Baltimore Icons John Waters and Stavros Halkias Unite on Netflix Show

LOS ANGELES, Apr. 3, 2025 — Two notable figures from Baltimore, comedian Stavros Halkias and filmmaker John Waters, met for the first time on Wednesday night during a live episode of Netflix’s “Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney.” This surprising crossover brought together rising comedic talent and a cult cinema legend in a unique talk show setting.

Waters, known for films such as “Hairspray” and “Serial Mom,” expressed his excitement upon recognizing Halkias, exclaiming, “How come we’ve never met?” Halkias reciprocated with admiration, stating, “You’re the man.” Their conversation offered an entertaining glimpse into their mutual connections and the cultural fabric of their hometown.

As the episode unfolded, the theme of urban squatting provided a playful backdrop, prompting Mulaney to ask Waters his stance on landlords. Waters responded humorously, recalling, “I dated a squatter once. Somebody was walking down the street and said, ‘John Waters, can I live with you?’ I said yeah.”

Halkias, whose childhood neighborhood Greektown emerged in their discussion, sparked a nostalgic moment when Waters reminisced, “The best lesbian bar was there. The best, scariest one ever called the Port in the Storm.” Waters fondly recalled taking Debbie Harry to the bar, where she deemed it “the scariest bar she had been to in her life.”

During the segment, Mulaney referred to Halkias as being reminiscent of a character from HBO’s “The Wire,” connecting him to the show’s portrayal of crime and community in Baltimore. Halkias shared his own nostalgic connection, revealing, “They literally shot it in the restaurant where my mother was a waitress in,” illustrating their intertwined histories.

As the episode progressed, Waters humorously described his past relationship with a squatter and some of the unique traits that come with anarchism. “He couldn’t spend the night… He was an anarchist, so he was fun,” he noted, delighting the audience. The comedic draw of radical subcultures was reinforced when he quipped about anarchists’ fashion sense, comparing their attire to that of activist groups like Antifa, stating, “They have good outfits.”

This episode solidified the charm of Baltimore’s cultural icons, showcasing how diverse backgrounds and experiences can converge in unexpected ways. Both Halkias and Waters brought their unique perspectives, shedding light on their shared roots and the quirks that make Baltimore special.

Wesley Case is an arts and culture reporter for The Baltimore Banner, previously covering Baltimore’s vibrant arts and nightlife scene at The Baltimore Sun for over ten years.