“But you know, with the word ‘fag,’ it’s interesting. Two of the most sophisticated and groundbreaking comedians in the world, [director] Mike Nichols and [writer] Elaine May, they certainly came up in a world where that word, ‘fag,’ was used as a punchline. And wouldn’t let go of it. And I’ll tell you, after the film had come out and was a big success, I was sitting in a cab in midtown Manhattan in traffic, and there was a guy in a truck next to me. He looked down and I looked up and he seemed to recognize me and smiled, and I sort of waved. And he started yelling, ‘Hey, faggot! Faggot!’ And this went on and on and on. I sort of sunk back in the cabin. Finally, traffic moved. And I wanted to say, I wish Mike was here, so he could hear this use of the word. Not to take away at all from the success of the film and what it means to people and how it still makes people happy. But now of course, when they show it on network television, they bleep that word.”–Actor Nathan Lane, recalling the homophobic backlash to playing a drag queen in the hit comedy The Birdcage. In the same interview with The Daily Beast, Lane also recalls the cringey interview with Oprah Winfrey where she tried to get him to come out on television, and his limited career prospects following the success of the film.
In Quotes
Nathan Lane wasn’t ready for the homophobic backlash to ‘The Birdcage’
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Vince
I remember some guys talking about John Leguizamo doing To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar. They hated him for the same reason even though he’s not even gay. Unlike the other actors he played it too well. Like these idiots believed it.
Creamsicle
This is part of Hollywood homophobia. Doing gay movies was a total career killer for decades. The Birdcage was a successful movie too, so it isn’t about whether or not therapist actor’s past films are money makers, it’s about the perception of a film when it centered on us. Master of None also talked about the racial aspect of cowardly casting, when he and another indian comic audition for a role and both get great feedback, but a casting director slips and says something like, “well we can’t have too many brown guys,” then spends a few uncomfortable minutes skirting the topic before saying that white audiences want to always be centered. When there are too many POC, they feel like shows and movies aren’t meant for them and they avoid them.
So people actually do understand the importance of representation, they just want to maintain the white hegemony in entertainment because it has been profitable. Despite the industry’s *claims* to liberal and progressive politics, it is actually guilty of perpetuating bigoted stereotypes and beliefs much further than a homophobic preacher in a random truck stop town.
Abraxas020
Creamsicle…. I’d go so far as to say that underrepresentation & misrepresentation fuel most of the country’s problems…. Everything must keep the “hegemony” sedated
spiralx
Ah, Hollywood. I recall Patrick Swayze saying how he had to really fight to get that part, too, because he was considered too much of a ‘man’s man’. And what a lovely little movie it turned out to be, though completely overshadowed by Priscilla at the time.
BuzzBuzzard
The Birdcage is a horrible movie. Filled with stereotypes, not people. If Nathan Lane is surprised that people started calling him a f*ggot after its release, he’s an idiot. The Birdcage makes Mrs. Doubtfire look like a Sundance winner, and that’s saying something. Neither movie would be made today, thankfully.
Phillip
I recall watching the French version and I remember the acting being so much more believable and tragic at times.
The “Birdcage” was forced comedy opposed to “La Cage au Faux” in my opinion. Seeing him trying to play a “straight” man in a suit was sad and that was what was “faux” about it and so unnatural.
Iona Lexiss
Birdcage was made in a very purposeful way with characterizations that are very deliberate and, yes, lifelike. It’s fun and entertaining because it’s entertainment. Likewise, Mrs. Doubtfire is an entertaining and cute storyline with life lessons thrown in. If someone is not comfortable with these movies (or themselves) I cannot understand why they would watch them other than for the sheer pleasure of CANCELING them in a public forum.
Dymension
Hon, that’s your opinion and you’re certainly entitled to it. I loved that film! You have to look at it based on when it came out. You can’t look back at history with the 2021 lens. Simply not possible.
KyleMichelSullivan
I agree, to an extent. The French version was made in 1978 and was actually more believable, considering the strong Catholic influences in France. It had its problems (OK with spousal abuse???) and stereotypes, but I loved it. Saw it in NYC and the whole audience was howling with laughter through much of it.
The setup in “The Birdcage” was not the least bit believable to me. For one thing, it’s 20 years later and things have changed, somewhat. On top of that, both of the “kids” are obviously adults over 21 years of age so can do as they damn well want. I never bought the idea that conservative daddy’s approval was a deal-breaker for the marriage or that Nathan Lance could pass for female for one second. I was actually offended at how retrograde it was.
BUT…it had Robin Williams, and that made it at least watchable.
justgeo
Dreadful little creature in any gender.
barryaksarben
It seems Robin Williams was the first A list straight actor to not really suffer his career ending with gay role. Funny how a few gay actors although closeted were allowed to play gay and still work afterwards. Dirk Bogard in “Victim” comes to mind and the many times Rock Hudsen “played ” gay to get the girl
Dymension
It wasn’t a gay role. That’s why he didn’t suffer. He was a man pretending to be an old lady to be near his children. That’s why it was “acceptable.”
KyleMichelSullivan
You’re referring to The Birdcage while Dymension thinks you mean Mrs. Doubfire.
dwick
I thought it was a horrid movie, but the blue haired old ladies who were in the theater at the same time I was loved it.
Chrisk
I love love love the Birdcage. I think I’ve watched it at least 7 times now.
My friend who’s a big football fan likes to joke that I’m like Albert being explained by Armand about football.
whatnutz
Love the multi-talented Nathan, but I doubt the truck driver actually saw that film. He probably egotistically thought this guy in the cab was cruising him so of course he had to “defend his masculinity”.
Tiresome, but, to steal from the President, neanderthal.
Arrested development, or my fave, another closet case. Please carry on, Mr. Lane!