Kevin Hart continues to win at life. The Wedding Ringer will probably end up being his fourth (or fifth?) film to break $100 million at the box office. He’s the most successful stand-up comedian working today. His personal life is pretty calm now that he’s six years’ past his divorce. So, it’s all good. He was an obvious choice for the cover of The Hollywood Reporter (this was released last week) – although, I have to say, after I skimmed the interview, Hart now reminds me of Tom Cruise. There’s something very focused and driven about him. I don’t know, it just reminded me of old-school Cruise. You can read the full piece here, and here are some highlights:
He wants to be a mogul: “I want to be a mogul, like Oprah or Jay Z or Tyler Perry. If you have a mogul mind-set, you’ll last a lot longer. That’s the mind-set of a winner.”
Being called a whore by Sony Screen Gems pres. Clint Culpepper: “I’ve talked to him. Clint called right after. It’s not like I wanted to challenge him — that’s just how he talks. He did [apologize], but there was no need. When you negotiate, you say whatever you say. Nothing affected me. It’s very hard to put me in a negative position, man. I’m happy. And I’ll continue to be happy.”
Admiring the career of Bill Cosby: Downstairs, giant portraits of the comedians he most admires — Cosby, Rock, Murphy, Richard Pryor, Martin Lawrence and Dave Chappelle — line the walls. I ask if he’s thinking of getting rid of Cosby in the wake of allegations about the 77-year-old’s conduct. “I’m not going to take the picture down,” he says. “The picture serves a purpose for me. These were the men who built a legacy doing what they love to do, which is telling jokes.” Does he think Cosby is guilty? “Right now, it’s a lot of speculation. All I can do is just say my prayers, and my wishes go out to all of the women who are potentially involved. His personal life has nothing to do with me. I can’t control it. I will never try. It doesn’t stop me from being an admirer of his work. His work and his personal life are two separate things.”
His answer about Bill Cosby bugged me. I’m sorry. I know that there are many comedians who grew up admiring Cosby and I know that Cosby is still a God to many African-Americans, but I think Hart could have come up with a better answer than “my wishes go out to all of the women who are potentially involved.”
Meanwhile, Kevin also recently discussed why he didn’t take a role in Tropic Thunder, and why he doesn’t see himself playing a gay character any time soon:
Kevin Hart doesn’t expect to play a gay character anytime soon. During an interview with New York’s Power 105.1 radio station, the Wedding Ringer star admitted to turning down the role of Alpa Chino in 2008’s Tropic Thunder because he didn’t feel comfortable playing a gay role. The part was played in the film by Brandon T. Jackson.
Hart explained that the draft of the script he read was different from the shooting script. “The dude, he was doing a lot of stuff in the draft that I read,” Hart said. “It was real flagrant. … I was like, ‘I can’t do this.’ ”
Hart was then asked whether he would ever play a gay character. “I can’t,” he said. “Not because I have any ill will or disrespect. It’s because I don’t think I’m really going to dive into that role 100 percent because of insecurities about myself trying to play that part. Does that make sense?”
Hart, who is engaged to model Eniko Parrish, pointed out that he doesn’t have an issue with the gay community. “As people, I love you,” he said. He added that he may change his mind years from now on playing a gay role, once he gets more acting experience.
I kind of understand what Kevin is saying here, and I like that he managed to talk about the idea of playing a gay character without resorting to stereotypes or generalizations. And if an actor doesn’t want to play a gay role because he doesn’t believe he’ll be able to commit to it 100%… okay? That’s fine.
Photos courtesy of THR.
PUPPIES! The End.
those puppies are killing me 🙂
The cute is like Kryptonite.
That’s The ONLY thing I wanted to Comment On: PUPPIES
I know, right? I have no opinion about this guy (and no idea who he is), but now I want a PUPPY. SO CUTE.
Sometimes when I can’t sleep, I go on you tube and search “puppies.” Lol this made me happy.
