F(UN)-Facts about Hairspray

Everybody is in love with "fun facts" these days. Well, anyone can give you actual information, but I find the really fun facts are un-facts.*

--The original plan for this new version was to cast the key roles with stars of another famous Baltimore-set work: The Wire. In that version, McNulty would have been Linc, Stringer Bell would have been Edna Turnblad, and Snoop would have been Little Ida.

--In order to perfect his Baltimore accent, John Travolta watched over 50 hours of local Boston television such as news, ads, and even public access programs. When asked how watching Boston TV would help him play a native of Baltimore, Travolta reportedly said it wouldn't, but he just liked listening to the Boston accents better.

--It's estimated the actual hairspray used in the movie took 3.6 years off the life of the planet.

--A Gallup poll indicates 3 of 5 men are afraid seeing "Hairspray" will "turn them gay."

--3 X Original Ricki Lake (who starred in the original) + 2 X Nikki Blonsky (who takes over in this version) - John Travolta in fat suit = 1.5 pre-surgery Star Jones.

--Co-star Michelle Pfeiffer took a 5-year hiatus from live action movies after "White Oleander." She spent that time in an unsuccessful bid to become a UFC champion.

--The original songs in "Hairspray" can all be sung to the tune of the theme song from "F Troop."

--At the Baltimore premiere of the film, a man strongly resembling Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis shot someone.

--Original helmer John Waters is in talks to do a big-screen adaptation of the popular "Kidz Bop" CD franchise.

*That is, I made them up, and they're not really facts.