[The Independent UK] Kate Winslet has said she knows “well-known” actors who haven’t publicly come out in “fear” of a Hollywood backlash.
The actor, who stars in new film Ammonite, revealed that she knows of “at least four” gay stars who are keeping their sexuality hidden due to the belief they will lose out on roles.
I cannot tell you the number of young actors I know – some well known, some starting out – who are terrified their sexuality will be revealed and that it will stand in the way of their being cast in straight roles.
The actor, whose credits include Titanic and The Reader, said that she knows “a well-known actor” who was recently told by an American agent to keep the fact they are bisexual a secret.
The agent said: “‘I understand you are bisexual – I wouldn’t publicise that.” I can think of at least four actors absolutely hiding their sexuality. It’s painful. Because they fear being found out.
Winslet, who is married with three children, hit out at the “judgment, discrimination and homophobia” rife within the film industry.
Similar: Actor Gets Inned And Outed
Actors:
[Optional] Should straight roles only go to straight actors and gay roles to gay actors? Why or why not?
danneka says
Leo, Leo, Leo and Leo. LOL but definitely he’s one of them – don’t know if he’s bi or not – he never seems genuinely interested in those models he parades around with.
mattaharpy says
Ditto the lists of names already posted.
Obviously countless actors are out in the business but publicly out LGBTQ+ actors face difficulties being cast even as characters written as LGBTQ+. The studios are terrified about losing distribution in major markets such as Middle East or Russia where laws pertaining to LGBTQ are disgusting. They should cast an out-out LGBTQ+ actor as lead in a major marquee franchise (Marvel, Bond) and support the outcry when it’s banned. Big change is needed.
donna47129 says
Although there are many, I’m going to guess that the 4 she immediately thought of are: Clooney, Cruise, Cooper and DiCaprio. Possibly Jackman to replace one of these.
Carigirl says
Leonardo DiCaprio, Tim Chalamet, Bradley Cooper, Sam Heughan…
rebernardi says
Timothée chalamet
Bradley cooper
Zach Effron
Rami Malek
Jeremy Renner
Jake Gyllenhaal
pawpaw says
While it may not be the politically correct answer or the right thing to do, I agree with Whisper. That’s Hollyweird for you!
mermaid3000 says
I live and am very much around this industry. This is VERY common. There are SO many gay or bi actors that are not out for this specific reason. Many are in fake relationships and even have kids with their fake partners. They do a lot of contract relationships. to someones point above- a gay man playing a hunky straight man won’t work as well, it won’t be as big of a hit. same with other countries that are not as acceptable to gay people picking up our movies. Hollywood is very backwards.
mrw222 says
I find all of this very confusing. It seems to me that Hollywood flaunts their gayness and so many shows incorporate same sex relationships that they are making it seem mainstream. I have a hard time believing anyone has to cover it up anymore.
Mattdsgirl says
Actors:
Saoirse Ronan
Lukas Haas
Billy Zane
Ralph Fiennes
I figured Kate worked with the actors of the films mentioned, and was able to discern their sexuality or the sexuality of their partner.
comeout says
John Travolta
George Clooney
Tom Cruise
Hugh Jackman
Leonardo DiCaprio
Bradley Cooper
Jeremy Renner
Jake Gyllenhaal
Austin Nichols
Zac Efron
Darren Criss
Elijah Wood
Taylor Lautner
Tom Hiddleston
Chris Pine
Tom Holland
Alexander Skarsgård
Josh Hutcherson
Rami Malek
Richard Armitage (kinda nearly came out about a year ago)
Andrew Garfield
Seann William Scott
Johnny Galecki
Aidan Turner
Kristoffer Ryan Winters
Vin Diesel
Michael Fassbender
Tobey Maguire
Will…
jrgius says
NPH isn’t the megastar that Leo, Jake or Cruise is. He began his career in TV and has hosted the Tonys, “opening” a Hollywood blockbuster is VERY different than having a small part in a big film. It won’t happen for a LONG time.
proloz says
I mean, everyone else has done a great job naming names…..I wonder if celebs read this? I bet they do.
