Gay actors playing straight characters

This is a discussion that has been revolving around Hollywood for quite a few years now. Many straight actors have played gay roles and vice versa, and as time passes, it seems like the practice is becoming normal. Even though the list may not be very long, but there are some famous gay actors who played straight characters and nailed them. Luke Evans is an openly gay actor, and he has played several straight characters.

In recent months, a flurry of new productions have been announced in which straight actors — or least, actors who are not publicly gay — will play gay characters. Nicholas Galiztine, meanwhile, is emerging as the potential new king of gay for pay, with roles in Mary and George as a gay duke , Red, White and Royal Blue a gay prince and Handsome Devil a gay rugby player. While gay actors do play straight roles, there are still significant barriers within the industry. Landing a role as a straight character is particularly difficult for gay actors who are younger or less established.

When there were gay parts, these were often hideously stereotypical and offensive. Things started to change in the previous century, but even in recent decades, out gay actors have spoken about being disenfranchised by the industry. Rupert Everett famously said in that after coming out he "never had another job for ten years". Similarly, actor Richard Chamberlain once said he wouldn't advise a leading man type to come out lest he lose out on parts.

Rebel Wilson is weighing in on the debate. In an interview with BBC's "Desert Island Discs" on Sunday, the " Pitch Perfect " star, 44, argued against the notion that gay characters must be played by gay performers. I think is total nonsense," she said. Wilson raised this point while discussing the idea that only members of certain communities should be able to make jokes about that community.