Game Changer

Candis Cayne Chose Integrity Over A Role In HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm; Recalls Early Days of Transition

Candis+Cayne+4th+Annual+GLSEN+Respect+Awards+h4r07R8coCulBefore her appearances on Caitlyn Jenner’s reality series I Am Cait, Candis Cayne was making the rounds and auditioning for acting roles in Hollywood. The trans actress recently shared a story with The Hollywood Reporter about an awkward audition for HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm where she had to walk out on the show’s creator Larry David.

“The part was for a trans woman who had to go to the bathroom really bad and decided she was going to go in the men’s line because it was quicker. I said, ‘Thank you for writing a trans part, but I can’t audition because a trans woman wouldn’t do this. I have to honor my community,’ and I walked out of the audition,” recounted Cayne.

It was a difficult decision considering how few and far between trans roles in film and television are; however, being a class act, Cayne stated, “But I love the show!” as she left the room.

Candis was not alone in her sentiment about the role. She revealed that fellow trans actress Alexandra Billings was going to audition for the part and had the same reaction to the bathroom storyline. The scene was eventually scrapped and never made it on the air.

Declining the audition hasn’t hurt her career. Candis Cayne has gone on to appear in Nip/Tuck, Drop Dead Diva, Elementary, and most notably, was a recurring cast member in ABC’s Dirty Sexy Money.

Cayne also discussed the early days of her transition with the publication, “There was no way of finding out any information, and all you saw on trans women were Jerry Springer.” As a performer in New York City’s gay club scene during the ‘90s, Candis decided to be upfront about her transition with audiences and received support from the drag community.

“It was the first time in my life that I felt comfortable in my own skin.”

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