Biographie

Famously controversial for her irreverent commentary, DeLaria was the first openly gay comic to break the late-night talk-show barrier with her 1993 appearance on "The Arsenio Hall Show".

Seen in the 2000 Broadway revival of "The Rocky Horror Show" as two male characters, Eddie / Dr. Scott.

In December 1993 she hosted Comedy Central's Out There, the first all-gay stand-up comedy special.

An outspoken actress, director, singer, comedian, and writer, she began singing in jazz clubs as a teenager before extending herself successfully into stand-up comedy in the early 1980s.

DeLaria released two CD recordings of her comedy, Bulldyke in a China Shop (1994) and Box Lunch (1997). She has also written a humorous book entitled Lea's Book of Rules for the World.

It's a cosmic joke that I'm a lesbian because I understand men so completely and women are a total mystery to me. ... Women are the most confusing, annoying people in the world.

As a standup, I tried to change the world. As an entertainer, I try to entertain. And as a lesbian, I try to pick up the prettiest girl in the room. Not necessarily in that order.

My idea as far as comedy goes has always been able to push the limits of what's acceptable for a woman to do or say or be. My hero in that would be Lenny Bruce, who teaches us that words have no meaning. It's the intent behind them is that is what's important.

[on whose musical style she was most influenced] John Coltrane. He spent a lifetime trying to sound unique and to have his own style. As a jazz musician I find it very important to find my own style - which is why it's very interesting that whenever reviewers review me, they compare me to a laundry list of other singers. We're talking everyone from Bjork to Ethel Merman..The reality is, I sound like me. I'm just able to sing in a variety of styles. And that's how I try to find my own.

I was basically disowned by my Italian Catholic parents when I came out. They didn't speak to me for five years. Over a course of time however - mostly through my rubbing their faces in it - they came around to a place of peace with who I am.