Yeah, people have been asking me about my sexuality ever since that Out interview. I’m very confident in my sexuality, and I really don’t like talking about my romantic life in the press. It’s pretty reductive to ask just the actor playing the gay character what his sexuality is if you’re not going to ask that question of people playing straight characters on the show. I really don’t see what my sexuality has to do with the characters, and I think that’s private. But I find it interesting, the fascination with picking apart or outing actors who play homosexual characters on TV or in films. We don’t have that same fascination with actors who are portraying heterosexual characters.”
— How To Get Away With Murder‘s Jack Falahee disussing the dichotomy between questions asked actors playing gay and straight characters in an interview with Vulture
jimstoic
>We don’t have that same fascination with actors who are portraying heterosexual characters.
Tell that to Tom Cruise, John Travolta, Josh Hutcherson, and so on.
Although I agree that in theory an actor’s sexual orientation is unimportant, watching two gay actors (like Jonathan Groff and Russell Tovey) play a gay love scene is undeniably hotter, at least for me, than watching straight actors (like Leonardo DiCaprio and David Thewlis, or even–and I know I risk blasphemy here–Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger) do the same. It’s called chemistry.
wancell
Actually people do have a fascination with the love lives are stars be they straight or gay and regardless of the sexuality of the characters they portray. Did actors in gay roles get extra attention, yes but it is just extra attention. Overall, I agree that performers absolutely have the right to a private life but if you do not wish to talk about it then just say that because anything more just makes the media and those that care about such things get more stirred up.
I also think paparazzi photographs and interviews should be banned unless consent is given which is what I think everyday citizens would expect as a civil protection for themselves.
Cam
To claim that they don’t ask people playing straight characters their orientation is a complete lie and sounds like the defensive comment of a closet case.
Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Scarlet Johansen, Ryan Reynolds, Meghan Fox, etc… All of them are asked about their relationships, their dating life, every time they’re in an interview
MarionPaige
It amazes me that people don’t see through these “assaults” on some celebrities by the inbred media, GAY is simply one of the weapons used in these assaults. Like, for example, the assault on Shondra Rymes (TR Knight) when it was clear she was becoming another Oprah. The recent failed attacked on Rymes by a New York Times reporter proves that there are still a lot of people in the media looking for an opportunity to take down Rymes
NG22
“It’s pretty reductive to ask just the actor playing the gay character what his sexuality is if you’re not going to ask that question of people playing straight characters on the show.”
He said THE show. He’s not comparing himself to major celebrities whose personal life is in the press. He’s saying that no one is asking his “How to Get Away with Murder” co-stars explicitly about their sexualities.
And he’s right. Who is asking Alfred Enoch (Wes), Matt McGorry (Asher), Aja Naomi King (Michaela) about their sexual orientations?
I just assumed Jack was straight because the actor who play his bf, Oliver, (Carl Ricamora?) was described as gay in early press and Jack was not. I just thought that Jack was straight and they weren’t explicitly saying it for the reason some G4P porn stars don’t say they’re straight — so the audience isn’t turned off or annoyed.
It’s possible he’s gay or bisexual, but I can’t get too worked up about his lack of transparency because I do understand what he means about the double standard.
MarionPaige
Again, it has been pretty much established that Shondra Rhymes is a target. And, How To Get Away WIth Murder is associated with Rhymes’ production company. Rhymes has at least three tv shows on prime time tv. I doubt that when the TR Knight / Isaiah Washington thing hit the media that many people speculated that it was actually an assault on Rhymes (who produced Grey’s), however, it should now be clear that it in fact was.
It’s like someone asked Why Do Professional Football Players get so much bad Press. Another person answered that SPORTS REPORTERS are basically, White, Over Educated and Poor. On the other hand Pro Football Players are likely less Educated, Black and Rich.
redcarpet30
Jesus christ he’s so full of shit. Our hetero-sexist society assumes heterosexuality unless otherwise stated. God forbid people want to learn a little about the semi-famous people on TV. And his sexuality isn’t a private matter, it’s a matter of public record every damn time he walks out of his house with someone he is/has been with. It’s even less private when he is using Gay/Bi sexuality as his meal ticket.
So no, he doesn’t HAVE to say anything, but that doesn’t protect him from being a mealy mouthed coward either.
MarionPaige
@redcarpet30:
What are your thoughts on Adam Senn’s sexual orientation?