Sometimes I can’t sleep because I have a puppy. Like right now. Like every night for the past 3 weeks. 🙂
Oh you do?!? What kind? Is he or she beyond adorable? I want one so much but our cat is deathly afraid of dogs. What’s the puppy’s name? Can I hold him? I love the way they smell!
mimif, howling moon Babeh! Show a pic!
GNAT: fresh puppeh smell! YAY!
you Guys The fresh Puppy Lick smell … OMG I LOVE it
Or their Cheeto feets Smell!! ahhhh I want my puppies Now!!
mimif- my thoughts are with you. I swear – after getting ours, I said I’d NEVER get another puppy. I went from overjoyed to resentful. I no longer resent her haha, but man. I’m only just starting to find puppies cute again. It was just hell. She’s turning into a fantastic dog, but those nights of shrieking were pitiful. We actually had put our mattress on the floor beside her crate for the first couple of nights so she was next to us and could see us easily and there was no worry of not hearing her if she needed out. Foolish really. Even with earplugs in I could hear that little bugger haha.
QQ – I swear I thought I was crazy because I said ours had Dorrito toes. I thought we’d gotten the Jennifer Lawrence of puppies.
My puppy’s feet have a little more of a Frito’s smell than Doritos. lol
Oh No Guys That is an actual thing!! some call it Popcorn Paws
This is Bubbles the Kid. He and his litter were dumped so I got to bring him home at 6 weeks. He’s under the covers with me right now, cuz he’s just a little (big) baby with super sweet puppy breath. The End.
http://tinypic.com/r/n2oiz5/8
So freakin cute!!!!! mimif. *Diana dies of cuteness*
oooff…fresh puppy smell is NOT always good.
one of my coworkers brought in her Newfie pup yesterday. and while she was 50 shades of ADORABLE (like, PAINFULLY so…), she definitely needed a bath!
EGAD, mimif, that is one of the cutest EVAH!
So. Freaking. CUTE! Give him a kiss from Auntie GoodNames.
Thanks ladies, I lurve him THISMUCH. He’s a total doll too, super sweet and mellow, if a bit nocturnal.
@Erinn, what kind of pup did you get?
@GutenNamen, bummer you can’t get a pup. Maybe volunteer at the humane society to get your puppy breath fix?
BUBBLES IS EVERYTHING
He is adorable mimif..
OMG, It’s a miracle. BUBBLES THE KID brought out blue marie! Not even FAKE BABY has that power.
Scrappy wasn’t lyin’ when he yelled “Puppy Power”
Oh my god this puppeh already has the velvety wrinkled furbrow down. Dying over here. Dying I tell you.
YASSS! Bubbles has summoning powers!
*belts out a Toto song for blue marie*
BUBBLES IS MY CUTEST NEPHEW BY FAR MIMIF!! I’m Going to eat his ears and his Puppybelleh
mimif- she’s a german shorthaired pointer. She had a set of pipes on her – she still does, though it’s more ear shattering barks now haha. Bubbles is EVERYTHING. Not even kidding – the me considering puppies cute again was when I saw one that looked nearly identical to your new addition. Juno’s bad for separation anxiety still – just over a year old now…the breed has a tendency for it, so we’ve been trying to wipe her out before/after work and leave some background sounds on for her while we’re gone.
Why you.. so not cool.. I’ll be singing “meet you all the way..” for days I tell you..DAYS!!!!
Mimif..Your furbaby is the cuteness!
haha yes! the pic is so cute!
Mimif!! OHMYDOG!! Too much adorableness wrapped up in one puppy. So jealous. Bubbles has it going on!
Ha, thanks kri. He’s got some late night dance moves he’s been working on. I think you’d approve. 🙂
OMG those puppies!!!!!
These photos are great, he’s got a real charisma about him and an amazing smile. And yes he’s got some serious hustle, good for him.
Agree his Cosby response was a big disappointment. “Potentially involved?” UGH.
