Does Hollywood fail gay actors who are out from the start?

I am big! It's the boys that got small.

Because most of the out gays are not great actors. Matt Bomer is not a very good actor.

Most people are straight. They want their idols to reflect them, even if they are in character.

When I see a gay actor playing a straight person romantically involved with the opposite sex, I veer from irritated to bemused.

Face it, Dorothy - Chris and Rupert are limited.

I think most people think Zachary Quinto is a very good actor.

Rupert came closest. At least he felt like a real Movie Star. The other one from "Glee", well... couldn't even be funny in "AbFab" and that's saying a lot. No "there" there.

it's not "being in the closet" if one decides to sell the "actor" before the sexuality. As R2 said, most gay actors are not very good; they're the flittering theater queens who revel in the adoration of their fag-hags.

And, for some reason, very few of them have any Heat. They seem like cuddly little plushies with no dicks.

[quote]I think most people think Zachary Quinto is a very good actor.

Apparently you didn't see him on Broadway in The Glass Menagerie.

As long as you don't know for certain like Rock Hudson and Spencer Tracy at the height of their success. If you know then you laugh at a gay actor pretending to be into a woman on screen. Straight people won't buy the fantasy. And neither will gays and they will find it a source of mockery.

Sad but true. Stay in the closet boys unless you want a career in indies or like Rannells.

Life does not go according to our ideologies no matter how angry we get.

Sean Hayes and Neil Patrick Harris can play straight convincingly.

Hyde Pierce and Bomer have also been able to play heterosexual well.

[quote]The other one from "Glee", well... couldn't even be funny in "AbFab" and that's saying a lot. No "there" there.

Bullshit. First I saw "Ab Fab" in a crowded NY theater and he got laughs. Second, he is not pursuing acting, he is a multi NY Times best selling author now and has a new series publishing soon, but if Jennifer Saunders calls you up and asks you to be in her next movie, let us know. And NO I'm not Chris Colfer

It's not Hollywood that fails them....It's the public. For all the strides that have been made most people still won't accept a gay actor playing romantic roles or super hero's. Don't believe me? Go look at younger people's comments online and you'll get an education.

I think people would accept Matt Bomer as a superhero.

Matt Bomer is a very good actor. It's just that he is so pretty that it's distracting (tho he used to be MUCH prettier in the past)

I agree, R14. I actually think people would be cool with Matt Bomer as Superman/Clark Kent.

DL doesn't care about actors who never hid their sexuality OP!

Luke Evans is successful as a regular masculine man

Only a masculine mainstream gay dude who eschews gay stereotypes and conventional gay culture can be successful as a leading man or superhero. People will laugh at a guy who acts stereotypically gay in real life trying to act like an Alpha male

To be a huge leading man, a guy actor must defy gay stereotypes, be a real life dudebro who just happens to like dudes. Gayness must not be his core identity

r16 Yes but would they be cool with him and a Louis Lane?

Charlie Barnett can successful play straight

[quote] Does Hollywood fail gay actors who are out from the start?

To be brutally honest the Hollywood from the past had no use for openly gay actors and in a lot of cases, and projects, still does not.

What is (still) missing is a big and powerful enough network that can greenlight LGBT projects with not only mainstream budgets but with PR budgets that rival mainstream blockbusters that create a narrative that movies with members of the LGBT Community can be as successful as heteronormative mainstream movies starring straight and closeted actors.

Guys like Ryan Murphy and Greg Berlanti do some fantastic work to get something going in that direction, but it will take quite some time to get there.

No, the issue is can an openly gay man convincingly play in a nongay role, because the huge majority of roles are nongay

it's also whether they can sell seats, and by all accounts the more flamboyant can't when it comes to big budget flicks. Plus the rest of the world where the real $$ is really dgaf about lgbt.

And yet its so fashionable for straight actors to play gay.

Actually, R24, I think it's been well-proven that a gay man can convincingly play a non-gay role (e.g., Rock Hudson) but he was closeted all that time. The real question here is whether Hollywood can get over its custom of only hiring closeted actors for mainstream roles or is it willing to finally give non-gay roles to actors who are out and proud.

You get what you pay for (aka support). When the general opinion is "Why should I support something or someone I don't like, just because he's part of my - so called - community?" you lose the right to complain that there is nothing worth supporting being released.

When you don't have other people's back why should anybody have yours?

"Yes but would they be cool with him and a Louis Lane? "

Totally, fucking Louis would be completely credible, fucking Lois however.....

(Did I miss it when Clark Kent fucked Lois?)

Anything that takes you out of the movie is a problem. Anne Heche was hardly butch but she had been so public about her new gay love with Ellen that it was impossible not to think about it while she was onscreen with Harrison Ford. In a romance, no less.

Better to do what blacks did with "Get Out" and "Us" and do gay films that make good box office. Gay leads perfect for that. I tried to write a gay action hero once but the time was not right.

Chris Colfer always bothered me on Glee because his teeth never showed when he smiled or spoke.

And I could never imagine him fucking anyone, male or female (or getting fucked either).

[quote]Better to do what blacks did with "Get Out" and "Us" and do gay films that make good box office. Gay leads perfect for that. I tried to write a gay action hero once but the time was not right.

R30, I tried to do the same many years ago by writing a screenplay that told the story of two gay musicians who go on to music superstardom. The time was not right for it, however, and I've sat on it for years. Now with the success of films like "Bohemian Rhapsody" and "Rocketman," I may try to shop it around again and see what kind of response I get. (This is totally fiction, however, not based on anybody real.)

As some posters point out prejudice is still an issue. And Hollywood really wants that money from these prejudicial people because they can't get enough of money.

R2, Matt Bomer went to a prestigious acting school, he is probably more talented than most straight actors. You don't need to be gifted to be a big star, anyway

R30, but black actors are now playing roles not conventionally considered for them, including being considered for James Bond, etc

Luke Evans plays mostly straight roles

[quote] You don't need to be gifted to be a big star, anyway.

That is very true. You need some industry insiders to believe you can make them a shit ton of money when they cast you in their projects.

I’ve seen Matt Bomer shoot celebrity hoops with rappers and jocks. He knows how to fit in with the fellas, dudebros. We need more openly gay celebrities like that

Sorry, ou need some industry insiders WHO believe you can make them a shit ton of money when they cast you in their projects.

Good luck/break a leg, R33. The issue now is that all is so mainstream that it's hard to sustain a story since there isn't that much oppression anymore, especially for singers and actors (on the surface). I thought it'd be interesting to explore a duo where one star is gay, the other not (Erasure, maybe Wham) but, truthfully, the straight ones couldn't care less so no conflict. Like the REM guys having no issue with Stipe even when they were all younger.

(Not a dig, I hope you know. My action hero idea might be dated now for sure, at least as first conceived with a famous actress being offered millions to be his beard wife -- and then trouble ensues).

Why ruin an acting career from the start by coming out? We all know the ones with marriage contracts, in their forties dating 21 year olds. Successful careers, ton of money.

Thank you, R41. Your gay superhero idea sounds fascinating, so I still hope you will pursue it at some point. And good luck!

Comes down to the average viewer being capable of suspension of disbelief for pretty much everything except for the sexuality of the actors. I wonder if it’s something that’s rooted deep into the “operating systems”, since it’s linked to reproduction and survival of the species.

Well, people associate gay men with gay culture, which creates a lot of baggage for men. Leading men not only have to be convincing as lady killers, but also perceived as strong, heroic, leaders, and manly. Sadly, gay culture/men are still largely viewed as lacking those attributes.