MarionPaige
http://youtu.be/uorT3EoKqgA
Tebn
We have no problem about this issue. We are mature enough to speak openly about sexuality without blushing.
jwtraveler
Well said Jack Whoever-you-are.
keepcalm
He’s quoting Madonna, and we’re suppose to think he’s not gay?
Merv
I could be wrong, but I’m guessing he’s straight and trying not to be one of those actors who defensively proclaims his heterosexuality to avoid being tainted by the stigma of homosexuality. If so, that’s a good thing. Hopefully, he’s not just pulling another Sean Hayes.
haringfan1
Good for him, it’s nobody’s damn business.
AnitaMann
Such cowardice is so 1990s and incredibly boring. Love who you are and never be afraid to reveal it.
Gigi Gee
I look forward to a day when this question is no longer asked. The sad reality is that for some actors, to come out as gay means the end of his/her career. Some actors, like Zachary Quinto, have managed to come out and still remain employable, but not all are as luck as he. Judging from his lengthy non-response I think Jack’s probably gay. The sad reality is that by dodging the question he’ll remain gainfully employed as an actor. If he comes out, that could change.
Curty
I think he is gay or bi and doing the typical run around until he comes out. They all did it before they came out. Sean hayes, anderson cooper, zach quinto. I see what he’s trying to do. Its alittle outdated in 2015 and in america but I see what he’s trying to do. Buy time. If he was straight he would have said so by now.
Bubbleandsqueal
Labels are for cans.
I love the person, not the gender.
I want to maintain some mystery about me.
Yadda, yadda, yadda.
jjose712
He has all the right to not address his sexual orientation but he better drops the pretentious answers as soons as he can.
A simple i don’t want to talk about my sexual orientation is way better than go around in circles to say always the same.
If you are an actor you should know people are going to speculate about your live, no matter if you are straight or gay, and if they sense you are keeping secrets that makes you even more attractive to them.
I understand a new actor who is starting to get attention refuse to come out for fear to be typecast (and the fact that people assume that you have a lot in common with the character if both are gay, something absolutely ridiculous that nobody would assume if both actor and character are straight) but there are better ways to avoid the question.
Of course that’s if he is gay, if he is straight he better say it. He seems smart enough to do it without looking like a douche, it’s not that difficult, he only needs to avoid the typical i’m so brave for kissing guys because i’m very very straight and all that shit
Saint Law
@haringfan1: You’re not much of a Kieth Haring fan are you?
haringfan1
@Saint Law: Actually I am…I assume you have a point?
mmichael_24
Maybe if people had private lives of their own theu wouldn’t be worried about what celebrities are doing in theirs. Whatever his sexual orientation is why does it matter? If we as gay people are trying to tell the world that homosexuality is normal why are we always the main ones that make a fuss in these types of situations.
VampDC
Good for him. As a 22 year old I feel the same was.
I feel like the older generations in the gay community feel very strongly about coming out!
I feel more passionate about being gay being a trait…not something you have to label yourself as. Don’t assume someone is straight. Don’t assume their straight.
wysevice27
@VampDC:
Fellow millennial (25) here, and I agree bro. Every time a new state gets gay marriage, it’s always old dudes in their 50s and 60s standing up there on the courthouse steps getting married.
Their generation is *obsessed* with labels, and w/ coming out.
Keep it private and act like a normal dude, then find hot guys on the DL. They’re the only ones who need to know you’re not totally straight.
Ever notice how the GSA at school is never filled with hot dudes? The GSA consists of six loner geeks, and some fat ugly fuck in a dress whining about how the world needs to love him more. The hot dudes maintain a straight persona IRL and go on Grindr to meet other hot dudes. Why is this so hard for people?
DuMaurier
I don’t think he’s “cowardly” for deflecting this way–cowardly would be saying “I’m straight! I really love women!” when he’s actually gay. He isn’t doing the former and we don’t know if the latter is true. I think he’s trying to make kind of socio-philosophical point (“reductionist”), which is kind of archly precious but not to be compared with Rock Hudson marrying a studio secretary to go to premieres with.
And, while it’s parallel, asking an actor if they’re dating anyone and who isn’t QUITE the same thing as asking if they’re gay.
enlightenone
@wysevice27: “…Why is this so hard for people?”