If you are closeted, for the love of God, live your true life. Do you really want to be an old man and regret living the way an agent told you to live? Don’t you want to be able to go out in public with your partner?
Stop living for the public and live for yourself. This is 2021, not the golden era of Hollywood.
lost29 says
Hollywood is a world wide business, and much of the world is still gay hostile, so being out remains a hindrance to a successful career – and hard to prove given the nature of the business. Even “successful” actors like NPH have survived with minor roles – he hasn’t had anything like his HIMYM role since his status went public.
As for restricting gay roles to gay and the reverse – that would kill the career options for gays given how few gay roles there are and ever will be.
Flanky says
Kate is an annoying person. I remember a time when an actor was usually given a role because they convinced the folks making the film that they were the best suited to play the part. Nowadays, you have heterosexual being bullied out of roles because they aren’t gay or trans. But somehow, it’s supposed to be ok for those groups to be allowed to try out for straight roles? I would rather the role (whatever it may be) just goes to whoever the casting director and producers feel plays it best.
pawpaw says
Agreed! Kate is a hypocrite and I’m sure the men she says are gay would not appreciate her being a spokesperson about this.
Lynkan says
DiCaprio seems like a legit answer
green smurf says
Look at Matt Bomer. He’s a far better actor than Henry Cavill. Looks like they could be brothers but whose getting the action roles?
claireuk says
Well your photo clues are two!
Zach Efron , Bradley Cooper and Richard Madden probably.
It feels very 80s to be discussing this again, we really shouldn’t care. I’d prefer to go back to just using “partner” rather than big declarations of being this, that or the other – I don’t want to know and don’t care if you like pans! But it is sad that careers are still ruined by this, look at Jesse Jay started out and proud to be a lesbian, then bi and now matched up with whichever muscle man…
ladymuck says
In an ideal world I think that the roles should go to the best fit regardless of the actor’s own sexuality, but realistically thinking, it makes no business sense to cast a gay actor in a heterosexual role, particularly if that role is going to be appealing to the opposite sex. i.e a woman is unlikely to overlook a gay male actor’s sexuality and still think he’s sexy and with a remote possibility of getting with him. That realisation will turn into box office takings.
Whisper says
Me neither. I used to believe wholeheartedly Tom Cruise was gay but top ex Scientologists who audited him said he first joined bc he was a major skirt chaser (never men) and his then wife thought the church could cure him. They didn’t say that about Travolta. Don’t get why people think Caville and Damon are gay either.
jojo5282 says
Ok… can someone please explain to me why everyone thinks Leo is gay? It’s not just the women he is with, it is everything about him. I honestly don’t see it.
ms40237 says
I keep trying to see it too but I just don’t get it.
angelhair says
I’m going to guess Richard Madden, Saoirse Ronan, Shailene Woodley and Jeremy Renner. Madden for the guy told by his agent to keep his bisexuality a secret, as he’s in the process of trying to break through in Hollywood.
angelhair says
this is a good point. maybe it’s to do with the management and agencies these actors fall in with and what they think is best? Also, NPH has a great career because he was marketed as a comedy/musical theatre actor. There might be directors/producers within Hollywood that make big action/romcom blockbusters who hold certain prejudices? a lot of actors also get marketed as heartthrobs towards women in order to promote films.
Whisper says
I posted about this below but mostly NPH isn’t cast in mans man roles and doesn’t do roles like Cruz, Jackman, Pitt, Clooney etc… People tend to over look the “crush” factor. Even with online women saying theyd crush as easily on a gay man, basically they cast as wide a net as possible. Simply put you’ll get more crushing girls, thus a bigger bottom line if women can picture the actor as a real possibility. Less about fit for the role, more (too much)about intense feelings for the actor.