We were on our way to reversing that and then fucking minstrel shows like "Will and Grace" and "Modern Family" set us back again to the funny flamboyant cliches. "Queer Eye" didn't help either. It's amazing how cool things are for us in general considering how backwards our on-screen portrayals have been.

True, but I think there are more masculine guy portrayals of gay men than ever, especially adding bi and fluid men to the Milieu

r46. Those so called minstrel entertainment cliches eased the mainstream into accepting the cool things we all can appreciate these days.

And if Trump and the GOP will not be able to push us back in the closet, or make us look "uncool", then Will & Grace won't make it happen either.

Truly like saying "The Cosby Show" made whites accept blacks. Except, in the case of gays, it taught them to accept the stereotypes. And gays moved on to other things (marriage) and gave up on image so worked out well for everyone, I guess. But still fucked up.

And Good Times paved the way for the Cosby Show paved the way for Soul Food paved the way for HTGAWM paved the way for Atlanta paved the way Insecure. There is a stepping stone progression to progress.

OP pic of Colfer is a bad one, it only increases the already-strong desire to punch him the face.

R13 I just don't accept actors period. Can't wait until all of them are computer generated

Matt Bomer might be cast as a friend of the stars (male on female) in a film or on Broadway but not as a straight male.

R53, he has been cast as a "straight male" before

Luke Evans is the successful model

Luke Evans tried to go back in the closet.

R49: The 1970s/1980s black sitcom renaissance came when network TV was still the biggest deal in town. Gays started showing up concurrently, too, but in smaller numbers. But by the time they were ready to open the floodgates for LGB representation on network TV, they wouldn't do it without the T and they waited until cable had already started taking huge chunks of their audiences away.

What matters is the legit media entertainment press doesn't push the issue with the likes of Luke Evans. They play along to promote the movies and TV shows.

[quote] OP pic of Colfer is a bad one, it only increases the already-strong desire to punch him the face.

If I could name three gay male actors who have done the most harm to gay men in the short- and long-term, I would chose him, Sean Hayes, and Danny Pintauro.

The public being prejudiced.

The people in Hollywood being prejudiced.

Some acting teachers pigeonholing students they know are gay into certain roles so you don't get the same training as everyone else.

There's also not many people who are straight who are on that level at this point. The whole concept of the "movie star" has changed. The days of Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Brad Pitt etc. ruling the box office are long gone.

Zachary Quinto is a great actor when doing the right material but he's not a leading actor.

Matt Bomer could have played Superman successfully because he was literally built for the role. The problem with him is that he is almost only a leading man type. If there was ever an example of "too pretty" it was him at his peak. He's still very attractive. However, in "Vulture Club" they gave him a fake nose. In "The Nice Guys" they gave him a fake nose and a face mole with a shitty haircut. He can't play the best friend up against an actor who he would have always been prettier than but you can argue that he's been more successful overall than any of his other contemporaries at the variety of work he has done. He was the star of his own TV series multiple times but only one time stuck. Hollywood wanted him to happen.

If he were straight he would have long been a box office star but he didn't get there because no one wanted to take the risk.

While people like Jim Parsons and Sean Hayes have excelled at playing their type but they, even if they were straight, couldn't carry a movie.

[quote]And Good Times paved the way for the Cosby Show paved the way for Soul Food paved the way for HTGAWM paved the way for Atlanta paved the way Insecure. There is a stepping stone progression to progress.

Exactly. It's a slow and steady climb but we're at the point where someone like Billy Eichner can make a gay romcom and get it released in theaters because Greg Berlanti was able to get a teen movie like "Love, Simon" and get so much public support. However, you had to have your "Will & Grace(s)" and your Billy Crystal on "Soap" to get to this point.

Because of Tyler Perry's "Madea" films you got "The Black Panther" and "Get Out" so now have a movie like, "Ma." The films were profitable. They see there is money in it. They will make more. Gays have to do the same thing but it's a damn hard door to break through.

Luke Evans is “gay vague.” That and bi identity see how men can be successful leading nonhet actors

Gay vague? Is that the new glass closet?

Gays are still a minority. Stereotypes are hard to overcome and not everyone wants to. It’s easy for people to overlook the fact that an actor might be gay, but when he makes a public announcement, they can’t. People are interested in gay characters though and should appreciate gay actors playing them. Bomer’s latest roles have been appealing masculine gay men (Doom Patrol, Papi Chulo, BITB).

People are mostly violently homophoblc, so a gay male superstar is very unlikely to happen anytime soon and Hollywood knows it. Can't believe that dumb guy who was sucking off the teenager in the italian movie really thought he would be given the Batman part...

You just wait! Richard Madden is going to break that barrier !!!

[quote] Can't believe that dumb guy who was sucking off the teenager in the italian movie really thought he would be given the Batman part...

So Taron Egerton's career if finished after playing Elton John in Rocketman where he makes out with other men?

Oh honey, no,' Taron Egerton' is going to be a household name worlwide for the decades to come...

Yes, gay vague or bi/fluid identity works. Sort of like how it works for Frank Ocean in music. He acknowledged he is interested in some dudes, but otherwise lives as a mainstream guy

[quote]If I could name three gay male actors who have done the most harm to gay men in the short- and long-term, I would chose him, Sean Hayes, and Danny Pintauro.

Hayes was part of the show that mainstreamed the acceptance of gay men. To this day people tweet that Colfer's character, as well as him being out, helped them come out in their own lives or stop hating themselves for who they are.

But I'm sure not even Mike Pence can hurt the gays as much as these two!!!!

The delicate reality is that while some to many gay men are stereotypically gay or culturally unlike other men, this makes society more think of gay men as unlike other men, ie, unmanly. There is nothing objectively wrong with being nonmasculine or stereotypically gay, but there is a social cost to it in the aggregate: people associate male gayness with unmanliness. Also, masculine gay guys tend to either be closeted, in denial, or naturally less likely to be noticed for their sexuality.

Naturally less likely to be noticed for their sexuality since they don’t confirm the stereotype

R69, are you fucking kidding me? That show not only did not fast-track acceptance of gay men, it was a smokescreen while the same people who bought ad space on that show were plotting to do away with our next generation via chemical sterilization.

[quote] However, you had to have your "Will & Grace(s)" and your Billy Crystal on "Soap" to get to this point.

Those two are not remotely comparable. Jodie Dallas was a complex character who still could land a hot football player boyfriend. Will & Jack are caricatures and both are stereotypes.

[quote]we still don’t have one of Will Smith’s or Bradley Cooper’s A-list caliber.

I wonder why they chose those two as examples.

[quote] To this day people tweet that Colfer's character, as well as him being out, helped them come out in their own lives or stop hating themselves for who they are.

He did the exact opposite for me. He is cringeworthy.

[quote] And yet its so fashionable for straight actors to play gay.

And since Elton John gave the thumbs up for it in his own cinematic biopic, don't expect it to change any time soon.

But I've said it before and I'll say it again: no other minority group would be forced to give up roles to outsiders to this extent.

The idea that actors should be IRL who they play is a little weird and fairly new. If you can imagine it, you can act it. Being Black or Asian or female is physically obvious, but being gay is not necessarily. People play doctors & lawyers and police and murderers with no personal experience in those roles.

You can't get fired from being gay.

R74 decided an out gay man in HW did "most harm to gay men" on the statistical basis of - wait for it -- himself.

[quote]Those two are not remotely comparable. Jodie Dallas was a complex character who still could land a hot football player boyfriend. Will & Jack are caricatures and both are stereotypes.

R72, It's obvious you really loved Soap but you're honestly looking back at it through rose colored glasses!

But because "Jodie" was loved and accepted you got another character years later "Jack" who:

Everyone knew was gay.