I get that he was trying to be diplomatic (and probably doing a bit of wishful thinking, because he doesn’t want to believe that about his hero). But yes, very disappointing.
What if it were his daughter and her friends who made the terrifying decision to go public about the fact that someone drugged and raped them, in exactly the same way, and got away with it for years? I wish “speculation” skeptics would think about it in those terms. And acknowledge that even IF a woman isn’t telling the truth about an assault — which almost never happens; look at the numbers — the alternative is that she is, and you’re adding your disbelief on top of her pain and shame.
I think the worst part is his dismissal of it – he’s simply not going to get involved. What happened to standing up for victims, listening to their stories, showing the world that they don’t have to fight the battle alone? To me this is just as bad as flat-out calling these women liars or conspirators because it’s saying their experience simply doesn’t matter, doesn’t garner any concern, is not a subject warranting a believing ear. “It happened, ho-hum, whatever. It didn’t involve my family or anyone I personally know, so whatever.”
As crazy as tom cruise is, he took care of his ex wife and kids. Hart tried really hard to screw over his wife and give her pretty much nothing after she stood by and supported him for almost a decade of marriage. He cheated and was unapologetic and even proud of it. I use to be a big fan, but his show right after the divorce where he bragged about cheating on his wife and that complained about how crazy and paranoid she was after she found out. Dude, you cheated of course she is going to be paranoid.
This “man” took no responsibility for wrecking his marriage when he cheated, instead he goes “how dare you not overlook my indiscretions, i’ll replace you with a younger and hotter super model and i’ll talk about how much happier i am than you after screwing you over and giving you none of the millions we are worth”
Never again. I was a HUGE HUGE fan. But never again.
@itzblissy
I knew they were divorced but didn’t know the backstory. That’s nuts. Do you have article links about his cheating etc? I’m interested in learning more.
http://www.theybf.com/2013/03/23/exclusive-torrei-hart-spills-her-truth-about-divorcing-kevin-hart-says-there-was-no-pre
At the time they were worth 9 million, she was left with 175k…
He will say anythinge to keep the checks coming in. Crickets on the Garner incident did it for me. Wow, the overall lack of talent and ass kissing is galling. Won’t be wasting my money on him shucking and jiving. He’s a bigot and a rape apologist.
wow this is nuts! i had no idea.
what “Garner incident”?
I don’t find him particularly talented either. he’s a squeaky whiner in his delivery.
Thanks for the aritcle @itsblissy
Re: Cosby, Kevin Hart says ‘his work and his personal life are two different things.’
If that were true, Mel Gibson would still be a movie star.
I think Kevin meant that to him personally they were two different things. To HOllywood and the rest of the world, personal and professional lives can definitely be blurred.
I agree Sally. And I agree with him. I don’t want to see or support any new stand-up work from Cosby but what we know about him now doesn’t make me hate The Cosby Show. I grew up on this show, it’s still funny, warm and amazing even though the actor who played the great dr Huxtable is a monster. Cosby was the huge inspiration for Hart when he was growing to be a comedian he is now, and it didn’t automatically change when he found out what Cosby did. The wording was off and he shouldn’t have used the “potentially involved” part but the point still stands. There are so many amazing artists who are also despicable human beings but what they make doesn’t turn into shit the moment we find out they are criminals or jerks. I can’t help but love many Woody Allen movies, George Bernard Shaw’s books or songs by Led Zepellin even though they are hugely disappointing as human beings.
Yeah, the line between professional/personal is interesting and indeed subjective. I ran into this at work over the weekend. We distribute books to children in need and one guy found a kids book written by Cosby (from his Little Bill series, which was awesome). He said we probably should to get rid of it but my boss said we should keep it because the current scandal probably isn’t on the radar of preschoolers and that it doesn’t negate the value of the book as a learning tool.
