March 2, 1992

Barry Humphries as "Dame Edna."

Dame Edna Everage. Dame Edna describes herself as a housewife, megastar, investigative journalist, chanteuse, swami and polymath. She's become a media star in England and Australia, and has just written her memoir, called "My Gorgeous Life: The Life, The Loves, The Legend" (published by Simon and Schuster). Dame Edna, in case you didn't know, is a fictitious creation, the alter-ego of Australian comic Barry Humphries.

14:29

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Guest

Barry Humphries

Host

Terry Gross

Other segments from the episode on March 2, 1992

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, March 2, 1992: Interview with Hodding Carter; Interview with "Dame Edna Everage"; Commentary on the KGB.

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March 2, 1992

22:57

Political Journalist Hodding Carter.

Political journalist Hodding Carter. This week, the Public television series "Frontline" is airing Carter's report, "Who Is David Duke?" about the Klansman turned presidential candidate.

Interview

Hodding III Carter

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March 2, 1992

04:39

Clearing up Rumors about the KGB.

Commentator David Gurevitz checks out some rumors about the KGB in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet empire. He's the author of "From Lenin to Lennon."

Commentary

David Gurevitz

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Actor, singer and drag queen Ru Paul. The six-foot seven entertainer is even taller in heels and has fashioned for himself a supermodel persona. He attributes his mainstream appeal to his non-threatening sexuality and his “non-bitchy” drag queen personality. Ru Paul is appearing out of drag in the new comedy “But I’m A Cheerleader.” He plays an ex-gay rehab counselor. Ru Paul’s other films include “Crooklyn,” “The Brady Bunch Movie,” and “Wigstock the Movie.” (THIS INTERVIEW CONTINUES INTO THE SECOND HALF OF THE SHOW).

Interview

Ru Paul

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July 22, 2026

52:30

In pursuit of 'Instagram face,' are we losing the imperfections that make us human?

Jia Tolentino is a staff writer at The New Yorker and the bestselling author of the essay collection "Trick Mirror." Seven years ago, she coined the phrase Instagram face, capturing the beauty ideal of the social media era. Her new essay asks what that face has become.

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Barry Humphries as "Dame Edna."

Guest

Host

Related Topics

Other segments from the episode on March 2, 1992

Political Journalist Hodding Carter.

Clearing up Rumors about the KGB.

Transcript

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