Who didn't start out wanting a sex change because a gay man wanting to be a woman was more acceptable to people.

Who wasn't banned from showing love and affection towards another male character on screen.

Who didn't suddenly decide to start dating women to appeal to the masses (and even got one pregnant)

.... and then didn't ever date anyone else again!

If any of that happened to a gay character today people would scream! I don't necessarily like the stereotypical aspects of Jack but the fact that he can exist at all is progress. It may not be the progress you want or we need but that's the whole idea of stepping stones.

You do one, you see what didn't work, you do better the next time.

R76, Cis actors can play trans characters just as well as straight actors can play gay. But that is considered an outrage by lgbt groups.

[quote] But because "Jodie" was loved and accepted because Soap was actually well-written and acted, you got another character years later "Jack", a poorly written and homophobic stereotype who grabbed Grace's breasts and slutted around during a real-life HIV and meth crisis, played by someone who didn't come out until after the show ended.

Fixed.

[quote]Who didn't start out wanting a sex change because a gay man wanting to be a woman was more acceptable to people.

The same year [italic]Soap[/italic] began, Norman Lear launched [italic]All That Glitters[/italic] with Linda Gray as a transsexual in a world where women have dominance over men. It bombed.

[quote]You do one, you see what didn't work, you do better the next time.

They didn't do better. More isn't better, and W&G is so much worse I couldn't watch it then or now. Jack had a retcon-baby with Rosie fucking O'Donnell. On what planet is this funny? It's pathetic.

[quote]Who didn't start out wanting a sex change because a gay man wanting to be a woman was more acceptable to people.

This has gotten worse, not better, in real life since 1998. [italic]Soap[/italic] exposed it as a weapon of war against homosexuality. But Jodie didn't actually do it. He didn't destroy his body. He didn't marry Carol and live a lie that would have said to their daughter Wendy it was okay to lie. He avoided doing the worst things we, as gay men, can do to ourselves even if he had to lose the love of his life to do it.

Not if they are really masculine men. I prefer really masculine men such as myself.

R80 It’s not considered an outrage by me, but there is a visual aspect of being trans that may ring false.

I only have seen Luke Evans as himself on Graham Norton's show, and he is very straight seeming. I don't think he's officially out these days. The only time I've seen him as an actor was on The Alienist last year. He's a decent actor and played opposite Dakota Fanning.

"You just wait! Richard Madden is going to break that barrier !!!"

He's not out

"I don't think he's officially out these days."

Yes, he is

r53 What about Neal Caffrey? That is a straight lead character. And there was chemistry with the female romantic partners.

This is so true. If it weren't for the random fact he's gay, Chris Colfer would be playing Thor right now. Hollywood has failed him.

R87, He wasn't out publicly when the show started. He came out when the show would have been in its 4th season. The series ended with a truncated Season 6 but it didn't have anything to do with him or the ratings even though those were not great at that point.

R88, your comment actually underscores the point of the article, which is that if Chris Hemsworth was the exact same person he is now -- with the exact same looks, voice and build, with the only difference being he was an out gay man -- he probably wouldn't be playing Thor either. His being out would have likely prevented the role from ever being offered to him.

For Hollywood, it's not the gayness but the being out about it.

R89 White Collar is one of a small group of shows to score a 100% Rotten Tomatoes rating its entire run. Season 6 scored a 100% rating. And much of that was due to the talented acting of Matt Bomer. After he came out publicly during its run, over fifty thousand women signed a petition for him to be cast as Christian in the 50 Shades of Grey movie . They knew he was gay and didn’t give AF. It’s BS that women won’t accept an out gay man in a leading role.

[Quote] After he came out publicly during its run, over fifty thousand women signed a petition for him to be cast as Christian in the 50 Shades of Grey movie .

Jesus, they must've really hated him.

R91, and he revealed years later that he was actually asked if he was interested by someone involved with it and passed which was, in my opinion, smart.

93 I couldn't agree more.

R11, um... no. NPH is a caricature, not a romantic leading man.

R60, you are giving Tyler Perry so much undeserved credit.

R96, Not at all. You're literally just throwing out random black actor's names.

Madea Goes to Jail had a bigger opening at 41 million than any movie Eddie Murphy carried on his own other than The Nutty Professor II. Neither Wesley nor Pam could ever touch that.

Whether you like him or not or whether you think his films are stupid or not, he once again showed Hollywood that black people will turn up at the box office to see themselves and pay quite a bit of money.

That's why he got the chance to make 15+ movies. Gay people need to do it too but it's harder since there's never been a Whoopi or a Wesley or a Pam for us.

Many gay actors can't act. Many gay actors can't even pass as straight in real life, let alone in a TV show or film. The gay actors who can actually act come out later in life for obvious reasons.

[quote]For Hollywood, it's not the gayness but the being out about it.

You beat me to it.

Of course. That’s obvious and can be said the same about the world in general. Openly gay men are what society freaks out about.

[Quote] Many gay actors can't even pass as straight in real life, let alone in a TV show or film.

What does that say about actors who can pass as serial killers, superheroes, sociopaths, crazy people, doctors, etc.?

Once upon a time some snake oil salesmen decided that being gay is bad and that people should be scared, ashamed, or afraid of it and built a whole society around things that people should be self conscious about so that they can be easy prey for these snake oil salesmen.

We live in a society where people can't get pass someone's private sex life which has nothing to do with that person's skill setf. Not just with acting but at other jobs where being gay is apparently a big liability that can't be ignored.

The black population is much larger than the gay. At best gay men can keep Gypsy running for several months. But even Follies needs funding.

Hollywood needs to sell tickets in Jakarta, Kuwait and Guangzhou. It's called show business. Suits won't throw their big budget dollars at gay leading men. Niche parts and films are fine, however. I don't think Hollywood is failing gays.

Producers need to let go of that greed or obsession to reach as many demographics as possible. Just try to please, and pander to, groups with similar interests.

"Many gay actors can't act. Many gay actors can't even pass as straight in real life, let alone in a TV show or film"

Huh? Who ever said that gays were bad actors? Most of us spend a good part of our lives pretending to be something else. Given that gays are overrepresented in the acting profession, I'd say it's the opposite. Why post something so homophobic on a gay board?

Want to add:

Just try to please, and pander to, groups with similar interests one step (aka move or TV project) at a time.

Suits are paid and promoted for being greedy and making good business. They should do no such thing.

It is interesting that that for some people a great, closeted actor turns into a bad, openly gay actor as soon he has the nerve to come out (TMI !!!!). Oh, I probably got it all wrong. He was a bad actor even when he was in the closet.

[quote] To this day people tweet that Colfer's character, as well as him being out, helped them come out in their own lives or stop hating themselves for who they are.... He did the exact opposite for me. He is cringeworthy.

You do realize that says more about you than him, right? Find a good therapist.

[quote] You do realize that says more about you than him, right? Find a good therapist.

I agree. Some posters don't realize how much they reveal with their comments.

if being Gay becomes your calling card, then your career will suffer unless you are an Andrew Rannells who mines the comedic possibilities in gay and Bi relationships which works for him. Plus he s smart and talented and can sing. He might be the most talented Gay actor working today. He has the career Rupert Everett might have had, but Rupert let Stardom and Drugs go to his head. If I was a hetero defined actor who's roles require believable relationships with woman, then I'd keep quiet. That is the marketplace and what sells tickets. Doesn't make it right, or even fair, but it's true.

Did you ring ???

Nobody holds it against a straight actor that being straight defines him. Because straight is "normal". But hey, that's society and we have to either take it or leave it. I would love to leave it, but have not yet find a proper exit of this stupid snake oil salesmen driven society that doesn't involve me dying.

