The movie Purple Rain was released in theaters July 27, 1984. The Last Dragon will forever be connected with Prince’s first film not just because they are both musically influenced 80’s cult classics that came out within 8 months of each other- The Last Dragon and Purple Rain are also connected through Vanity (now an evangelist who goes by her real name Denise Matthews).
Vanity and Apollonia are Two Different People
No Vanity was not in Purple Rain that was Apollonia Kotero (the two are often confused for each other) but she could have been. She was romantically involved with Prince back then and was offered the role but she turned it down for the chance to clean up her “Nasty Girl” image and play the female lead in The Last Dragon.
She also left Prince and Vanity 6 the group he put together. Apollonia took over her role as lead of Vanity 6 and took her place in Purple Rain. The group was renamed Apollonia 6 and it was Apollonia and not Vanity that would infamously try to purify herself in the cool waters of Lake Minnetonka.
Imagine if Vanity had done Purple Rain instead of The Last Dragon? Would we know Apollonia today? Who would have played Laura Charles in her place? What do you think?
The Last Dragon 30th Anniversary Celebration
Purple Rain wasn’t the only movie that celebrated it’s 30th anniversary. The Last Dragon Turned 30 on March 22, 2015. The celebration started at the 2014 Urban Action Showcase & Expo and will continue on right through 2015. Follow The Last Dragon 30th Anniversary Celebration Facebook page to keep up all with all the events.
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TheLastDragonTribute.com is a blog dedicated to preserving the joy of Berry Gordy’s 1985 Motown meets Kung Fu cult classic The Last Dragon. We also delve into all things Bruce Lee, Martial Arts and enjoy reminiscing about 70′s,80′s & 90′s pop culture. Follow us from the links below for your daily dose of the Glow!
I love the movie purple rain! I also love denise matthews. I would like her poster emailed to me.
Thank You.
I met Denise Matthews through my friend Katy I left the comment earlier but my text came out incorrectly so I’m trying to correct it she became quite close with my friend Katy and I had the privilege of becoming friends with her and she to preach in my hometown and she brought so much comfort and so much joy with her testimony of her life and she brought so many people to the Lord she was a true inspiration .she gave hope too people when people felt that there was no hope and now I know the reason why God had his purpose for her on this Earth. We miss you, rest in peace, and I know you are young healthy and whole. living like a queen with no pain singing like angel that you are. The one year has passed already that you have left us. It seems like it was yesterday you were still here. we miss you we love you but we know you’re in the Kingdom of God where you are the largest shiniest star of all.