It isn’t if you are a shallow, “normal dude,” lurking in the shadows, CLOSETS, dark alleys, AND under bridges and is skilled at lying to the vulnerable and easily deceived!
trelin
As much as some of us want him to be an out and proud gay man, he’s keeping quiet. This is his first major foray into relevant television. Coming out might serious limit his potential in getting other parts. It’s pretty sad, but that’s how Hollywood appears to be working. Somebody like Neil Patrick Harris only really came out when he was already on a successful TV show, and had residuals coming in from Doogie. Look at TR Knight. Haven’t seen him since Grey’s and his tiny appearance on The Good Wife? Pretty much forgotten.
If this dude comes out, he’d be celebrated by the community then forgotten. Then he’d be ignored by Hollywood and immediately type-casted. Let the dude revel in the mystery and build a career. He’s got something going for him and he’s seizing it.
AnitaMann
@wysevice27: Are you on drugs? If you look at the pictures of people getting married, you’ll realize why your comment makes it sound like you’re on meth.
Goforit
Basically he is saying what President Clinton should have said. “It’s none of your F…ing business what I do with my dick”
jwtraveler
@wysevice27: You can’t be serious! I hate to think that this is what 45 years of gay liberation has come to: hide in the closet and only hook up with other self-hating, closeted guys while living a “normal straight” life. Your words really makes me sad.
xzall
These are the kinds of questions you should answer with one or two words. The more convoluted he gets the more questions he’s going to get asked. He’s wrong because there’s always speculation about any single, attractive actor. There’s usually no need to ask because sooner or later you’ll see an article about who the celeb is dating, who they’re eating lunch with, who they’re taking to award shows etc.
Unless he’s planning never to be seen in public with the person he’s dating, sooner or later his sexuality will be revealed. Because of all this, his dodging the question just seems very silly.
wysevice27
@jwtraveler:
I bet you lose your shit when you meet a guy who has a girlfriend and identifies as straight, but fucks guys sometimes on the side.
You: “NO, you’re NOT straight! HOW CAN YOU SAY you’re straight, when you fuck guys!”
You don’t get it. We just want to be normal and fit in. As soon as a guy comes out, all he’s known for is being gay – not his personality, not his character, nothing else. You’d have us give up all the privileges and benefits of being thought of as straight…why? So we can go march in some pride parade?
We want to have our cake and eat it too: straight privilege, AND fucking hot guys on the downlow. Welcome to the Grindr generation. We don’t need to sacrifice all our social capital just to get laid.
na
I think he’s straight, and it’s annoying he won’t just say it.
imgur.com/euyEodJ
enlightenone
@wysevice27: “… We don’t need to sacrifice all our social capital just to get laid.”
See, you really don’t want to be known for your “CHARACTER” because then you are showing what an ASS you are! Just keep it on the “DL” with other lowlifes and it will be all good.
tford216
Every straight person assumes he is gay because of the explicitness of the sex scenes. Sorry that ship has sailed. He either thinks he is being profound or does not want to lose his gay fan base. This is one time where straightness has probably been ruled out.
Captain Obvious
Like she doesn’t know what she signed up for. All the excuses and deflection just make it more obvious.
Who even really cares that much? To me I don’t even think this kid is ashamed or anything, but once the answer is made 100% clear no one will keep her name in the media.
Keep up the games, Girl. Get your name out there. I see you, boo.
jwtraveler
@wysevice27: Have you just time-traveled from the 1950s? Have you spent your whole life in a homophobic, religious community? It’s really shocking and sad that a 25-year-old in 2015 has such outmoded ideas about freedom and sexuality. The whole point of the gay rights movement is for gay people to be free to be ourselves WITHOUT being stigmatized for being gay, that we can be whole, integrated human beings NOT defined solely by our sexuality and that we DON’T HAVE TO hide in the closet in order to maintain our “social capital”. How could you have missed all this?
Being gay in the 21st century is not just about screwing hot guys on the DL. It’s about being able to be your whole true self everywhere. I hope you are able to come to this realization eventually. You’ll be a much happier person.
jwtraveler
@na: No, he’s right. It’s annoying that people keep asking, as if it matters.
wysevice27
@jwtraveler:
It’s about pragmatism over principle. I choose whatever gives me the post privileges and opportunities in the long run. In 2015, “gay” is still abnormal for most of the USA. Labelling myself as abnormal would be disadvantageous.
Cam
I love the comments on here claiming that straight actors aren’t asked such questions.