I've accepted a while ago that Hollywood will never change , it will never treat out gay male actors equally, they will never been given the same employment opportunities as straight actors.

It will get there, just not overnight. People can get all angry and frustrated about the present state or look forward to a better future and walk towards it.

Look at someone like Damon. And then look at Affleck. They were young handsome and people girls loved them. That was a huge part of their astonishing rise back then. Those faces and abs on the covers of magazines. Ladies swooned. Affleck was a stud.

They simply would never have had a career at all had they come out after the Oscars and said "Yeah, we're gay." Hollywood couldn't have helped them with it. They were at the start of their careers (even though they;d been around for a few years nobody knew them). This is the world.

People boys loved them too R117, not just People girls... Such is the world

R117 idk. All the “big Hollywood stars” and leading men are in movies that tend to be in the action thriller genre. A genre that men largely outwatch in comparison to women. In fact, I would say that’s true for almost all leading men. So is it really straight men who don’t want to watch a movie with a gay male playing the lead? We already know women will watch something with a male cast or a female cast, but men will not watch something with a female cast. (I’m speaking on average. Of course some will).

Based on that, I think it’s more likely that straight women will watch a gay man no matter what role he’s in. I don’t think a straight male would.

Lesbians are more accepted

The problem is in the OP's sentence. "mistaken for straight" What the hell is that supposed to mean? Because Matt Bomer is handsome he can play straight? Or is it because he doesn't use YAAASSS and Girl as adjectives. This is zero reason a gay person cannot play a straight person and vice versa. It is called acting. Act like you like dick or pussy. Gay men don't fit into a pink feather box because that is what you think of us. Like every other man, we are all completely different people. Some gays are flamboyant, some are so macho they can fuck you dad and make him like it...screw you and your "pass for straight."

Even to this day some people are raised to believe that being gay makes you weak and inferior. That established belief is difficult to shake off unless you allow yourself to open your mind and let new experiences teach you otherwise and replace an old belief with a new one.

Some audience members could watch the most straight acting-est gay actor play the most straight action hero ever and they'd still go "nah, not buying it!" beause they simply aren't willing / open minded enough to let their old habits and beliefs get challenged.

The original cast "Gypsy" ran on Broadway because of Ethel Merman. Stayed with the musical for two years and then another year on the road. Nobody has come close to Merman.

This thread is very confusing. What are we talking about now and what time is it in English speaking Africa ? Or wherever you guys are posting from ?

R121 is right. A lot of the gay actors who don't get work simply can't pretend they're not gay. No one wants to see someone like Paul Lynde pretending to drool over Charlize Theron. It's ridiculous. The ones who can actually act and pretend to be straight on screen will get work. I do think Matt Bomer is a good example. If all his female fans believed him, he must be a better actor than we'd thought. I still find him a bit bland, but I do believe him when he's pretending to be attracted to a woman on screen. That's the key. It's not about who someone's fucking off screen.

There are very few actors who have the It factor. Colfer has the not factor. He is unappealing. This article reads like it is for affirmative action for gays. If audiences see you as the gay for who you are, it would be difficult to accept and believe them in other roles. I don’t think that Jesse Tyler will be cast ever as a straight romantic lead. It is a business. If Hollywood doesn’t believe the actor cast will bring in the bucks they will not get cast. Don’t shoot me but my advice is to stay in the closet. Come out if you must but your are limiting your chances of getting roles unless they are Chris Colfer gay.

[quote] No one wants to see someone like Paul Lynde pretending to drool over Charlize Theron. It's ridiculous.

I disagree. Ease the public into it by camping it up and show it as comedy entertainment at first. Broader gay acceptance started with showing gays as comic relief characters and comic relief sidekicks.

Chris Colfer is very sweet and probably very brave, but he is definitely no Laurence Olivier. I really can't see a great acting career for him, even as a supporting player. His turn in glee was completely unbelievable and un-realistic. And there is not a shot in hell for a guy like Kurt to land a hot piece of ass like ' Blaine ' IRL. That was very mislinding and hurtful for young People. The Blaines of this world wouldn't give Kurt a tap if he was the last guy on grindr. Bad actors are legions nowadays, but if on top of that they can't make a frau wet fantasy, they might as well drive a cab.

R110 must be Chris Colfer's publicist. Saying to seek help because of some undertalented white boy being put on a pedestal to keep continue marginalizing gay people while creating the illusion of doing the opposite is really offensive.

[quote] His turn in glee was completely unbelievable and un-realistic. And there is not a shot in hell for a guy like Kurt to land a hot piece of ass like ' Blaine ' IRL. That was very mislinding and hurtful for young People. The Blaines of this world wouldn't give Kurt a tap if he was the last guy on grindr.

Maybe, just maybe, the show didn't go for realism? Because,I don't know about your high school experience, but in my high school we didn't sing and dance all of a sudden in the hallways or in class.

And it's not a new, crazy thing to give people hope through cheesy, romantic fiction to a) feel better about themselves and b) to find the confidence / feel inspired and reach for more self empowerment in your own life.

Yes, but giving false hope is not empowering. The cast was badly mishandled and so were the target audience IMO. And I have been to drama class. We would sing and dance all the time. Not like that of course but anyway that was Murphy's bait for the young ones.

R131, kick rocks dude

Gotta love the right-wing idiot at r126 whining about "affirmative action"

[quote] Yes, but giving false hope is not empowering.

False hope would be if you were led to believe Darren Criss would marry you if you act like Kurt Hummel. Is that what you are mad about?

R127, I don't think they were saying there's no place for the Paul Lynde-esque gays in the business. Clearly, there are, but would you want to see someone who acts like Jack does on Will and Grace starring in something like The Notebook? If they can't turn off the flames, no one will buy them as a straight romantic lead. That's just a fact. Also, I'm not saying Sean Hayes couldn't do it (I've seen him play straight and totally believed him), but his character.

[quote] Clearly, there are, but would you want to see someone who acts like Jack does on Will and Grace starring in something like The Notebook?

I think you misunderstood. First ease the audience into it by making it "Notebook: The Comedy" where an obvious FLAMING gay man plays it up to ridicule the prejudice that only straight acting men can be believable as straight, romantic leads. Some time later make it "Notebook: The Hispster Rom-Com" where a gay guy plays a woke hipster dude who is totally in tune with his woman side and can charm the pants off his female romantic interest by being totally woke and understanding of her women issues. Then later make it Notebook (just, Notebook) with a gay guy playing a straight lead like it's no big deal anymore.

[quote]And there is not a shot in hell for a guy like Kurt to land a hot piece of ass like ' Blaine ' IRL.

And yet straight sitcoms have paired fat unappealing "everyman" husbands with slim beautiful out-of-their-league wives FOR AGES.

My point R137. That was just as bad, and time to stop.

Colfer hs another problem. He is funny looking, and looks like a kid which will not improve as he ages. Also, he's a bit arrogant.

R37, there's nothing wrong or dangerous in a little "unrealistic" gay romance on TV. I put unrealistic in quotes because these couples do exist in real life.

Nobody thought Glee was gritty realism. I haven't seen any millennial gay bitching on social media that the show tricked the into believing they will definitely land a Blaine.

R128 But when you look, all of Colfers fans are majority women. Gays aren’t turning out for him. Same with Bomer. Is there a gay actor whose fans ARENT largely women? I genuinely don’t think women’s attraction plays much of any part in determining actors status. Hollywood Suits certainly don’t care. A large amount of popular male actors are completely ugly. It’s all about if straight men think the woman is fuckable and the man is a stand-in for themselves.