Re: Cosby Thing and These men sorta capping for him ( and some women too), Im reading it this way … disappointing as it is… To a LOT of these men , especially black , especially comedian… in this day and age still they have to fight claw cheat and steal scheme and bravado their way through life/society to them I think Conceding the point on this creep ( and is Not necessarily about America’s Dad, Dr. Huxtable, though to some is) is more than just how we see it, “Uh He sexually Assaults women” to them is about someone whose footsteps they’ve followed all their lives, The Apex of the career they chose and in some ways Surpassing and subjugating what it mean Being a Black Man In America… which is still imbued with “you might not make it” ” You might be a Statistic” ” You Scare People” etc etc etc .. .so at a very Base level that is what we’re seeing
ha ha if that were true Kevin, then celebrities wouldn’t have PR people or publicists!
I don’t think he was being offensive — it just sounds like he doesn’t want to play it overly flamboyant, which really is just portraying another stereotype. And on the flipside, he seems to cop to the fact that he’s not a good enough actor yet to go there.
I remember listening to one of his routines where he talked about making sure his son knew at an early age that being gay was not okay. I’ve always kind of side-eyed him after that. But at least he realizes it’s his own insecurities that are the issue, not gay people.
While his Cosby answer isn’t wonderful, it’s sadly still better than Phylicia Rashad’s.
And…puppies!
OR what if he finds out that he really really likes playing gay roles and can’t accept himself!! LOL! Just saying, but of course he can choose not to accept gay roles if that’s what he wants.
I like this guy, he is very smart and articulate.
The phrase Cosby is a God to many African-Americans stuck out like a sore thumb to me. Very problematic statement all the way down to the capitolized G in God. Are we saying Bill Cosby is God to black people? Or like a god to black people? How many black folk were asked? Is it Cosby that is esteemed or the successful familial unit shown on the Cosby show? So many questions as to how a non-Black author decided who was GOD to an entire community of diverse people of which she is not a part ……
Sighhhh: I was thinking the same exact thing. Bill Cosby was NEVER a God to me. I don’t worship him and neither do any of my black family members or friends. Many ADMIRE him for what he’s done, but admiration and worship are two very different things.
More of my black friends and loved ones HATE and have hated Cosby for years than worship him. In fact I can think of no black person I know who even likes him. Black folks in my experience were hip to Cosby’s patronizing hypocrisy long before white folks, it’s white folks who worship Cosby more than anything. I am offended by the way many white people fall absolutely head over heels in love with any black public figure who seems “Whitest” to them, and they straight up cream their jeans the moment one of those types talks down to the black community and denounces his people. I hate that, I hate when black celebrities cash in on denouncing black people as though when it comes to the issue of racism vs self destruction in the black community, the latter is the larger culprit for the problems black people face. The truth that Cosby at least pretends not to realize is that any negative or self- destructive trends in black culture are the result of systemic racism and unfairness, and would exist among any race of people inserted into those conditions. Charles
Barkley is no better. The way opportunistic racist white people salivate every time he tells black guys to pull their pants up enrages me. Pants have nothing to do with centuries long oppression and dehumanization. If I as a white person know this and feel nauseous every time I hear the way Cosby talks down to his own people I can only imagine how black folks feel, and that’s why I balk at the notion that he’s revered by the people who simply happen to share his pigmentation.
Agreed. I found that way more problematic than anything Kevin said.
I thought the same..
I’m so glad he wasn’t in Tropic Thunder. I hated that movie and honestly never looked at RDJ the same way again after that.
I’m super glad Kevin Hart is so successful, it’s always great to see black men doing well but I just wish more black comedians felt like they could speak up against Cosby without feeling like they’re being ungrateful for all the work Cosby did that helped them get where they are today.
I wish Hollywood would go this hard after people like Woody Allen too instead of essentially giving him a “pass” since he can win them awards. There’s been a few celebs who’ve continued to praise Allen and ignore his accusations and then have gone after Cosby non-stop (ex.Judd Apatow)
It was a black comedian Hannibal Buress that talked about it several times during his standup.
He said he had said it several times and most people would get mad at him.
