Talk with Candy Darling

Candy Darling was an American actress and transgender icon, best known for her work with Andy Warhol and her roles in the films "Flesh" (1968) and "Women in Revolt" (1971). Born James Lawrence Slattery in 1944 in Forest Hills, New York, she transitioned in her early twenties and changed her name to Candy Darling. Inspired by Hollywood actresses like Kim Novak and Jean Harlow, Darling adopted a glamorous persona that made her a celebrated figure in the underground art scene of New York City during the 1960s and 70s.

Darling became one of the prominent figures of the Warhol Superstars, a group of New York City personalities promoted by the artist Andy Warhol during the 1960s and 70s. Her role in this community not only highlighted her acting abilities but also made her a symbol of the burgeoning transgender movement, although the term "transgender" wasn't widely used during her lifetime. Tragically, her life was cut short by lymphoma in 1974 when she was just 29 years old. Despite her brief career, Candy Darling's impact on the LGBT community and pop culture remains significant, as she helped pave the way for greater acceptance of transgender individuals in the arts and society.

Candy Darling was deeply inspired by the glamour and sophistication of Hollywood film stars, particularly those from the golden age of cinema. She was notably influenced by actresses like Kim Novak, whom she admired for their beauty and elegance. This admiration for cinematic icons shaped her dreams and aspirations from a young age. Candy’s desire to emulate these stars was not just about the allure of fame but also intertwined with her own personal journey and identity. As a transgender woman, embodying the grace and allure of these actresses was also a way for her to express her true self. She saw acting not only as a profession but as an essential aspect of her identity, providing a platform to be seen and heard in a society that was often unaccepting of gender nonconformity.

Candy Darling met Andy Warhol during a tumultuous and vibrant period in 1960s New York, characterized by the explosive growth of the pop art movement and the underground film scene. Warhol was known for his fascination with individuals who had unique or unconventional traits, and his artistic circle, known as The Factory, drew a diverse crowd including many figures from the LGBT community and the world of underground cinema.

Candy moved from her home in Massapequa, Long Island, to Manhattan, keen to immerse herself in the city’s thriving artistic and theatrical scenes. By embodying Hollywood glamour and adopting a persona that radiated charisma and vulnerability, she caught the eye of Warhol. Specifically, her introduction to Warhol is reported to have occurred through mutual acquaintances within the artistic community; she was already a recognized figure in New York’s underground circles and had appeared in productions like "Flesh" by Paul Morrissey, a frequent collaborator of Warhol’s.

Warhol was captivated by Candy's striking appearance and poignant understanding of femininity and stardom, which resonated with his interest in celebrity culture and image crafting. This led to her involvement in his movies like "Women in Revolt" and "Flesh," which cemented her status as a Warhol Superstar. Her participation in Warhol's projects provided her the platform she longed for to express her identity and artistry, profoundly impacting her career and the visibility of transgender individuals in the arts.

Candy Darling had a complex and multifaceted relationship with other Warhol superstars. As a prominent figure in Andy Warhol's entourage, she interacted with a diverse group of artists and personalities. She was generally well-regarded and admired for her beauty, talent, and charisma. Candy was particularly close to Holly Woodlawn and Jackie Curtis, other transgender Warhol superstars, with whom she shared the experiences and challenges of being transgender in the public eye during the early 1970s.

However, relationships within Warhol's Factory scene were often competitive and fraught with jealousy. The intense desire for fame and attention led to rivalries among the superstars. Despite this, Darling managed to maintain her status as a beloved and iconic figure within the group, noted for her vulnerability and earnest desire for stardom, which resonated with many of her contemporaries and fans. Her portrayal in Warhol’s films and her public persona as a glamorous actress contributed to her enduring legacy among the Warhol superstars.

Candy Darling had a deep appreciation for theater and was particularly inspired by the glamour and drama of Tennessee Williams' plays. She famously admired his work, especially "A Streetcar Named Desire." Darling identified strongly with Blanche DuBois, the play’s fragile and tragic protagonist, seeing parallels between Blanche's life and her own experiences and aspirations. This admiration for Williams' work underscores Darling's affinity for theatrical expressions that explore complex emotions and human vulnerabilities.

Candy Darling had a complex relationship with fame. She was deeply fascinated by celebrity and the allure of movie stars, often drawing inspiration from actresses like Kim Novak and Lana Turner. Darling saw fame as a way to affirm her identity and escape the limitations imposed by her reality. She aspired to be a famous actress, seeing fame not only as a means of personal validation but also as a vehicle for transcending the ordinary and achieving greatness. Her diaries and letters reflect a longing to be adored and recognized, which was partly why she was so drawn to the glamorous world of Andy Warhol and the Factory, where fame and art intertwined.

Candy Darling passed away on March 21, 1974. She died from lymphoma, which had been related to her hormone treatments. Darling was a transgender actress and a prominent figure in the New York City underground scene of the 1960s and early 1970s. She gained fame through her work with Andy Warhol and her roles in Warhol's films, as well as her role in the broader LGBTQ+ community during a time of significant social change.

Discover and learn about people that are similar to Candy Darling.