Written by: Grace Lee

Lea DeLaria: The Trailblazing Comedian and Actress

Lea DeLaria is known for being the first openly gay comic to appear on American television with her 1993 appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, and for her iconic portrayal of inmate Carrie "Big Boo" Black on Netflix's original series Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019).

Early Life and Upbringing

DeLaria was born on May 23, 1958, in Belleville, Illinois, to Jerry Jean (née Cox), a homemaker, and Robert George DeLaria, a jazz pianist and social worker. Her paternal grandparents were Italian.

Influences and Inspirations

DeLaria's Catholic upbringing and her father's love for jazz music had a significant impact on her life and career. She attended kindergarten through eighth grade at St. Mary's Elementary School in Belleville, where she developed her passion for performance and comedy.

Career Highlights and Milestones

• Stand-up career began in 1982 in San Francisco's Mission District, where she performed raunchy stand-up comedy and proudly proclaimed her identity as a "big butch dyke."
• DIRECTED and CONCEIVED Ten Percent Revue (1986), a musical revue celebrating gay and lesbian culture, which was performed in several cities across the United States.
• Starred in Dos Lesbos (1987-1989), a musical comedy about two lesbians dealing with relationship issues, which received nationwide acclaim.
• Conceived, wrote, directed, and starred in Girl Friday: We're Funny That Way (1989), a musical comedy that won the Golden Gull for Best Comedy Group in Provincetown, Massachusetts.
• Made history as the first openly gay comic to appear on American television with her 1993 appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show.
• Portrayed Carrie "Big Boo" Black on Netflix's original series Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019), a role that earned her widespread recognition and critical acclaim.
• Appeared in the revival of The Rocky Horror Show on Broadway in 2000.
• Starred in POTUS Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive on Broadway in 2022.

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

DeLaria's comedy is characterized by its unapologetic and unbridled humor, which has been instrumental in promoting LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance. She believes that comedy has the power to break down barriers and challenge social norms, and has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the entertainment industry.

Personal Milestones and Key Life Events

• Came out as gay in the early 1980s, a time when LGBTQ+ individuals faced widespread discrimination and marginalization.
• Has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation, using her platform to raise awareness and promote acceptance.

Influence on Modern Society

DeLaria's trailblazing career has paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ comedians and actors, and has helped to promote greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. Her unapologetic humor and unwavering commitment to her identity have inspired countless individuals around the world.

Awards and Honors

• Won the Golden Gull for Best Comedy Group in Provincetown, Massachusetts, for Girl Friday: We're Funny That Way (1989).
• Received widespread critical acclaim for her portrayal of Carrie "Big Boo" Black on Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019).

Legacy and Impact

Lea DeLaria's remarkable career and unwavering commitment to her identity have cemented her place as a trailblazing figure in the LGBTQ+ community. Her influence extends far beyond the world of comedy and entertainment, inspiring generations to come.