Ricki Lake Honors John Waters As Iconic Director Turns 80

The "Pope of Trash" has officially reached a major milestone. Legendary filmmaker John Waters recently celebrated his 80th birthday on April 22, surrounded by a close-knit circle of friends and longtime collaborators. The event served as a high-spirited tribute to his boundary-pushing career and unique influence on American cinema.

Among those leading the tributes was Ricki Lake, who rose to fame as the star of Waters' 1988 classic Hairspray. Lake took to social media to share warm wishes and memories, highlighting the deep bond that remains between the director and his muses decades after their most famous works debuted. The celebration was described as an intimate night filled with laughter, consistent with the director's famously sharp wit.

Waters’ 80th birthday comes as his cultural legacy continues to be embraced by both the underground and the mainstream. Known for cult favorites like Pink Flamingos and Polyester, Waters remains an icon of camp and transgressive art. Fans and industry peers alike are watching to see if the filmmaker has any new projects in the works, as he has remained a vibrant fixture in the arts scene well into his late 70s.

This story was originally reported by People.com.