Even though Matthew Weiner, the heterosexually married creator of Mad Men, employs the gay actor Bryan Batt on his show, it’s not like he has the best outlook on homos in Hollywood. Which makes sense. “Let’s not pretend” that coming out limits career opportunities, says Weiner. Even Neil Patrick Harris, always cited as the one who broke the mold, has “limitations to the kinds of roles that he can get in the future” But: “He knows that and would rather live his life honestly.” This is true! Also: Harris didn’t come out until after he scored his CBS sitcom; things could have gone differently had he been out while How I Met Your Mother was still casting. And as much as we like to encourage actors to come out, come out, wherever they are, you’re lying to yourself if you disagree with Weiner. Actors who come out absolutely limit the roles they can get, the same way, uh, openly Hispanic actors do! You think TR Knight is rolling in job offers at the moment?
Cam
The only reason it limits their career is because Hollywood is run by a bunch of old homphobes and closet cases. Middle America doesn’t seem to have a problem watching “How I met your Mother”, Ellen’s show, or “Better off Ted”. But all the publicists in Hollywood etc… are telling their clients to stay closeted because casting directors, studios etc… won’t hire them.
YellowRanger
Hollywood’s alleged liberalism is all a big P.R. stunt. It’s one of the most racist and homophobic industries in America…
If you’re gay, you’re the female lead’s lisping, mincing, celibate BFFL who only shows up to gossip about the mens and throw out catchphrases like “you go guuuurl!” to get a chuckle out of the audience.
If you’re Asian, you’re a near-silent ninja, a wise old kung-fu master, or the nerdy comic relief. Unless you’re an Asian female, then you can be a bitchy assassin or an exotic trophy for the white hero to win and lay claim to by the end of the movie.
If you’re Hispanic, you’re a gangbanger or a maid.
If you’re black, you’re the token comic relief, or the magical negro, there to guide the white hero on his journey.
If you’re Middle-Eastern, you’re a terrorist.
If you’re a white heterosexual, you can be anything you want to be.
scott ny'er
Amen!!! This is what I’ve been saying all along.
And Cam may have a point here.
David Ehrenstein
With friends like Matthew Weiner who needs enemies?
Obviously Bryan Batt is being written out of “mad Men.” Weinerdude can’t afford to associate himself with so “limited” an actor.