Can Macho, Non-Metro Actors Play Gay?
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"To be frank, I think I've missed out on big parts because I'm open," he told The Advocate in April. "I've screen-tested on some really big projects, and you can't tell me that behind closed doors big execs aren't like, 'We have Dean Cain or this gay guy who played Elvis on Broadway.' I'm not that naive to think that that doesn't play into it."
But Kilday sees a shift and it's being spearheaded on the small screen.
"Older gay actors who wanted mainstream film success -- Rock Hudson being the main example -- kept their sexuality hidden," he said.
"Now you're seeing a younger generation of actors on television and stage, who [are] openly gay. Some are playing gay; some, straight. As they mature, a few over time could become mainstream A-list actors."
Those actors include TR Knight on "Grey's Anatomy" and Neil Patrick Harris on "How I Met Your Mother." Both are playing straight roles.
Still, Hauslaib believes American sensibilities are changing faster than Hollywood's. "Until Hollywood decides it will support the career of gay actors, we won't have openly gay actors," he said.
"That's the next step for our culture," Canfield said. "Where is our star who is openly gay?"
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