Should Straight Actors Play Gay People?

[webbo3]

https://news.sky.com/story/russell-t-davies-straight-actors-should-not-play-gay-characters-12185652

So Gay people shouldn't play straight people the, I'm guessing there won't be many roles for them.

\\"You wouldn't cast someone able-bodied and put them in a wheelchair, you wouldn't black someone up," Russell T Davies has said.//

Lots of actors have played disabled people.

[Barsel]

jourdain2 I only knew that particular actor I was referring to was gay because I've come across interviews or articles about him. In fact, he actually dated another gay actor from the soap. There have been a few actors names mentioned in this thread who I have no idea who they are or that they are gay, so if I saw them in a romantic play with someone who wasn't gay, it wouldn't bother me because I don't know they are gay in real life. I suppose some people may think I'm strange, but I can't help how I feel.

[joko]

barsel - thats good that youre seeing that now.

as you said, its something for you to think about why thats an issue for you, good luck :)

[Barsel]

One final word, I do not have a problem with a casting director giving the role of a gay character to a straight actor or visa versa, as others have said, the job goes to whoever they feel is suited to the role. The only problem I have is seeing straight and gay in a romantic role. If all they are going to do is rob a bank or go and kill people, not a problem. The only thing I can't accept is seeing them in bed snogging each others face off. To me, not acceptable, not believable.

[Peter Pedant]

acting is being outside or someone else
unless you are Mick Jagger ( just act naturally ....)

[fcc]

^^ ^^
I liked jagger in ned kelly.

[Mozz71]

The problem with that is, with the rare exception, if a character's sexuality is known and a factor in their characterisation, it invariably will be because of a romantic reason.

[tomus42]

Yes. The thing about being an actor is that you pretend to be people that aren't you.

For example, It would be difficult to make a film about a psychopathic killer if they had to cast an actual psychopath killer in the role.

[Peter Pedant]

yeah and what about Marie Antoinette?
the starlet would end up like St Juthwara of Corscombe
( yeah anglosaxon saint wivvart a hooter and known as The Quiet WOman)

anyway of all the acgors who played the divine oscar
Did anyone say that their star portrayal was because they were screaming queens themselves?

I think not

or Richard Burton would have been really good as Henry VIII as he almost had as many wives as our enery did !

[Peter Pedant]

but as far as we kn ow didnt kill any of them

unlike Lana Turner who despatched Tony Stompanato 1958 and was acquitted after an oscar level performance on tv

[Paigntonian]

My God. Are you serious? It's called acting.

[Mozz71]

I look forward to the next Star Wars movie, when they have to hire an actual Wookiee.

[jno]

not necessariy, Mozz, they managed without a real Peter Cushing last time.