The black-white drag divide: 'White Famous,' Chris Rock and Tyler Perry on saying yes to the dress
Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, Adam Sandler, David Duchovny, John Travolta and Dustin Hoffman took different paths to stardom. But the actors' journeys all have one article of clothing in common.
Each of them, at some point, said yes to the dress.
Hanks and the others have all appeared in sketches or roles in which they have rocked frocks, following in the tradition of Milton Berle, Bob Hope and other classic entertainers. Some of the comic masquerades have been career highlights - Hoffman won an Oscar for "Tootsie"; "Mrs. Doubtfire" was a smash hit for Williams; and Hanks' early "Bosom Buddies" sitcom role was the launching pad for his rise to elite Hollywood status.
Male comedians appearing in drag seemingly has universal appeal that cuts across cultural lines. Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Jamie Foxx, Kenan Thompson of "Saturday Night Live" and Tyler Perry are among the African American performers