I didn’t want it to be true, like many people my age that grew up watching and loving The Cosby Show and his comedy specials but it’s undeniable.
Did he not play a gay character in one of those Scary Movies films?
I have no problem with actors not feeling comfortable playing gay roles. There was a story about an actor turning down a role on True Blood because he didn’t want to do hardcore sex scenes. I didn’t have a problem with that either. If you’re not comfortable, for whatever reason, you’re not comfortable. It doesn’t mean you actively hate gay people.
The actor didn’t turn down the role. He was already on the show ,but left after he found out his character was going to be gay.
Who was this? I was late to the True Blood party, but I love the show!
Luke Grimes. He’s Jessica’s boyfriend at the end of season 6.
He left because he would have to play the for TrueBlood typical extreme sex scenes with a man instead his original series-girlfriend.
Imagine your first same sex experience is a TrueBlood scene in front of cameras and strangers… doesn´t scream comfortable
He’s an actor. He is also a bigot. I’m glad he left the show.
Actors are paid to act. He was not having a “same sex experience” he was acting. And he is a bigot.
“These were the men who built a legacy doing what they love to do, which is telling jokes.”
“…which is telling jokes. And drugging and raping at least 30 women.”
there, fixed that for you, Kevin.
I don’t really care about the gay character thing. I get it if he means he might accidentally turn the character into a stereotype or whatever. I lost respect for him when he advocated for Bill Cosby, a rapist and evil man. There are so many things I want to say about it… But yeah, no longer a fan of Kevin even though I think he is a funny guy in general. Same with Tosh. Ugh
Ugh, what did Tosh say? I love him dammit.
what horribly offensive thing hasn’t Tosh said?
I mean, do you watch his show or stand-up? He makes jokes about killing babies, beating women, rape… like every 3rd minute. Comedy can be obscene and its all “a joke” I get that. But it got old to me, like I had to start laughing at every single thing I dont find funny or else I’d be an uptight bitch.
To be fair, he didn’t advocate for Cosby. He just said that as a young comedian, he had admired Cosby’s career. He never said that supports or believes Cosby is innocent. In fact, he spoke about his prayers going out to the victims. I think “potential” was used in the wrong context.
I think his answer to the Cosby question was perfectly fine. Anyone willing to talk about Cosby these days will be walking on eggshells. He did acknowledge the women involved. I think Kevin’s trying to play it safe seeing that his film is out and all.
indeed, i mean what do people expect? that he talks about something he has no clue about? just to hear him say what they want to hear? thats what it all comes down to. you say what i like annd you are a great hero, you dont 100% pick my side then you are horrible and disappointing.
I like gays I just don’t want be associated with gays mentality…
He can keep his shitty little hetro roles his movies never look good. And this is new movie is a remake of The Hitcher…at least will smith has star power to bring to a movie
Will Smith was never in a movie called The Hitcher.
Will Smith was in Hitch. And they are completely different (other than having a black male lead). Hitch was a about a matchmaker; this is about a guy who pretends to be the best man because the groom has no friends (or something like that).
It totally looks exactly like Hitch.
Hitch = black guy tries to make awkward fat white guy seem cool and hip to get a girl
The Wedding Ringer = black guy tries to make awkward fat white guy seem cool and hip to impress his fiance and her family
whats the problem with his answer? no one of us knows what happened, it is the sane thing to say without taking any sides. he is also shielding himself from being sued for accusing someone without knowing what went on.
I agree. He’s saying that FOR HIM, Cosby served a purpose – he motivated him to follow his dreams and do what he loves. Sadly, Cosby created a set of circumstances for himself where his legacy is now in shambles. That’s on him; but it doesn’t change that people saw him as an icon and inspiration. Notice that I said “saw.”
