Imelda Marcos - in Popular Culture

In Popular Culture

• In 1966 The Beatles had difficulty leaving the Philippines amid scenes of violent protest, having been accused of snubbing Imelda Marcos by failing to attend a breakfast reception at the Presidential Palace. The Beatles claim to have declined the invitation and suggest that Imelda Marcos was not used to people saying no to her. The Beatles and entourage were traumatized and never played live again (except for Shea Stadium and the Rooftop Concert).
• Imelda Marcos was interviewed by Ruby Wax in an episode of her 1996 series Ruby Wax Meets.
• British musician Mark Knopfler satirized the extravagance of Imelda Marcos in the song "Imelda", featured on his album Golden Heart in 1996.
• In the 90210 third season episode "All About a Boy", Naomi Clark claimed to own more shoes than Imelda Marcos and Kimora Lee Simmons combined.
• In the RuPaul's Drag Race third season episode "The Snatch Game", drag queen Manila Luzon impersonated Imelda Marcos in the episode's main challenge.
• In the Suburgatory season 1 episode "Hear No Evil", George Altman asks his daughter Tessa if she was sure it was Dallas Royce she was quoting about fingernails, and not Imelda Marcos.
• In 2010, British producer Fatboy Slim and American musician David Byrne created a concept album called Here Lies Love which centers around the life of Imelda Marcos leading up to her family's exile from the Philippines. The album featured many guest female singers like Cyndi Lauper, Florence Welch and Santigold, alternately playing the roles of Marcos and her servant, Estrella Cumpas, in each its tracks. In the spring of 2013 The Public Theater will present a staged musical version of the album.
• In the TV series Ideal, the character of Brian tries on 210 pairs of trainers. His friend, Moz, tells him that he has been possessed by Imelda Marcos.
• In the TV Series Gilmore Girls, in Episode 13 of Season 7 "I'd Rather Be in Philadelphia", Rory Gilmore mentions that her grandmother's shoe collection rivals Imelda Marcos'.
• Imelda Marcos is the subject of the 2003 documentary film Imelda by Ramona S. Diaz.