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Jeremy Strong weighs in on straight actors playing gay characters

Jeremy Strong Defends Straight Actors Playing Gay Roles, But with a Catch

Jeremy Strong, known for his intense method acting and thoughtful interviews, recently weighed in on the controversial topic of straight actors playing gay characters. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times about his upcoming role as Roy Cohn in the biopic “The Apprentice”, Strong offered a nuanced perspective. This discussion impacts actors, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, and the broader conversation about representation in film and television.

Strong acknowledged the validity of criticisms against straight actors taking on gay roles, stating that it “would be good if that were given more weight.” However, he also defended the ability of great artists to inhabit characters outside their own experiences, comparing it to an actor changing “the stamp of their nature.” This echoes similar sentiments expressed by actor Stanley Tucci last year.

Strong’s main point is that the actor’s commitment to understanding and portraying the character authentically is paramount. He stressed the seriousness of the task, emphasizing that “these people and their struggles and the experiences you’re trying to render are not a plaything.” This suggests a potential compromise in the debate: while prioritizing LGBTQ+ actors for LGBTQ+ roles is important, a straight actor’s dedication to the role and respect for the character’s experiences can also be a valid approach.

Strong’s role as Roy Cohn, a closeted gay man who played a key role in the Lavender Scare, is particularly relevant to this conversation. Cohn has been portrayed in other LGBTQ+ media like “Angels In America” and “Fellow Travelers”, making Strong’s casting and his thoughts on the topic especially significant.

“The Apprentice”, which also stars Sebastian Stan as Donald Trump, premieres in theaters on October 11th.

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Content Creator | @hitomidocameraroll

I'm Annelise, a film lover and pop culture obsessive sharing my thoughts on movies, fashion, and lifestyle on Instagram. Follow along for film reviews, book recommendations, and a healthy dose of geeking out over all things pop culture.

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