Hmm. The puppies are adorable, but…
I’m not saying everybody has to feel the same way, but for me, a person’s personal life, when it includes drugging and raping women, can’t be separated from his professional life emotionally. I can see objectively that Bill Cosby was talented. But I can’t admire him for that any more, because everything about him sickens me. It taints the comedy and the success. It makes the wholesomeness of the Cosby Show a sick joke. Of course, he’s coming at it from a whole different angle, with all the points QQ made above. I don’t know.
I can’t separate it very well, either. I suppose you could keep the photo up as a reminder of sorts. The man was on top of the world during the peak of the Cosby show, and he still managed to screw it up. Kind of a reminder that even the people known for the squeakiest clean characters who are beloved are just playing a role at the end of the day. We have a Cosby record sitting on dad’s banister from when he was a kid. I think it’s since been tucked away somewhere, but dad had always loved growing up listening to Cosby, and I know he and mom used to watch all the shows he had come out of it. He didn’t follow the news surrounding him, and he was surprised when this blew up not long ago. He also can’t believe the people supporting him. But he still kind of enjoys the memories of what Dr Huxtable was, not Bill.
Now Kevin Hart – I don’t agree with a lot of what he’s done/said over the years. But every once in a while, I’ll see part of his standup and laugh so hard. The bit with the ostrich gets me. And I enjoyed him in the movie where he did a ridealong or whatever with his to-be brother in law. Watching him scream so over the top amuses me. I will give him credit though for saying that his own insecurities have colored his feelings on playing a gay character/ homosexuality. It’s a step admitting it, but if his behavior/jokes don’t change on that front, it’s just a throw away phrase.
GNAT, I’m with you.
when I think about how “wholesome” the Huxtable family was supposed to be, and all the while, the “respectable Dr. Huxtable” was doing what he (was alleged to be) doing…it taints the memory and all I see is a predator.
Even more than the tainting of the Cosby Show is the fact that he was known for so many years to lambast the black community over various social ills and perceived failures, all the while knowing his own nose wasn’t clean and his deeds were actually several measures worse than the issues he railed against. It’s ok to criticize people over dropping out of school but he’s drugging and raping women?
+100!
Umm scary movie 3 where he did a sex scene parody of broke back mountain anyone? Lord help me for remembering that movie, but he was gay in that film, so technically he’s already done it before.
Yeah, but that was making fun of a gay movie, and before he’d made a name for himself.
Didn’t the guy who dropped out of True Blood get criticised A LOT here because apparently he wasn’t comfortable playing a love scene with a man? Sounds like double standards to me…..
Kevin Hart is getting criticized for not trashing Bill Cosby. Meanwhile, Hollywood loves Woody Allen.
Agreed. They also adore Polanski and actually sign petitions in his favor…
Bill Cosby, Woody Allen, Roman Polanski- all three of those men and all of their supporters get criticized here. It might be different on other sites though. Bill Cosby is just the one who happens to be getting the most media attention right now.
Sorry can’t stand when the person writing the article post facts totally off.
the only movie of Kevin Hart’s to make 100 million and over is Ride Along:
Domestic gross 135 million foreign 15 million
None of his other movies are 100 million .
About last Night : domestic 48 million foreign 300 thousand
Think like A Man Too : domestic 65 million foreign 5 million and the only other one close is 2011’s
Think like a Man : domestic 91 million foreign 3 million
I think she’s including Scary movie 3 and 4.
Has no one else here heard Kevin Hart’s stand up? One of his big jokes is about how he’s afraid of his son growing up to be gay. Go ahead, look it up. He says he won’t joke about the topic anymore because of the fallout from that joke (and that he doesn’t want to hurt peoples’ feelings, which sounds to me like someone’s PR machine worked overtime on that one.) But then he goes and says he turns down gay roles and he won’t just drop the subject. He doesn’t have to do gay roles. He doesn’t have to like or accept gay characters. But could he please just shut the hell up about it if it makes him so uncomfortable? Idk you guys, the more Kevin Hart runs his mouth the more respect I lose for him. And that counts triply for the Cosby comments. People say the same thing about separation of careers and personal life about Woody and Kobe, doesn’t make it right. Shame on him.