Vampira says
Are you kidding? Most Hollywood actors are gay or bisexual…..Tom Cruise, George Clooney, John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, .Leo DiCaprio, Will Smith, Matt Damon, Vin Diesel are some of the top ones
Straight or gay roles should go to the best actor for it, regardless of orientation
Vampira says
Forgot Bradley Cooper, too
aleshamom4 says
You named ALL of whom I was thinking 🤔👏👏
omgimbackagain says
Actors: Leo DiCaprio, Jeremy Renner, Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal
No, acting is acting.
Lby54229 says
Leo is one of the “well known ” actors, right?
Please don’t let Sam Heughan be one of those actors. He is supposed to end up with me.
I think actors can play whatever role they want. Political correctness be damned!!!
Sweetpea says
Only 4? Leo, Bradley, Clooney and Travolta.
Jimmyshine says
Yeah…but no doubt she’s cool with canceling a straight actor who would dare to suggest he or she could play a gay or trans character. *.
Melvin says
No idea about the actors.
Optional: The woke groups have made much about LBQT+ roles going only to LBQT actors. Same with people of color. So we should honor that with straight roles going only to known straight actors.
Same with white characters only to white actors. No black Superman or James Bond. These groups should create characters and build a fanbase and value in them instead of grasping at established characters out of a sense of entitlement.
CheetoFingerz says
There are many more than 4
My best guess (I could be wrong)
Bradley Cooper, Tom Hardy, Daniel Craig, John Travolta.
Actors have always been “fluid” so it’s rather a mute point. It’s fun for an actor to create a character and go beyond limits.
Closeted leading actors have been around since the beginning of Hollywood. Hopefully, soon, it won’t matter .
kitkatk885 says
Hmm not sure of the actors – rewatched Titanic the other day – Leo was at his prime!
Optional : the role should go to whomever is most skillfully adept at playing the part! Give me a break with this gay or straight stuff…. nobody cares! They are ACTORS….They PRETEND for a living! For heavens sake how stupid this all getting
EmilyLou says
Hugh Jackman, Leo DiCaprio, Timothy Challet (I think is his name), Tom Hiddleston
mbscott24 says
Leo DiCaprio
Bradley Cooper
Jeremy Renner
Tom Cruise
Shailene Woodley
Too many to name!
mrw222 says
Shailene Woodley… this is interesting. I have also heard the rumors about her “fiancé” Aaron Rodgers.
JHntr113 says
Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch? Leo DiCaprio? Tom Holland?
Optional: no. Roles should go to actors who can play them the best… Hollywood is a horrible place to work. And they look down on us ordinary schmoes?
esmerelda b says
Leo DiCaprio, Tom Holland, Jake Gyllenhaal, Tom Hiddleston.
barbijo1970 says
I feel if they can make the part believable who cares what they do in their personal life. 🤷🏼♀️
Kirkerj says
Amen to that
Weird Harold Monster says
This!
kellyp says
For sure. And don’t you assume that all of them are gay anyway?
Marina says
Jake Gyllenhaal, Zac Efron, Chris Pine, Henry Cavill.
aaaSeeK says
Well, Leo’s one, for sure.
It’s called acting for a reason. Actors are people who pretend to be who they’re not. It’s entirely unfair to limit them because of who they actually are.
parkland45 says
No idea who these actors are. But if they do come out as gay or bi, they’re unfortunately not going to be credible in hetero romance stories/scenes. So they probably need to not say anything.
yo1774 says
Sorry but what?
Being credible in a scene depends of the abilities of the actor not of the prejudices of the viewer
Lby54229 says
You are right. I know there are great gay actors out there. But, in the end, you cast a straight man in hunky roles bc it’s the women who will fantasize about that man. And, if the target audience (the women) know that their “hunk” is gay, then fantasy/allure is gone. An example is James Bond who is an infamous ladies man. He can never be played by a gay actor for the simple fact that the women audience will not find him as sexy. And the men audience will not fine him as manly.
