Sir Ian McKellen Defends Straight Actors Playing Gay Roles

During a special 25th-anniversary screening of the 1997 queer Holocaust drama Bent held by the British Film Institute, Sir Ian McKellen seemingly dismissed criticism that straight actors shouldn’t play gay roles earlier this week. The 83-year-old star praised Clive Owen’s performance as Max, a gay prisoner in a Nazi concentration camp, MSN reports.

“Nothing wrong with that performance,” said McKellen. “For those of you who think only gay people should be allowed to play gay parts.” He was joined by the film’s director Sean Mathias and playwright Martin Sherman. McKellen, who appeared in a supporting role in the film, originated the role of Max in the 1979 production of Sherman’s play in London’s West End.

Although it’s unclear what prompted his remark, it is clear he was referring to the growing opinion that LGBTQ+ roles should be played by LGBTQ+ actors. Following high-profile casting controversies in recent years involving cisgender actors taking on trans roles in films and TV shows, it has become widely accepted that transgender actors should be cast as transgender characters. Many feel that should extend to all LGBTQ+ roles as well.

But authenticity isn’t the only issue. Issues of representation, both onscreen and behind the scenes, as well as career opportunities for out performers who have been and continue to be marginalized in the entertainment industry, albeit to a lesser degree in recent years play a significant part in the ongoing debate.

LGBTQ+ characters in high-profile movies are disproportionately played by actors who identify as straight. Examples include Philadelphia and Brokeback Mountain, Rocket Man and Ammonite, along with the upcoming movie, Whale. McKellen is the only out actor ever to have been nominated for an Oscar for playing a gay role.

With fewer LGBTQ+ roles to go around, as GLAAD’s annual Studio Responsibility Index and Where We Are on TV reports consistently indicate, and out actors reporting that they have a harder time landing non-queer roles, the disparity is clear.

Read related myGwork articles here:

Michael Urie Explains Why Straight Actors Need To Stay Away From Gay Roles

Benedict Cumberbatch Opens Up About Straight Actors Playing Gay Characters

‘It’s A Sin’ Star Nathaniel Curtis Discusses Straight Actors Playing LGBT+ Roles

Russell T Davies: Straight Actors Shouldn't Play Gay Roles

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