Kevin has stated he will not make jokes about Gay people anymore.That is not a topic he wants to touch anymore.If he feels too insecure to takle a Gay role I respect that .He is not really a skilled actor.He is playing himself in every film anyway.
I don’t think The Wedding Ringer will pass the $100 millon mark, per Boxofficemojo “The Wedding Ringer should ultimately wind up with at least $55 million”.
Yeah, bit suprising that even the British film “Paddington” (although a critics darling) but a non-entity in the U S, managed to beat “The Wedding Ringer”. It debuted with a surprisingly strong $25.2 million at the box office over the four-day Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
Paddingotn deserved it, it was such a heartwarming movie, I loved it.
First of all, regardless of all the piling on, we still live in a country where a man is innocent until proven guilty. Until Bill Cosby is proven guilty, can anyone cut him a teeny tiny bit of slack? Sheesh! I didn’t know we were in the habit of executing someone before they are proven guilty. Let’s just take a breath and wait a second. Things look bad for him. It looks like he is guilty, but lets just take our time before we burn him in effigy.
Second, I don’t fault someone for not wanting to play a gay character. Big flipping deal! He may not want to play a satanic ax murderer either, but we don’t make a big deal out of it. Actors obviously want to play roles they feel comfortable with and feel they can excel at. Why not hire a gay actor for the role? Why do we feel the need to fill gay parts with heterosexual actors? Is that supposed to be some kind of proof that an actor is not a homophobe? They have to be willing to take a role as a gay man or woman to prove it?
Most comments here are a lot heavier than mine, but here goes…
There’s something about the way that light reflects very brightly off his pupils that makes him look like he has cataracts – or some kind of neurological eye disease – in almost every photo I’ve ever seen of him. Does anyone else see this or am I alone on this one?!
OK, back to the other stuff.
I really appreciate that he recognizes the problem is HIM and not homosexuals in general. AA++ job at being self aware, Mr. Hart. Though, the other side of that is that it shouldn’t really be an issue because being homosexual shouldn’t be flagrant or life-altering. The problem with homosexuality is that they treat it as a character trait rather than an inherent quality. That’s part of why I wasn’t angry when Rowling outed Dumbledore – because there was no real reason for it to come up in story, and she treated it as though it was just an element she kept in mind while writing.
I think it’s an actor’s prerogative to turn down a role for whatever reason they want.
I’m more baffled as to why “will you play gay”? is still a controversial topic… why is “gay” singled out as the defining feature of a character? Wouldn’t it be more interesting to ask about a character’s personality traits or actions, rather than defining a role by the character’s sexual orientation? I mean, the way he makes it sound is that if the character is gay, that’s the only descriptor attached to that character. But we don’t talk about playing straight characters in the same terms.
Love this take.
Kevin? Fine, whatever. Puppies puppies puppies puppies!!
I don’t think this comment about playing a gay role is offensive- some people might not feel comfortable experimenting with or portraying a sexuality that isn’t their own, even in an acting role, and that’s okay. And as someone else mentioned, I do like the fact that he acknowledged that it’s about his own personal insecurity and not about gay people. But if he has made comments about not wanting his son to turn out gay- that’s actually offensive.
As for his Cosby comment, it’s obviously not the worst or most offensive way a public figure has responded to the case against him. You can tell he (and others) are trying to walk that fine line between sh*tting on victims by assuming him to be innocent vs possibly getting accused of making a false allegation against someone. I do think he went a little easier on him than he could have though, with all these accusations that were made. What are the odds that every single woman is lying and Cosby never sexually harassed or sexually assaulted ANY of them? I do believe that it’s possible to separate a person’s work from the person, as long as the work being put out doesn’t mirror or promote the horrible actions of the person. But I also see how the actions of a person can taint their work for many people.
i cannot say anything bad about this man. He is heaven sent. <3
It’s sad that playing a gay character takes someone out of their comfort zone.