Vegas’ “longest running headliner” Frank Marino (FrankMarino.com) is bringing his famed female impersonator show Divas to the Avalon Hollywood. This one-night only (Friday, March 13, 2015) event benefits Cops 4 Causes (Cops4Causes.org) new Golden Ticket program for LA County’s foster youth. We caught Frank between costume changes for five fab questions.
NN: You’re a legend! Do you remember the first time you put on heels?
FM: The first time I put on a pair of heels was when I dressed up like Diana Ross at 16 years old on Halloween.
NN: When did you absolutely know showbiz was the life for you?
FM: I knew Showbiz was for me when I saw how much bigger the paycheck was going to be than my original plan to become a doctor.
NN: What’s the funniest thing a fan has said or done?
FM: One time I had a fan run up to my mother (who dresses like a country western star) and ask for an autograph thinking it was me.
NN: Is there one diva (living or passed) you haven’t done – but want to? Who and why?
FM: I don’t enjoy doing impersonations, I prefer to do my own femme fatale character and the only person I will impersonate is the late great Joan Rivers.
NN: You’re bringing your show to LA for the first time – the Golden Ticket gala must be something very special. Tell us about why you choose to support it.
FM: Because back home (Las Vegas, NV) I always work with children’s charities like Make A Wish and when (Cops 4 Causes founder) Christopher Landavazo told me about all the foster children and that one out of five are LGBT, I knew I wanted to be associated with the event.
NN: What advice do you have for young performers looking to break into the biz?
FM: The ladder of success is even harder to climb especially when you’re wearing high heels but don’t let anyone hold you down.