Out of curiosity I just looked and “Love,Simon” audiences were majority female. Of course they could be lesbians... but are they? Are lesbians interested in a movie about young gay teenage boys?

Straight women outnumber gays like 20 to 1, of course most actors will have more straight female fans than gay fans

But fat and homely looking men snag hot chicks all the time

Colfer looks like a 25-year-old toddler, that's why he's not a STAR!

I like Neil Patrick Harris.

[quote] His turn in glee was completely unbelievable and un-realistic. And there is not a shot in hell for a guy like Kurt to land a hot piece of ass like ' Blaine '

Do you actually live in the real word or do you think life is a gay porn?

I try to make my life a gay pron R146

That’s your problem

So expecting gay TV shows not to be stupid and poorly written is a “problem”?

Expecting gay TV shows to measure up to YOUR standards is YOUR problem.

Different posters R150. You can't blame me for every post

Complaining about a show like Glee being unrealistic is beside the point. Maybe complain about all those "gritty" crime shows where the cops look like models

The original story was relatable, Kurt being mercilessly bullied by every guy , and finding solace in the odd fag hag. Then they throw in the Blaine who is obviously so far out of his league and so charismatic that even all of the straight warblers worship him and choose him as their leader (in which universe ?... ) and that hot motherfucker falls head over heels for prom queeny, even change his life around to get into Colfer scrawny ass. Not only laughable, harmful. There were at least 5 storylines that would have really been empowering. None of them involving a hot bf. IMO. Besides, no matter what DL says, Darren Criss is obviously straight.

Shut up dude

The problems with this article start with picking Colfer as an example of an out gay actor whose goal is to be or who can realistically expect a career as a straight romantic lead ruling the box office. Everyone knows that's not in the cards and he's agreed with that, adding that he's much more interested in playing a mentally unstable guy in 18th century Prague.

If we leave the box office out of consideration, anyone can be an unconventional "leading man" or leading woman / ingenue in a quirky offbeat comedy or dramedy on Netflix and such.

On another note, R153 will next tell us that a standard wish-fulfillment romcom trope is more harmful to the gays than AIDS.

Isn't his only role post "Glee" the hairdresser in "AbFab"? You've come a long way. baby.

And he was the lead in his own movie Struck By Lightning with Allison Janney.

Yeah, any further and we'll be back to the days of Franklin Pangborn and Edward Everett Horton.

Except they were better actors!

Darren Criss might be straight, but it's not obvious. R153

Not so R155. But it's obvious that poor Colfer is not the right example for this thread. French Actor Jean Marais was openly gay in the 40's/50's and a huge box office draw in his native country. Same with Jean Claude Brialy. John Gielgud was not a leading man, but still pretty much a star. Has there really been nobody in Hollywood, ever?

Character people like James Coco and the like didn't get much flack, even back in the day. It really is the Matt Bomer leading man that still seems the issue.

It is still so weird to me that Rupert Everett thought he was going to be a gigantic A-list star after "My best friend's Weddin g," and then when he didn't angrily blamed being out on it.

He's not a great actor, and though he was very pretty when he was young, all his hard living ruined his face so that by the time that film came out he was at the end of his beauty. And even at his prettiest ("Another Country") he just didn't have the qualities that Sean Connery and Daniel Craig had that made them such sex symbols as Bond.

I have no doubt that there could be a gay actor who could be as stunning and as memorable a Bond as they have been--but he was never going to be it.

Again, being conventionally masculine or macho is the impediment for most openly gay men

Please, gay actors have been playing romantic leads since the silent era

Wait... Did Rupert everett really... Thought he was the next Bond ???

R157, very early on during Glee he said he wanted to get into writing (see vid at 2:35). Since then he carved out a lucrative career as a children's fantasy book writer, with possible movie tie-in.

The article assumes he's not in front of the camera for just one reason. Again, he isn't an appropriate example for the author's claims.

[quote] Wait... Did Rupert everett really... Thought he was the next Bond ???

Yes.

Rupert was great looking and, yes, a real Movie Star.. His story about being the frontrunner for "About a Boy" until a (gay, no less) agent for a rival (I assume Hugh Grant) sent the producer a photo of the book cover with the boy and man together and told him he wouldn't be able to use that image if they cast Rupert. I believe every word of that, actually. Some of the worst people I knew in Hollywood were gay agents. Awful bitches (and, no, not Bryan Lourd who was actually wonderful).

I vote for Aidan as the new Bond

[quote]If Hollywood doesn’t believe the actor cast will bring in the bucks they will not get cast. Don’t shoot me but my advice is to stay in the closet. Come out if you must but your are limiting your chances of getting roles unless they are Chris Colfer gay.

Point taken but aren't we also sending mixed messages as a community when, on the one hand, we rip actors we think are closeted to shreds (Cruise, Gyllenhaal, Cooper, etc.) for not coming out but on the other say they'd be crazy not to stay in it and protect their career?

R171 makes a great point

R97, you are comparing 2009 dollars with 80s dollars, and opening weekend aside, Eddie Murphy’s movies still grossed more.

Rupert Everett was certainly great looking, but he just doesn't have that weird kind of star charisma that attracts the camera. He's much MUCH better looking than Daniel Craig (if we keep in mind that Daniel's fantastic body was shaped for "Casino Royale," and Everett could have had a s very muscular body too had he been given the part and trained for it), but Daniel Craig catches the camera and has a presence on camera in a way Everett just does not. His eyes do not light up on film--they are not eyes for film (like Tallulah bankhead's were not).

Again, that's not to say a gay actor could not be Bond. I think Luke Evans could, and even Ezra Miller could if he were taller and older.

EZRA MILLER COULD NEVER BE BOND. Luke Evans makes more sense.

Some gays are only meant to play gay characters. Colfer is one of those gays.

Saw Colfer in the restroom of the Sundance movie theater on Sunset and Crescent Heights before it turned into an AMC. He was there for a private screening and I was there to see some other movie. He has an arrogant air about him. Didn't hold the door when we were both leaving the restroom. Tiny guy.

I'd love to see Luke Evans play Bond.

[quote]you are comparing 2009 dollars with 80s dollars, and opening weekend aside, Eddie Murphy’s movies still grossed more.

R173, The studios do not care about “inflation” That’s for “cinephiles” to argue over. They care whether or not the film made its money back over the cost of production, whether or not the film won that weekend at the box office against the competition & and how long the film stayed in the top 10.

It’s impossible for a film to do as well now as a film did when movie tickets were $2.20 cents each and there was literally only one film at the box office and less than 5 channels on television!

Winning your opening weekend no matter the decade is important. Perry was able to star in and open multiple films successfully. No one is saying Eddie Murphy wasn’t important but Perry was also important and in some ways much more so.

Finally once you start accounting for inflation you have to account for population differences, the cost of shooting film, (hell all production costs!), the cost of tickets between different theaters then and now, the amount of theaters that existed at the time vs now, different standard methods of distribution that were intended and may have altered the roll out of the production into theaters etc.

Hell with box office down historically making that 41 million means NOW means much more than it did back in the 80s.

The point was made. Please let’s stay on topic!

So why eddie murphy gets away with acting straight with his tranny fetish?

R161

Not in Hollywood.

Pas à Hollywood.

Why is anyone talking about Eddie Murphy? He's barely an actor.

It's a money thing. Producers think gay actors won't sell to straight audiences.

R182 he was a good Donkey.

I have no interest in actors being out. Most actors are tedious individuals. Why the fuck would one seek to identify with them, or ask them to be gay icons? Begon! They have one job, and one job only: embodying fantasy.

