie “Miss Congeniality 2” premiered in theaters. Q Vegas magazine’s Earl Shelton arranged the Key ceremony. I will always treasure the moment receiving the Key to the City of Vegas.
The documentary “Pageant” screens at the Slamdance Film Festival on Saturday, January 19th, 2008, 7:00 PM and Tuesday, January 22nd at 12:00 pm at the Treasure Mountain Inn, 255 Main St., Park City, UT 84060. Website: www.pageantmovie.com