John Travolta, an actor celebrated for his macho leading man roles over three decades, surprised audiences and critics alike with his portrayal of Edna Turnblad in the 2007 film adaptation of “Hairspray”. This wasn’t just a role; it was a complete metamorphosis that required hours of dedication each day and a willingness to embrace a character far removed from his typical on-screen persona. Travolta himself admitted his initial shock at being offered the part, questioning why he, of all people, was chosen to fill Edna’s shoes – or rather, her oversized pumps.
The rationale, as explained to Travolta, was rooted in tradition. Casting a man in the role of Edna Turnblad is a hallmark of “Hairspray,” a playful nod to the character’s origins and a comedic element that has been embraced throughout its stage and film iterations. This casting choice, far from being arbitrary, is integral to the “Hairspray” charm, a gimmick that adds another layer of entertainment to the story.
The transformation into Edna was no simple task. Each day, Travolta endured a five-hour process to become the larger-than-life housewife. This elaborate procedure began with the application of prosthetics, meticulously placed under his eyes and along the sides of his face to reshape his features. The creation of Edna’s ample cleavage was another undertaking involving glue, paint, and skillful artistry. The body suit itself was pre-formed, with synthetic breasts and buttocks ready for Travolta to step into. Even the legs, extending down to the feet, were part of this synthetic construction. The realism was so convincing that some viewers actually believed the physique was Travolta’s own, prompting him to joke about his size, clarifying, “I’m a big boy – but not that big!”
Despite the extensive costume and makeup, Travolta fully immersed himself in the role, even experiencing a surprising level of attention on set. He humorously recounted how both male and female crew members were drawn to the Edna persona, wanting to touch the prosthetic breasts and buttocks. Travolta embraced this playful interaction, stating he felt “shameless” as Edna and learned a valuable lesson about female empowerment. He observed the “power” women possess, as people seemed to forget it was John Travolta beneath the costume, addressing him as Edna and even asking for physical contact with the character. This on-set experience blurred the lines between actor and role, highlighting the immersive nature of Travolta’s transformation.
When asked about feeling sexy in the role, Travolta revealed that he indeed did. He drew inspiration from iconic curvaceous figures like Sophia Loren, Marilyn Monroe, and Elizabeth Taylor, women he found “erotic” and admired during his youth. His approach to Edna was to channel this sensuality, envisioning how these glamorous women would appear with added weight. He aimed to portray Edna not as a stereotypical “Grandma” figure, but as a woman retaining her sexuality and sensuality. This involved adopting rhythmic and curvaceous movements, ensuring that his portrayal of Edna was not only convincing as a woman but also embodied a certain allure. For Travolta, playing a woman meant embodying a woman he found appealing and, undeniably, sexy.