Lynkan says
Woah – This stick is pointy at both ends… IMO, they’re fake if they’re hiding their true selves – $elling out for the big buck$ & the big role$
winteriscoming says
100%!!! Money is always the key with all actors (except Keanu)! I don’t care what sex they prefer, if you put it out there to show…. it’s on you. I cannot see NPH, Elton John Or Nathan Lane playing a big manly guy. Sorry, it is what it is. Any more Jake or Lei don’t fool anyone!
mpizzle says
I think Soirse Ronan is a lesbian.
I don’t think only straight actors should play straight characters or gay play only gay. I do wish people would stop lauding straight actors for playing gay roles, though. Gay actors never get the same credit for playing straight characters and it’s the same logic!
taracu says
It’s hard to credit them for playing straight if they’re still closeted . A lot of the boomer generation really has broken gaydar unless you’re someone like Elton John or Nathan Lane. They would never suspect cruise or Gyllenhaal even though to us it’s plain as day. Not all gays are Queens.
Lynkan says
You’re dead right … Gay actors never get the same recognition when their role is reversed.. I’m rather disappointed in the fact people are selling out for the money – As someone already commented here: This is not the old H/wood from years gone by!
VegasMike says
Not sure which ones Kate knows, but I’m pretty sure there r A LOT more than 4 closeted actors (male & female) in H’wood.
Sad that, in an industry where ppl pretend 2 be someone else, gay folks would lose the opportunity to play straight characters.
But there’s been uproar recently when cis actors r cast 2 play trans ppl… Could that be part of what’s feeding this current attitude? Some of the hunkiest actors were gay/bi – Rock Hudson, James Dean, Marlon Brando – but the public…
Whisper says
Actors: Hmm all I can come up with is Alan Rickman and Geoffrey Rush….maybe? Young guys, maybe Timothy.
What actors should play what roles is less about orientation & more about bottom line. Unfortunately what factors in is women fantacizing & crushing on the actors themselves and men identifying with them. Sadly its not just about the roles they’re playing. That’s why they do so many photo ops. More about fan girls & max ticket sales than studios.
Whisper says
Yeah I was just looking at Kates costars.
yo1774 says
That’s not a surprise.
There are a lot of agents who recomend don’t come out (a lot of them gay themselves), i found way more problematic the fact they are encouraged to be in fake relationships.
And of course there’s the case of openly (or semiopen) gay british actors who suddenly become straight once they try to find a job in the USA.
The curious thing is coming out didn’t affect at all to Luke Evans (after all that effort to be perceived as straight)
Molly7111 says
Actors: Leo DiCaprio, Taron Egerton, Idris Elba, and Neal Huff.
claireuk says
Most definitely NOT idris alba!!
draconius25 says
Idris Elba? No way. That man is a total 6 O’clock.
oyevey says
Leo DiCaprio and Bradley Cooper are two
ItsBouquet says
Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Tom Cruise, Jake Gyllenhaal, Zac Efron, Matthew Broderick, Timothee Chalamet, Robert Downey Jr… and so on
Optional: As far as sexual orientation goes the role should go to the best person for the job, regardless of their private life. As far as race, sex, disabilities, or other outward features go, the role should go to the best person of that group.
EmilyLou says
RDJ!?!? No!!! Are you telling me it’ll never be even in my wildest fantasies?!?
Love him either way, for the record.
BestinShow says
You can’t have it both ways. Hollywood is now saying that Asians should play Asian roles, Blacks should play Black roles, Transgenders should play Transgender roles. Goes to follow then that Gays should play Gay roles, and Straights should play Straight roles. By pushing for “diversity”, they are redefining the whole concept of ACTING.
Carigirl says
I completely agree. It’s called ACTING. If you are the best person for the role, then you should get that role. End of discussion.