Straight dudes can get away with interest in trans mtf because it’s a sexual interest in the female form/persona, not maleness. Most trans porn is watched by straight men.

I started listening to an audiobook about a straight male cop who suddenly falls in love with a man. Yes it was one of those sexy little novels mostly meant for women but what can I say, there are only so many serious gay novels from gay men. The narrator was a lisping queen who just couldn't control his voice. When after like 2 minutes he uttered the words "the woman was hot and I wanted to eat her out" I burst out laughing and had to stop because there was no way I could buy the narrator as a macho bi guy.

I know I'm always supposed to support other out gay men but the reality it does affect how you're perceived. Although obviously with good enough actors it makes no different if you're gay. I can totally buy Matt Bomer as a het, although his eyes are a bit creepy. Quinto is believable as well and obviously pros like McKellen. But I do get why most gay actors still choose to stay in the closet.

I do wonder why some 'straight' men are into transgender women who keep their penis. Does this allow them to indulge in homosex fantasies but claim that they're with women?

Perhaps, maybe it’s the exoticness of it that’s a turnon. I think most don’t interact with the trans person’s penis

R188. No true straight guy will have anything to do with a trans especially if he keeps his penis. You make it seem like straight guys don't have a line they will never cross. How many straight guys do you know.

R188, straight men are very familiar with penises since they've played with one for hundreds of hours. I'd say it's quite a complicated matter what penises mean to many het guys.

"I can totally buy Matt Bomer as a het, although his eyes are a bit creepy."

Only on the datalounge would Bomer be considered to be creepy looking

No, Bomer is kinda creepy looking. He looks like a Patrick Bateman, a fictional serial killer. He has that same... plastic dead eyed look. Not saying he’s ugly at all, but he does have something about his face that is a bit unsettling.

Let's hope for a real chance for Bomer to get an Oscar...he has already been robbed for an Emmy...

Gay male culture really harms and limits gay men who have no interest or attributes of that subculture.

r195, there is a term for gays who believe it's the so called gay subculture's fault for them to be perceived as not being real men. That term is "self loathing".

If you are not gay, the term "bigot" might fit.

It's not that gays cannot play straight, since how many closeted gay actors are sex symbols and are a-list leading men actors? The point it that mainstream society may be anti-gay and when they know an actor is gay their inert homophobic prejudices come into play.

A gay man could do well AND win an Oscar in the right biopic. No reason Freddie Mercury couldn't be played by a gay man (assuming it wasn't), Capote, etc. It's not a career killer except in romantic shit and who wants to do that anyway. Or soaps maybe.

But action and superhero movies rule the box office today. If you can’t be a leading man in those, you’re not A list today

What is A list today, though? Remember when TV was looked upon as a huge step down? These days, you have A listers like Meryl Streep, Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, etc. gladly moving to TV because that's where all the great writing, roles, and stories are. I don't think there's a single person who can genuinely ensure a healthy opening weekend. All the Chris guys are great in the superhero movies they're in, but if they were to star in a new adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew, I don't think people would flock to see them simply because of their presence. Those roles could be played by any number of people. It'll be interesting to see what happens when the franchises eventually die and these guys can't open a drama or rom com.

Hollywood needs to grow up and get with the times. People aren't going to see movies for movie stars anymore. They're going where the good stories are (also why a lot of people seem content to stay away from the multiplex and take in a nice Netflix original that won't break the bank or insult their intelligence).

R199, the sheeple go see any comic book movie, the actors don't matter

But it's interesting though that for these sheeple watching a comic book movie with an openly gay man as lead is a bridge too far for them.

They may watch any shit, except the "gay" shit apparently.

Depends upon “how gay” he is. Frank Ocean “gay” is cool; Aaron Schock “gay” is not.

Someone upthread said that there was no way that Jesse Tyler would be cast as a leading man. That's true, but the fact that he is gay is not the main reason. Even if he was straight , he would not be cast as a leading man. He is not charismatic.

R202 At the risk of inviting the Bomer trolls to weigh in with the obligatory critique of his looks and acting, Doom Patrol may be challenging the conventional wisdom that comic book fans won’t accept an out gay actor. Matt plays Larry Trainor, Negative Man, who is a gay superhero. He’s not only killing it in the role, but fans have embraced both him and the character. Larry Trainor may arguably be the best written and acted gay character on screen right now.

[quote] Wait... Did Rupert everett really... Thought he was the next Bond ???.... Yes.

He didn't think he would be THE next Bond. He wanted to do a movie, maybe lead to a franchise as an out gay spy the likes of Bond.

[Quote] maybe lead to a franchise as an out gay spy the likes of Bond.

Still waiting on that.

[quote] maybe lead to a franchise as an out gay spy the likes of Bond.

The best he can hope for now is play a Bond villain in the opening (before the opening credits appear).

R208 i think he could pull that off.

Becoming the gay wing man for Julia Roberts and Madonna really did him in -- far more so than actually being gay.

Go watch "Another Country" if you can and see how beautiful he really was. Great movie too.

R196, I don’t see how that is self-loathing. Not every gay guy has limpy wrists and speaks with a lisp and loves Cher and Britney Spears or prances around in assless chaps and angel wings. Nobody is obligated to think that is cool or sexy. Gay men are not obligated to think that that is cool or sexy. The unfortunate fact is for a lot of gays who aren’t into that, the perception of their orientation comes with that baggage. I’d be pissed off too if I were associated with something I wasn’t into.

If a romantic leading man comes out as gay early in his career, he's done. The whole notion of being a romantic lead is representing the fantasy of the audience and once they know you're gay it crushes that. The producers would also have to believe they will get their money back if they cast you as the lead, and mostly they don't want to gamble. It makes sense.

I am one of those actors who thinks gay actors should keep their same-sex lives quiet to the general public if they hope to work as a lead. There are plenty of down-low gay actors who weren't killed by the closet and had satisfying careers.

R212 = Bradley Cooper

"I am one of those actors who thinks gay actors should keep their same-sex lives quiet to the general public if they hope to work as a lead."

Hi, Matt Damon, nice to see you posting here!

[quote] I don’t see how that is self-loathing. Not every gay guy has limpy wrists and speaks with a lisp and loves Cher and Britney Spears or prances around in assless chaps and angel wings. Nobody is obligated to think that is cool or sexy.

The fact that it threatens you to the core how others express themselves and how you are being perceived - by your peers - based on other people expressing themselves is what makes you a self loathing bigot. Your own comments out you as being bothered by gays you don't approve of.

People who are comfortable with themselves don't give a fuck about how others express themselves. They don't go around and say things like "I'm not like one of THOSE gays who are all girly and embarrassing!" or "Pride Parades, how embarrasing!" "I can totally pass as straight. Really, I do!".

[quote]"I am one of those actors who thinks gay actors should keep their same-sex lives quiet to the general public [bold] if they hope to work as a lead." [/bold]

I agree with that statemen in regards to the current state of Hollywood. However not all actors have the ambition to work as a lead. Even some straight actors have other ambitions than being an A-List actor. They want to direct, write, or produce (where the real money is). Posters mentioned Chris Colfer early in the thread and I have yet to see a quote of his where he believed he has a real shot at being the lead in an action movie franchise. Instead he used his Glee fame and fandom and became a fairly successful writer of a childrens' book series.

Showtime's Queer as Folk actor Peter Paige is the writer and co-producer of Freeform's The Fosters and its continuation / spin-off Good Trouble. There are more ways than one to make a pretty decent living in Hollywood.

femmes are so fucking annoying. Masc gays don’t loathe themselves they just hate femmes Because most of them are attention seeking whiny assholes.

