Sordid Lives
Story and Photos by Pat Krause

“Sordid Lives,” the cult film classic, just turned 25—and it’s still as wild, funny, and heartfelt as ever. The movie sparked a craze among the “Gay and Gray” community when it first hit the screen back in 2000 at what was then known as the Camelot Theatre in Palm Springs.

Ann Walker is the creator and director of Dell Shores.

Featuring an unforgettable ensemble cast including Beau Bridges, Bonnie Bedelia, Beth Grant, Olivia Newton-John, Ann Walker, Delta Burke, Rosemary Alexander, Newell Alexander, and the ever-hilarious Leslie Jordan, the film quickly became a fan favorite around the world.

To celebrate the milestone, fans packed into the Palm Springs Cultural Center (formerly the Camelot) for a special anniversary screening and VIP Meet & Greet. Guests mingled with the film’s creator, director, screenwriter, and actor Del Shores, along with the radiant Ann Walker (“LaVonda”) and the always-charming Emerson Collins. The upstairs lounge buzzed with laughter, old friends reconnecting, and plenty of cellphones snapping photos to capture the moment.

Monika Elgert, Gina Gelts. Emerson Collins from Sordid Lives  and Kerry Nelson

For many in attendance, it was a nostalgic night—remembering that first screening 25 years ago and the countless times Sordid Lives has filled theaters since. The event, part of Palm Springs’ LGBTQ Weekend, also served as a fundraiser for the Del Shores Foundation. A spirited costume contest had fans channeling their favorite “white trash” or Sordid Livescharacters with gusto.

The screening concluded with a lively Q&A featuring Shores and Collins. Shores fondly remembered members of the original cast who have since passed and expressed his deep gratitude to the loyal fans who’ve supported his offbeat, heartfelt stories—from Southern Baptist Sissies to A Very Sordid Wedding and beyond.

After 25 years, Sordid Lives continues to inspire laughter, love, and acceptance—and the community that adores it keeps growing stronger with every showing.