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Original poster

Completely random question: Do you think Hollywood Actors stay 'closeted' these days?

39 replies

ChocolateSantaisthebestkind · 16/02/2021 14:59

I have just finished reading the biography of Rock Hudson's wife and it just got me thinking about whether Hollywood stars today would feel the need to do the same thing? I know Elliot Paige came out and was well received, so just wondered if 'beards' are still a thing these days? Myself, I have to say the SO of a leading actor would not change my liking or view of them as attractive (you're unlikely ever to date them anyway, so why would audiences care) I have to say it would make me think less of them if they engaged in a cover relationship, because I would be annoyed they would think their audience would be so narrow minded. What are your thoughts?

OP posts:
cheezy · 16/02/2021 15:05

After watching Its A Sin (where I think all the actors are gay) I was trying to think of young famous gay actors and couldn’t think of many. I guess you’d be less likely to be cast in the lead romantic role if gay (unfortunately)

Original poster
ChocolateSantaisthebestkind · 16/02/2021 15:12

I guess you're right Cheezy, but I wonder why it does not work the 'other way' for example HL, JG in Bbm, EM in Will and Grace, Alexander Skarsgard in True Blood (although he does not have a public GF or wife, so could be gay?) I'd like to think he would not hide it though if he were, as he seems very comfortable with himself when interviewed.

OP posts:
Quirrelsotherface · 16/02/2021 15:15

I think it's changing but very slowly. Loads of leading men in Hollywood are rumoured to be gay, as above it's assumed they won't have the selling power if they aren't seen as a heterosexual heartthrob. Unfortunately I do kind of get it as I don't think a connection between a male and female actor would be the same if one was gay in real life.

Having said that I was surprised to read that the eldest Bridgerton brother is played by an openly gay actor..he really did play that part well and had gorgeous chemistry with his female co-star!

Timpeall · 16/02/2021 15:19

You can absolutely guarantee that there are several closeted A+ list Hollywood stars.

I have to say it would make me think less of them if they engaged in a cover relationship, because I would be annoyed they would think their audience would be so narrow minded.

The fact is a lot of their audience is narrow minded. As are studio producers. Rupert Everett said he'd advise any actor against coming out as it will end their career. Sad, but possibly still true.

Timpeall · 16/02/2021 15:21

Same with football players. There must be so many gay Premiership players but I can understand why they aren't exactly clambering to tell the public about their true selves. Things are better now but there are still a lot of knuckle draggers out there.

Timpeall · 16/02/2021 15:22

@cheezy

After watching Its A Sin (where I think all the actors are gay) I was trying to think of young famous gay actors and couldn’t think of many. I guess you’d be less likely to be cast in the lead romantic role if gay (unfortunately)
The only openly gay Hollywood actor I can think of is Zachary Quinto who played Spock in the recent Star Trek films,
Original poster
ChocolateSantaisthebestkind · 16/02/2021 15:26

It's very sad that people feel they have to hide something so positive though. Sad When I was reading the book, I felt for both RH and his wife. There seemed to be real affection on both sides, but both knew it could never be love and there were lies, but that was how it needed to be at the time. It really made me feel for them.

OP posts:
musicinspring1 · 16/02/2021 15:31

Yes unfortunately I think there are quite a few young closeted Hollywood actors which is a shame but tells you something about the industry. There are one or two ‘known’ actors who are often photographed and reported with differing young actresses that are known to be beards

Pellewsmate · 16/02/2021 15:41

Luke Evans is openly gay and would make a brilliant Jame Bond.

Carycy · 16/02/2021 15:46

Luke Evans is gay. Hot guy that played Gaston in the Disney beauty and the beast live action remake. Don’t get the feeling it has hampered his career or stopped him playing the leading man role.

Carycy · 16/02/2021 15:47

Cross post!

Timpeall · 16/02/2021 15:47

I read that Luke Evans used to be openly gay but then went back into the closet when he moved to Hollywood.

