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The Big Johnson

Play trailer Poster for The Big Johnson 2025 2h 15m Documentary Biography LGBTQ+ Play Trailer Watchlist
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Dean Johnson, drag queen, rock star, LGBTQI activist, junkie, genius, escort then John Doe. How does someone so famous in New York die as an unknown in DC? "The Big Johnson" explores the incredible highs and the crushing lows of Dean Johnson's life and untimely death. Was it murder? Was it an accident? We may never know, but what is for sure is that Dean and "the Big Johnson" changed New York City and all who knew him forever.

Critics Reviews

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Eric Langberg Everything's Interesting Sep 14
The documentary brilliantly conveys that, while drag is now a viable career path to fame and fortune, it used to be a provocative, dangerous, daring art form… and perhaps it could be again, if we follow Dean’s lead. Go to Full Review Michael Talbot-Haynes Film Threat Feb 28
10/10
An incredible movie about an incredible artist during an incredible time. Doesn’t get much better. Go to Full Review Tina Kakadelis Beyond the Cinerama Dome Feb 24
From the plethora of archival footage to the glowing way all the interviewees spoke of Dean, The Big Johnson paints a lovingly complex portrait of a person who stood tall. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Cast & Crew

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Lola Rock'N'Rolla

Director

Mike Albo

Self

Mary Woronov

Self

Josh Atkins

Self

Kevin Aviance

Self

Lola Rock'N'Rolla

Writer
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The Big Johnson

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Movie Info

Synopsis Dean Johnson, drag queen, rock star, LGBTQI activist, junkie, genius, escort then John Doe. How does someone so famous in New York die as an unknown in DC? "The Big Johnson" explores the incredible highs and the crushing lows of Dean Johnson's life and untimely death. Was it murder? Was it an accident? We may never know, but what is for sure is that Dean and "the Big Johnson" changed New York City and all who knew him forever.
Director
Lola Rock'N'Rolla
Producer
Lola Rocknrolla, Beth Johnson, Mitch del Monico
Screenwriter
Lola Rock'N'Rolla, Lola Rocknrolla
Production Co
Funtown Pictures
Genre
Documentary, Biography, LGBTQ+
Original Language
English
Runtime
2h 15m