21 Actors Weigh In On If LGBTQ+ Characters Should Be Played By Straight People

Over the past few years, there’s been an increase in the discussion of whether or not only LGBTQ+ actors should play LGBTQ+ characters and if straight actors should accept these parts.There are way fewer opportunities for LGBTQ+ performers who want LGBTQ+ roles.

There’s also the issue of how many straight actors who’ve won awards for playing queer characters, which has happened as recently as the 2023 Oscars.Here are 21 actors who’ve weighed in on the “straight actors playing LGBTQ+ characters” discussion:1.Stanley Tucci, who's played gay characters on several occasions, told BBC Radio 4's "Desert Island Discs," "Obviously, I believe that's fine.

I am always very flattered when gay men come up to me and talk to me about 'The Devil Wears Prada' or they talk about 'Supernova,' and they say that 'It was just so beautiful,' you know, 'You did it the right way.'"Neil Mockford / FilmMagic / Via GettyHe continued, "I really do believe an actor is an actor is an actor.You're supposed to play different people.

You just are.That's the whole point of it."2.

Tom Hanks, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of a gay character in "Philadelphia," told The New York Times Magazine, "Could a straight man do what I did in 'Philadelphia' now? No, and rightly so."Cindy Ord / WireImage / Via GettyHe continued, "The whole point of Philadelphia was don't be afraid.One of the reasons people weren't afraid of that movie is that I was playing a gay man.

We're beyond that now, and I don't think people would accept the inauthenticity of a straight guy playing a gay guy.It's not a crime, it's not boohoo, that someone would say we are going to demand more of a movie in the modern realm of authenticity.

Do I sound like I'm preaching? I don't mean to."3.Kit Connor, who currently plays Nick Nelson, a bisexual teen, on "Heartstopper," reminded people that actors who play LGBTQ+ characters may not yet be out themselves, but fans shouldn't assume anyone's sexuality.

He was bullied into ...