IfNot · 16/02/2021 15:49

Well, put it this way: I have met a lot of male actors in my life. Around half were gay. So, yes, there will be scores of closeted Hollywood actors, of course.

Clymene · 16/02/2021 15:56

@Quirrelsotherface

I think it's changing but very slowly. Loads of leading men in Hollywood are rumoured to be gay, as above it's assumed they won't have the selling power if they aren't seen as a heterosexual heartthrob. Unfortunately I do kind of get it as I don't think a connection between a male and female actor would be the same if one was gay in real life.

Having said that I was surprised to read that the eldest Bridgerton brother is played by an openly gay actor..he really did play that part well and had gorgeous chemistry with his female co-star!

And this is why the don't come out. Because people like you don't believe gay people can simulate romantic feelings with people of the opposite sex.

Except many Hollywood heartthrobs like Rock Hudson did so for years without anyone realising. It's called acting.

Sheleg · 16/02/2021 16:03

We forget, I think, that over 50% of America (going by the electorate split) are very conservative and probably homophobic. Same in other countries around the world where Hollywood makes its money.

MyFavouriteIsWhoeverlsQuietest · 16/02/2021 16:11

I was about to say Matt Bomer but I had no idea he was 43, plus I don't think he has been in many big movies as opposed to indies - Magic Mike and its sequel being an exception.
So the only young actor I can think of in a recent Hollywood blockbuster is Justice Smith, who played the lead in Detective Pikachu. He only came out last year though.

FinalSongbird · 16/02/2021 16:46

Definitely. I know someone IRL who is a closeted gay man, it's sort of an unspoken truth in our circle of friends. I imagine he will come out when his father dies.

DioneTheDiabolist · 16/02/2021 16:52

Hollywood sells internationally. Many, many people in the world are homophobic, an openly gay actor is a risk.

Wagsandclaws · 16/02/2021 17:14

Neil Patrick Harris does straight roles, the idea is as someone upthread says is that it's acting!

Lots of big name Hollywood actors are gay, it's awful that you can't live your authentic life because of your sexual preferences but that's an accepted thing in Hollywood, closeted men and women will stay that way whilst the world is as it is sadly.

Quirrelsotherface · 16/02/2021 17:31

And this is why the don't come out. Because people like you don't believe gay people can simulate romantic feelings with people of the opposite sex

Oh do quit with your condescending tone. I go on to acknowledge an actor and performance which proves me wrong so i know my opinion is not a closed book. I really, really have to believe what I see when I'm watching TV or film and it's shit because it means I can't just watch any old thing and enjoy it.

Clymene · 16/02/2021 18:01

@Quirrelsotherface

And this is why the don't come out. Because people like you don't believe gay people can simulate romantic feelings with people of the opposite sex

Oh do quit with your condescending tone. I go on to acknowledge an actor and performance which proves me wrong so i know my opinion is not a closed book. I really, really have to believe what I see when I'm watching TV or film and it's shit because it means I can't just watch any old thing and enjoy it.

But you must be able to see that's a bit of a bizarre point of view. Because that is exactly what acting is GrinGrin
KnockoffPrimark · 16/02/2021 18:36

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Melange99 · 16/02/2021 18:42

The things that hampered Rupert Everett's career were not his sexuality - he was a difficult character, although he has mellowed with age, and the word will have got around producers and directors. He fell out with Madonna who had a bit of clout then, whilst not being strictly Hollywood she would have had contacts. And finally, we ruined his good looks with early and bad cosmetic surgery.

Timpeall · 16/02/2021 18:46

He did have a very alarming facelift alright. Thankfully it seems to have settled and his face has gone back to normal.

Thewinterofdiscontent · 16/02/2021 19:07

There’s a connection between being gay and a life in performance arts though. It’s always liked to be a bit outre. It’s not like anyone in drama is going to be shocked and I’m not sure they give a shit what tydcaudience think as long as they are loved.
Why are we not worried about gay miners or steelworkers?
Gaysportsmen is a good standard. Rugby isn’t bothered. Gay sportswomen are well out generally ..where’s the men