While disliking nonmasculine men may be bigoted or intolerant, it’s not self-loathing unless the person who dislikes them is also nonmasculine or effeminate. The word “self-loathing” is so often misused here.

Is Egerton really straight? Isn’t he the daddy-admirer?

Masculine gay men such as myself aren't failed by Hollywood. Only by equally masculine gay pornies/rugbymen. Such is the power of masculinity.

R215, yeah, because non-violent Muslims who don’t like radical Islamic terrorists are also self-loathing bigots.

It would help if EVERY actor, gay or straight, kept their private lives private. Instead of having press conferences every time they date or break up with someone. Watch pathetic shows like "Entertainment Tonight" (truly cringe-worthy) for how the press is happy to perpetuate any image they want. "What a great gal!" "There's a guy who has his priorities straight!" While they're snorting coke off a hooker's belly at that moment.

Omg Yessss if only these twats could keep their PRIVATE LIVES and their OPINIONS to THEMSELVES, shut the fuck up already and just deliver their lines/songs, this would be a better, happier world !!

If a non masculine gay actor could convincingly butch it up and play a masculine character then I think people would be open to it. Guys like Matt Bomer and Luke Evans are generally accepted in straight roles because they play masculine well. They look masculine too. I think women care less when it comes to romcoms than men care about action movies in regards to the lead actors sexuality.

Didn't bomer play a trans in some indie movie. He was actually convincing in the role.

[quote]Watch pathetic shows like "Entertainment Tonight" (truly cringe-worthy) for how the press is happy to perpetuate any image they want.

ET hasn’t talked about actual entertainment in at least 20 years. In the 1980s and 1990s, they talked about content: who’s making it, how it’s made, and whether it’s worth your time to actually watch. Now it’s just straight-up gossip. How many gay men would actually want to subject themselves and their husbands to that level of public scrutiny?

"Omg Yessss if only these twats could keep their PRIVATE LIVES and their OPINIONS to THEMSELVES, shut the fuck up already and just deliver their lines/songs, this would be a better, happier world !!"

Straight actors don't hide their spouses and children. If straights don't have to live a lie, why should gays? And being gay isn't an "opinion" - it's who you are.

They might as well call the show "Puff PIece" actually. I never hear a bad word about any celebrity, just praise of how kind and sweet they are. Gushed out by the worst hosts I've ever seen. Nauseating.

R228, follow the flow. We said if only ALL actors would shut up about their private lives. Unclench.

The closeting of actors and entertainers in general is a multi billion dollar business. From tabloids to entertainment tv shows since all they discuss is who is dating who. Also which actor is getting married, divorcing and who is having a baby.

Convincing? He looks like a guy in a dress and makeup to me. Some trans women do look like that so sure he's convincing as a trans woman. But he doesn't look very feminine even when he's in makeup.

If you squint, he kinda looks like Jennifer Connelly

R231. Convincing in the role itself. Yes he looks really pretty and freakish.

He looks about as passable as Ernest Borgnine.

[quote] Masc gays don’t loathe themselves they just hate femmes Because most of them are attention seeking whiny assholes.

Why do masc guys pay so much attention to these particular attention seekers then? What's in it for them? What do you uber masc posters getfrom posting about how annoying these femme gays are? What drives you masc guys to do it if not self loathing?

[quote] [R215], yeah, because non-violent Muslims who don’t like radical Islamic terrorists are also self-loathing bigots.

So, you seriously compare femme guys to radical islamic terrorists? Well done. really well done. Doesn't make you look unhinged at all *rollingeyes*

R228 I don't NEED and I don't WANT to see any straight or gay actors partners, childrrn etc. I don' t want to see them outside of their roles EVER. ENTERTAIN ME IF YOU CAN AND FUCK OFF ALL OF YOU

r237, why are you so freaked out about this? Get a life.

Bomer is prettier as a man than he is as a trans person.

Bomer has a classic masculine square jaw line, he couldn't pass as a woman.

I am glad that this thread isn't used for a drinking game, because "masculine" would get you in the hospital for alcohol poisoning.

It’s the crux of the issue

I don't think fraus go for masculine stereotypes. And they are the ones who support gays and gay actors the most.

Andrew Scott seems to be doing pretty well. Of course, he's not a romantic lead, even though he's totally my type.

Andrew Scott, Jonathan Bailey and Hugh Skinner ❤️.

I prefer my out gay men to be British!

I think Lee Pace has played straight convincingly. He also played a trans woman in a movie before. Looked much better than Bomer, and he’s more butch than him too.

[Quote] I think Lee Pace has played straight convincingly.

He was the best thing about the last 2 Twilight movies.

R243, women aren’t driving the big box office

Young or youngish men rule the box office. Moreover, while a lot of women go with their husbands, boyfriends, and friends to action and superhero movies, most men steer clear of chick flicks. Maybe, a few hen pecked men capitulate to their girlfriends’ movie preferences, but not most men.

Allegedly, women are the deciders on what movies to see when couples/families go the movies. Thus, I'm assuming:

a) they select male-oriented action movies since they know boyfriend/hubby won't go to a chick flick

and

b) the men they want to see in those films need to be reasonably, traditionally masculine

[quote] [R243], women aren’t driving the big box office

Depends on the movie genre. The claim that all that matters are superhero, action movie blockbusters and everything else doesn't count is a bit narrow minded, don't you think?

Never heard of the guys at r245 so I googled them - wow, Jonathan Bailey is hot! I'll have to check out some of his movies.

R252 - check out “Crashing” on Netflix.

R236, not the femmes, but I would compare the reckless gays who sleep around and flaunt their sexuality overtly to radical Islamic terrorists because they are spreading STDs around and frankly destabilizing the LGBT community. It’s very insidious, in my opinion.

I am sure r254 must have cheered when reading these news then.

[Quote] but I would compare the reckless gays who sleep around and flaunt their sexuality overtly to radical Islamic terrorists because they are spreading STDs around and frankly destabilizing the LGBT community. It’s very insidious, in my opinion.

I wonder about Josh Dylan and Jeremy Irvine R245

Rupert is a very bad example. A hot man who blamed being gay as the reason his career failed rather than grasping the limits of his talent. Then he fucked up his face.

Rupert was / is bitter that the Hollywood gays didn't support him more and didn't help to make him the first, real openly gay A-List actor winning Oscars and being the lead in high budget movies.

You have to have a minimal talent at least to win an oscar. They can't just give it away randomly.

R260 or have Harvey on your side 😉

My parents never gave me a cent and all I did was by myself. Daddy was very clear about that. He said ' Gwendoline, you can always come for Food, but I won't give you a cent' (that doesn't include Harry Winston Jewelry,) Uncle Steven and uncle Harvey auditioned me like any other girl. Uncle Harvey was fresh, so my boyfriend threatened to smack his mug. Brad that is. Pitt. Before Ben, Ben Affleck that is, Brad Pitt was my boyfriend. I auditioned for a part in his movie seven, just like any girl. I am like you.... I love kale...

Anyways, I am so over Hollywood now. Who wants to be a movie star in 2019 ?? It's so much harder to be on a set, anywhere in the world, at every hours of the day , than have a regular office 9-5 job. Life for a movie star is like the battlefields of Afghanistan. Horrid and bloodie... Take my word for it.

[Quote] My parents never gave me a cent and all I did was by myself. Daddy was very clear about that. He said ' Gwendoline, you can always come for Food, but I won't give you a cent' (that doesn't include Harry Winston Jewelry,) Uncle Steven and uncle Harvey auditioned me like any other girl. Uncle Harvey was fresh, so my boyfriend threatened to smack his mug. Brad that is. Pitt. Before Ben, Ben Affleck that is, Brad Pitt was my boyfriend. I auditioned for a part in his movie seven, just like any girl. I am like you.... I love kale...

