Some people can't get past their internal prejudices. If you didn't know that an actor was gay, and was playing a 'str8' role, you'd accept it. However, if an openly gay actor played a 'str8' role, suddenly it's unbelievable. That is the whole problem with the article. The author ASSUMES all actors are straight until such time they come out as gay. Once they are open, their characterizations are no longer acceptable/believable. It's roughly the same thing as saying an actor has become bigger than the role they are playing. When you go and see Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or George Clooney in a movie, do you see the character they are portraying or do you see Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or George Clooney? I think the public would be surprised to find out how many actors/actresses are gay or bi. The author of that article just can't get past his internal prejudices. Actors play roles, some succeed, others do not. It DOES NOT depend on the actors sexuality but it does depend on the characterization and YOUR acceptance, perception and prejudices.
Thank you Kristin for saying what needed to be said. This being especially noteworthy since it comes from Kristin who works day in and day out with these actors.
If you tweet, you can give her thanks @ http://twitter.com/kchenoweth
I went to both Promises,Promises and Hair while in New York last week.Strangely enough,not one audience member stood up and demanded their money back because Sean Hayes or Jonathan Groff were "playing straight" Maybe because that's what actors do,they ACT! Shocking concept....I've seen Jonathan (so gorgeous)in Spring Awakening and now Hair and until reading this article had no idea he was gay.(or I would have gone to the cast party when invited dammit!)Amazing how straight actors like Tom Hanks can play gay characters and have praise heaped all over them and even win awards but God forbid an openly gay actor take on the roll of a straight character.If someone has to worry about if the person they are watching on the stage/screen is gay or not,then they really need to get a life!
2 comments:
BRAVO, Kristin, BRAVO!!!
Some people can't get past their internal prejudices. If you didn't know that an actor was gay, and was playing a 'str8' role, you'd accept it. However, if an openly gay actor played a 'str8' role, suddenly it's unbelievable. That is the whole problem with the article. The author ASSUMES all actors are straight until such time they come out as gay. Once they are open, their characterizations are no longer acceptable/believable. It's roughly the same thing as saying an actor has become bigger than the role they are playing. When you go and see Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or George Clooney in a movie, do you see the character they are portraying or do you see Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or George Clooney? I think the public would be surprised to find out how many actors/actresses are gay or bi. The author of that article just can't get past his internal prejudices. Actors play roles, some succeed, others do not. It DOES NOT depend on the actors sexuality but it does depend on the characterization and YOUR acceptance, perception and prejudices.
Thank you Kristin for saying what needed to be said. This being especially noteworthy since it comes from Kristin who works day in and day out with these actors.
If you tweet, you can give her thanks @ http://twitter.com/kchenoweth
I went to both Promises,Promises and Hair while in New York last week.Strangely enough,not one audience member stood up and demanded their money back because Sean Hayes or Jonathan Groff were "playing straight" Maybe because that's what actors do,they ACT! Shocking concept....I've seen Jonathan (so gorgeous)in Spring Awakening and now Hair and until reading this article had no idea he was gay.(or I would have gone to the cast party when invited dammit!)Amazing how straight actors like Tom Hanks can play gay characters and have praise heaped all over them and even win awards but God forbid an openly gay actor take on the roll of a straight character.If someone has to worry about if the person they are watching on the stage/screen is gay or not,then they really need to get a life!
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