Bruce Vilanch

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Bruce Vilanch : biography

November 23, 1948 –

References in popular culture

  • In the South Park episodes "The Coon," "Coon vs. Coon and Friends" and "A Nightmare on Face Time," Eric Cartman is misidentified as Vilanch in costume.
  • In the Arrested Development episode "My Mother, the Car", Lucille tells Lindsay that Michael called her a "stay in bed mom". When confronted, Michael says that phrase sounds more like something Lucille would say, or Bruce Vilanch.
  • In the season 3 episode of "Community (TV series)", "Advanced Gay", Vilanch is mentioned in the opening scene after Abed explains what Hawthorne Wipes have to do with the choice to be be gay, to which Shirley replies in surprise "Even Bruce Vilanch?" To which Jeff replies "Especially Bruce Vilanch"

Acting career

In 1975, Vilanch made his feature film début playing a dress manufacturer in the film Mahogany, starring Diana Ross. His professional relationship with Ross continued by writing material for her stage act.

In the 1980s, Vilanch had a few acting appearances, including a bit part in an episode of Bosom Buddies. In 1984, he had a role in the comedy/science-fiction film The Ice Pirates. In the 1990s, Vilanch appeared on TV again in Law & Order.

In 2000, Vilanch performed his off-Broadway one-man show Bruce Vilanch: Almost Famous at the Westbeth Theatre Center.

In 2005, Vilanch starred on Broadway as Edna Turnblad in the long-running 2002 musical Hairspray after playing the role for two years in the show’s first national stage tour of 2003-6.

Vilanch has been a special guest on The Simpsons, and had cameo roles in the 2008 films Tru Loved and You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.

He plays Missy, a director of gay pornography, in the 2011 film Going Down in LA-LA Land.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1599296/

Appearance

Vilanch refers to his hairstyle as "a platinum version of Alfred Hitchcock; ‘Fried blonde’." and is known for his collection of double entendres-themed T-shirts.