CMU School of Drama


Friday, September 26, 2008

Gay Stars Thrive, Even Without A-List Company

Backstage: "Hollywood has come a long way from the days when stars like Rock Hudson had to keep their sexuality a secret. But coming out can still be risky for a star even if it is no longer a career ender, Hollywood watchers said."

5 comments:

weandme said...

The 2003 "Idol" runner-up joined popular television host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres, "Sex and the City" actress Cynthia Nixon, actor Neil Patrick Harris and others who have acknowledged their sexual orientation in recent years.

This is my favorite line from this article because it is a clear demonstration of why it is hard for people in the media. They say these people "have acknowledged their sexual orientation." This statement is pretty dumb, because every single person in the world has a sexual orientation, whether it is homosexual or heterosexual. This just shows that such a big deal is made about something that everyone has, and that really shouldn't be a big deal. It does not change the way they act or sing or perform.

Kelli Sinclair said...

I agree with Peter. Why does it matter what sexual orientation a person is when in the end they can do their job? The two have nothing relatable. Some people think it might be a problem for a homosexual man to play a straight man on a tv series when they are hiring them to be an actor. Its no different than a messy person to play someone thats OCD on tv series. To act is to play something that your not.

Anonymous said...

This article reminds me of when Brokeback Mountain came out and everyone was amazed by how a straight actor could play a gay character. Really? It's the same emotion, just a different target. It's really not that hard to fathom.

Iduno, Lohan might be A-list, but I guess no one cares if women are gay. It's "hot".

AllisonWeston said...

I think this shows just how the persona of the celebrity is wrapped into how we perceive the characters they play. We wouldn't dream of Lindsay Lohan playing the ingenue because of her bad girl image (also bc she is a terrible actress but that is besides the point). I find this odd bc isn't acting all about becoming another person completely detached from who you are?! If a man can make me swoon on the screen, what do I care if he is into the guy I'm watching the movie with?

Anonymous said...

In this day and age I think that in this country its a little ridiculous for stars to be worrying about expressing their sexual identity. Then again I find it a little ridiculous for anyone to repress their sexual identity. Especially in an industry where you sell your talent and your story having a more interesting story does help your career. And everyone knows, coming from a drama school, what percentage of the theatrical world is gay, so why there are so many fears and stereotypes I really cant say.