I don’t want to let go of Felix. Usually by the time I’m done [with a role], I’m like, “OK, let’s close that chapter and move on,” but I don’t want to let go of him because I think he changed me for the better. I grew from getting to play him. What I love about their relationship is it is so symbiotic, because Felix is having trouble with his authenticity but is also incredibly available to intimacy and a real relationship. And Ned is this firebrand who’s completely authentic, and comfortable with who he is, but is terrified of intimacy. Together they help heal each other… There was a moment when Mark and I — after we finished the wedding scene, which I think was the last thing we filmed together — just held on to each other and sobbed for a good 15 minutes. Not because of anything we had done but because we were a part of this story that was so much bigger than us, and because we knew that this was how a generation of people had to say goodbye to each other. Taking in the gravity of that moment was really overwhelming. It was just one of those things you don’t ever forget.”
— Matt Bomer explaining why playing Felix in HBO’s The Normal Heart was so important to him, in an interview with Los Angeles Times
AlexM
Damn, that is one good looking man.
GymJockTX
Kudos to Matt Bomer for not only playing a role he inhabited superbly, but also for having had the stones and fortitude off camera to waste his body down so severely for the full authenticity of his dying character–one of our lost boys. Your tribute to all of them will last through time. Many thanks for a performance non nonpareil. You nailed it and knocked it out of the park, Mr. B.
And yep, like AlexM said, DAYAM you are one painfully hot looking man.
redcarpet
Nope. Still not watching the movie. I know the history and it’s just too damn sad. I’m still recovering from Angels in America.
Bellerophon69
As a gay man who had many a friend die in the early 80’s, and then also worked AIDS hospice from 1989-’94 (even though it had peaked before I started, i had to quit, it was just too much), it’s nice and yet so sad to see another generation getting in touch with the terrible tragedy that still is AIDS and being affected by it. So many lovely people gone, we should never let go of that; Matt Bomer is not only a hunk and a great actor, but a wonderful human being. How could ya NOT just love the guy!?!?
Teeth
@redcarpet: I was right with you— but honestly this is a very lite telling of it, and even people who have buried their friends after watching them get sick and become homeless will BARELY be affected… it tells the bones of the story, but goes no where near the pain and fear. So it’s safe to watch. (Those are not insults.. not everyone can take a full head-on trip down memory lane!)
DickieJohnson
Matt Bomer is one of the most beautiful men whom I have ever seen. It’s good to know he has such a sensitive soul as well. I’m trying to “psych up” myself to watch the movie at some point. Living in New Orleans in the ’80s, I lost 15 friends, then stopped counting, although I knew the names of the ones after that, just didn’t count anymore. That was such a painful era, for all of us.
Geoff B
He truly was fantastic in that movie. It made me realize not only how fortunate I am to have not gone through the horror of that time but also so grateful to the generation that came me who fought with everything they have just to stay alive.
northwest
Never paid much attention to Bomer (as gorgeous and as clearly intelligent as he is) until I saw The Normal Heart and I’m with him, it’s hard to let it go, I keep watching it over and over on HBO.
enlightenone
Now if Queerty would have repeated pieces about men like Matt and less Tom Daley, this publication could reach higher than a tabloid.