Do you people read your own bullsh*t before you post it? Every single actor and actress is always asked who they are dating or their relationship status in nearly every interview they go on. The only ones who freak out about it are the closet cases.
jwtraveler
@wysevice27: Well, that’s pretty selfish then. Holding on to your white, male, Christian privilege for dear life, afraid of what you will lose by coming out. Think of all the women, not-white people, non-Christians, transpeople and the more flamboyant gays who don’t have that choice. You are so desperate to keep that “straight” identity so you can maintain the privilege that they don’t enjoy. You’re sounding more and more like a Log Cabin Republican or HRC member. I’m beginning to lose my sympathy for you.
jwtraveler
@Cam: You’re SO WRONG. They’re not asking who he’s dating. They’re asking if he’s gay or straight. This is still a question that’s only asked of actors playing gay characters. Have you ever heard an actor playing a priest or a nun asked if he or she is really Catholic. Do they ask actors playing rabbis if they’re really Jewish. Do they ask actors playing doctors, lawyers, teachers, rapists, serial killers, drug addicts, alcoholics, gamblers, housewives or prostitutes if their personal identity is reflected in the characters they’re playing. Of course not. Everyone of normal intelligence over 6 years old knows that acting is make-believe and the character portrayed on screen is distinct from the actor portraying him/her. Inexplicably, however, when the character is gay, all the questions about the actor’s sexuality pop up. I don’t know why people are still so shocked and fascinated by the notion of a straight actor playing a gay character; gay actors have been playing straight characters for millennia without much notice or concern.
wysevice27
@jwtraveler:
My life should suck because other people’s lives suck?
No way bro.
Cagnazzo82
We don’t have a fascination with heterosexual relationships?
Hm… I don’t know. Pretty sure the entire rack I pass by where I shop at the supermarket might disagree.
Also shows like E! News and Access Hollywood would be canceled if they didn’t have straight relationships to gossip over and nitpick and over-analyze daily.
jwtraveler
@wysevice27: No, you suck because you think that being born white, male and Christian in this world makes you better than everyone else and entitles you to more than everyone else and you’re so afraid of losing that if anyone finds out you’re a fag.
wysevice27
@jwtraveler:
You’re assuming I’m white and Christian. Wrong.
And it’s not that *I* think I’m entitled to more if I’m straight, it’s that the rest of society thinks so and will indeed give me more. I want more. I like more. More is great!
There is an objectively-observable benefit to being part of a majority. Being gay, or part of any other hated minority, is a handicap. Why handicap myself? It doesn’t benefit me.
By your logic, you shouldn’t eat dinner tonight, because kids are starving in Africa. If we ALL can’t enjoy a benefit, then NONE of us should.
Saint Law
@wysevice27: You certainly want more self respect, wormy.
Cam
@jwtraveler: said… “You’re SO WRONG. They’re not asking who he’s dating. They’re asking if he’s gay or straight. This is still a question that’s only asked of actors playing gay characters.”
_________________________________________________
So asking Taylor Swift which “guy” she is dating isn’t assuming her sexual orientation? Give it a rest.
DuMaurier
@Cam: But that isn’t asking her sexual orientation. I don’t know why this distinction is so hard to get. As a rule, the specific sexual orientation question is only asked to find out if someone is gay; if they play gay roles, or to clarify rumors. No interviewer has ever asked a celebrity, “There’s some whispering around Hollywood you might be a heterosexual! Care to comment?” The premise of the “are you gay?” question is that heterosexuality is normal and being gay is at worst scandalous and at best weirdly exotic.
jjose712
@wysevice27: Wow, so many years of fight for rights and the ones benefited for that fight are stupid people like you
jjose712
@DuMaurier: They ask him about his role.
And frankly, he was doing interviews in gay media, if he doesn’t want to be questioned he could keep doing interviews on straight media and of course tell the interviewer that questions about his sexual orientation are not allowed.
Some people seem to feel such a shame for being gay that are able to justifie everything.
The interviewer has all the right to question him about whatever he wants as lons as he does it with respect.
And the actor has all the right to refuse to answer any question. The problem here is not he refusing to answer the question, it’s him giving a crap answer.
He received some backlash the first time, but he seem to not learn anything about it
And no, being gay is not exotic and not scandalous, unless not in Hollywood. He is young, and he probably fear to be typecasted, and that’s perfectly understable.
So i perfectly ok with him not answering, but i still think his answer is pure crap.
And of course, that’s if he is really gay. If he is straight the answer is pure stupidity
smittoons
The only thing reductive is how his character’s storyline has devolved into an HIV plot.