Fans of the original American version of Queer As Folk – not the recently rebooted and prematurely canceled one on Peacock – are very well familiar with handsome actor Robert Gant.
Gant joined the main cast during the second season of the Showtime series- which was based on the original British show of the same name – as hunky HIV-positive professor Ben Bruckner, the love interest of Hal Sparks’ main character, Michael Novotny.
Related: Queer As Folk cast reunite online this week for COVID-19 fundraiser
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At the time, having a HIV-positive TV character not only surviving, but thriving and in a romantic serodiscordant relationship was nothing short of groundbreaking. On top of the much-needed visibility, the character was also easy on the eyes thanks to Gant’s classic Hollywood leading man looks and his Greek god physique.
Shortly after his episodes began airing in 2002, Gant came out publicly for the first time. While it was still considered a risky decision that could end your career, Gant continued acting long after QAF ended in 2005 with roles on 13 Reasons Why, Young & the Restless, The Fosters, and Supergirl.
Earlier this week, Gant, 54, took to social media to look back on his time as a closeted actor in Hollywood – and at his insanely toned body – with a sexy shirtless snap on the beach.
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“…As I look at this photo, I remember the young actor I was and the occasional comments some would make at the time that I could play Superman. I remember how quickly I would discount the idea in my head and laugh it off outwardly, because, as a then-closeted gay actor, I couldn’t process the prospect of playing a superhero as a possibility,” Gant captioned the impressive black and white photo.
“It’s one of the reasons playing Supergirl‘s father Zor-el years later was such a sweet full circle moment. While I couldn’t fathom as a young gay actor being considered to play those kinds of roles, getting to inhabit that world later in life was a very cool thing. And a heck of a lot of fun.”
He ended with a note of gratitude for how much progress has been made in the last 20 years.
“Grateful that, today, LGBTQ actors have a better chance than ever before to play a superhero. Among many other things.”
In recent years, Gant has taken a step back from his acting career, but has continued being an advocate for the community by helping gay men live their best authentic lives as a life coach and mentor.
From muscle queen to handsome zaddy, Robert Gant’s pics are definitey worth a like and a follow:
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cuteguy
Omg I used to have such a huge crush on him. What a hero to so many, especially in the lgbtq community. Love him
Jim
Do watch the original British series. And not just to see Charlie Hunnam naked.
It had a beginning middle and end. Basically better character development too.
Alas, it didn’t have Sharon Glass.
theaterbloke
It did, however, have Denise Black, which more than made up for her absence.
BrokebackBob
IMHO: I have both full series on DVD and the British version although good doesn’t hold a candle to the American version.
theaterbloke
I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree. The US-QAF was overwritten IMHO. The scene where Brian outs Michael at his party comes to mind. Debbie reveals she knows that Brian did it to distance Michael and free him to pursue a relationship with his doctor boyfriend. She spells it out in extended dialogue. Hazel accomplished the same with one sentence to Stuart.
cvdixon29
I think Sharon Gless was great in it. I loved her character Debbie.
Bromancer7
He’d make a GREAT Alan Scott Green Lantern.
xnetminder
That’s a GREAT idea!!!
theaterbloke
I will second that.
brian6767
Fantastic idea!! {:-p)
inbama
I could never understand what his character saw in that irritating nebbish Michael.
re_horst
I agree
re_horst
And not one pic of his perfect butt. WHY
LumpyPillows
Always liked this fellow.
MacAdvisor
About ten years ago now, I was crossing the Atlantic aboard the famous (and rightly so) Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 with my late boy friend, Matt. Mr. Gant was also on board with Judith Light showing off a movie they had just completed together. Matt had been one of Mr. Gant’s agents, so I was able to join them all for dinner at the Captain’s table. Mr. Gant was as charming, intelligent, and sexy in person as he ever was on screen. I doubt I made much of an impression on him, but it remains a memory I treasure.
LumpyPillows
Oh, my god, I was on that same cruise. I danced with Mr. Gant one night. I wish I had been bolder!
SUPREME
Emmett was my favorite character.
Brian
Same! The actor is Peter Paige — another out, gay man.
JTinToronto
He used to do my Spinning class on Sunday mornings when he was filming in Toronto. He was great to have in class. He was really into the class, he made my teaching it so much more fun. The only hard part was forcing myself not to stare at him the whole time.
nm4047
the US knock off was so much better than the recent revamp. Far too many shallow sterotypes characters in the recent version and very little to no story to bother with. Watch 3 episodes and was surprised that I lasted that long.
bsg1967
Queer as folk US dosent get the love and respect it deserves its one of the few times the US version was far superior to the UK version. Also how the hell Sharon Gless never won an Emmy for best actress for Debbie Novotny or even a nomination is beyond me. Fun fact Mr Gant was the live model for Disney animators for Hercules you can see posts on YouTube. He’s always seemed like a friendly genuine guy which is kinda sicking when you look that hot. Jokes