[Quote] Anyways, I am so over Hollywood now. Who wants to be a movie star in 2019 ?? It's so much harder to be on a set, anywhere in the world, at every hours of the day , than have a regular office 9-5 job. Life for a movie star is like the battlefields of Afghanistan. Horrid and bloodie... Take my word for it.

How do you do the blue bar thing ? It's so cool

r257, I swear, the flames just leap out of Josh Dylan's Instagram page. And I love him all the more for it!

What is pretty obvious after reading this thread is that the number of out gay men in Hollywood is still pretty short. Bomer, Bomer, Quinto. The same 10 names are mentioned over and over again and most of them haven't even been out from the start - as per the thread title - and some haven't even officially come out. Who are those actors who have been out from the start and still have successful careers? Russell Tovey is one or Augustus Prew (more like c or d-list and working but not exactly a star). Who else?

Have actors Andrew Scott, Luke Evans, Brian Smith or Predro Pascal ever officially come out or is it just a glass closet situation with them?

I know Scott and Evans have officially come out (Scott, I believe, was pretty much out from the start, while Evans, as we all know, tried to go back in and embarrassed himself in the process). I know nothing about Smith, and I thought Pascal was bearding...?

[Quote] What is pretty obvious after reading this thread is that the number of out gay men in Hollywood is still pretty short. Bomer, Bomer, Quinto.

Ahem

Uh. Charlie Barnett

Brian J. Smith is out.

[Quote]What is pretty obvious after reading this thread is that the number of out gay men in Hollywood is still pretty short. Bomer, Bomer, Quinto.

Those are just the the most famous ones. Many actors are out, they're just not well known. Just this year we've had quite a few actors coming out. Of course they're all z-list celebs who nobody knows who are. I wish more a-list actors and action stars would come out, but I'll take what I can get. Every coming out is a step forward for the gay community, no matter how insignificant it might seem. Anyways, to name a few who have come out this year: Ben Platt, Barrett Foa and Tyler Blackburn.

R271 No, he's not. He even made his boyfriend take down his birthday post because it outed him (and them as a couple).

R271, he's not out. He took down the post about his bf.

R271, Not only does every gay that has lived in NYC at any time Brian was single know he's gay, not only did he make his boyfriend take down his birthday post but he has (unlike other actors mentioned here) directly lied about being gay in print.

Many wouldn't talk about their personal lives but they certainly didn't ever claim to be straight / like women.

"Not only does every gay that has lived in NYC at any time Brian was single know he's gay"

He's THAT slutty?

IMDb list of openly-gay actors (updated 2 days ago):

^ Udo Kier is openly gay?!

41 out and proud LGBT stars:

R278, he isn't? Does anyone think he's straight?

I didn't think he was straight, just didn't know he was "officially" out

R279 seems like they picked the worst photos for some of the actresses.

Bump

Zachary gives me the feels.

R284 he used to back when Heroes was a thing.

The problem is that current audiences like male models actors who have a fun dudebro sensibility and personality like Chris Pratt. Unfortunately, very few openly gay actors have this quality.

A big problem is the fact that movie stars aren’t really a thing anymore outside of Marvel movies, and Disney deliberately tries not to hire out gay men to play superheroes because it would be a threat to their brand and they wouldn’t be able to do stuff like press tours in countries like Russia and China.

Hugh Skinner has the male lead in a new comedy with Joanna Lumley, "Falling For Figaro."

I haven't read the whole thread, but what about Jonathan Groff? He's not an A list star, but he's definitely a working actor. And I think he's been out his entire career.

Hollywood can’t be reasonably be expected to run far ahead of society and the global audience

R286

It isn't just press tours but the whole foreign market especially Asia and Eastern Europe are big money for American films. Films that don't do much business here in states often do very well overseas. Tom Cruise and other action films or whatever Disney turns out nowadays do big box office overseas.

As such casting an out gay man as say a romantic lead or hero in action film just won't sell well for certain overseas markets. This is important as Hollywood for past decade or so increasingly looks to international markets to make money.

It's called show business and they are going to continue to make decisions based on getting asses in seats. If you want a career as a leading man or action star, then you be prepared to play the game. If you will be satisfied with a career playing supporting roles, niche roles, and character parts then you be out, proud, and happy.

They need to spread more how the trans women of color started the pride and TWAW/TMAM.

Also because until today, very few openly gay actors have honestly been as talented as some gay/bisexual musicians like Freddie and David. Also, the screen is more conservative than the stage...the straights pick out the roles for the most part and a non-steaight male isn't given as much room to express himself as on stage in his own performances.

Opens his mouth

Quinto came our after Heroes and the first Star Trek film he was in.

[quote] we still don’t have one of Will Smith’s or Bradley Cooper’s A-list caliber.

Uh, you just named two who are of that caliber.

It's so hard to believe Chris Colfer is not playing Hamlet by now, or James Bond. A talent like his comes around once in a generation.

[quote] Russell Tovey has carved out a successful career in English TV playing masculine gay and straight roles. But Luke Evans is the only one who's achieved it in Hollywood as an out gay man, and dibs too him, yet even then, he's still B List. Henry Cavill will never be Bond, simply because it would be too great a risk in markets like China and Middle America if he was outed. There's such an immense weight of movie mythology and expectations that the actor playing that character has to bear.

[Quote] Henry Cavill will never be Bond, simply because it would be too great a risk in markets like China and Middle America if he was outed.

I guess this wasn't taken into consideration when he played Superman?? Too bad he isn't actually gay.

[quote]Does Hollywood fail gay actors who are out from the start?

If they're as limited as Chris and Rupert, yes. But "gay" is not quite the issue.

Straight people still hate gay people. Will and Grace didn't end the hatred. They want us erased from existence.

This includes all aspects of life, including Hollywood.

Forget this at your peril.

Shut up dude

Luke Evans and Zachary Quinto are good actors, masculine but gay, and have solid careers. Jekey Poo could survive coming out but he's getting kind of old for it to be at all courageous.

Also Evans, Bomer, Quinto, Cheyenne Jackson, Jim Parsons, Luke MacFarlane get my respect for just being gay and dealing with the career challenges of that. A couple of them are hunks so there was an incentive NOT to be gay, of course. Wentworth Miller had the looks and maybe the talent to make the jump to cinema but he was a tortured soul. Colton never escape B-series level, poor dear but still he gets my respect for being out.

Saw Chris Colfer on the tonight show the other day..... He was promoting his 18th novel. He writes young adult fantasy.

[Quote] Colton never escape B-series level, poor dear but still he gets my respect for being out.

It's not like he did a good job at hiding it.

no he did a lousy job at hiding it. BUT, he did come out and before his so called career was established. Others don't dare, and have smaller balls.

Hollywood screws all of us over, they are incapable of understanding the real world because nobody in hollywood lives there. The only time they even pay attention is when a group of people have a fit. And then they dont bother to sus out the real thing , they just take said complainers at their word. Ie BLM

They fail themselves.

They come too much with tranny baggage, So I really like when these types fail.

Who?

[quote] Henry Cavill will never be Bond, simply because it would be too great a risk in markets like China and Middle America if he was outed.

I agree this is a stupid argument since he played Superman in multiple installments of a franchise. You should have thought harder before you posted this.

Richard Madden is in a glass closet also.

The only gay actors that I wish they big are Rob Mallard and Luke Macfarlane.

The rest are so damn insufferable and annoying.