It's Called Acting
Posted November 4th, 2006 by RD Heldenfels
Neil Patrick Harris has told People magazine that he is gay. (Statement here.)
Although the rumor has been around for a long time, this may surprise people who think gay men cannot feign an interest in women — the way Harris has done not only as Barney on "How I Met Your Mother" but as Doogie Howser.
But acting is about pretending, isn't it? We saw that recently when T.R. Knight of "Grey's Anatomy" also came out. And we've seen it for long years, and not only in sexual role-playing. Think of brilliant onscreen figures played by actors who have trouble forming sentences, action stars whose physical skills are aided by stunt men, war heroes whose players have never served in the military.
Consider, too, the politicians whose public stances are at odds with their private conduct.
November 4th, 2006 at 6:37 am
I'm not sure who would be surprised these days that an actor is gay–didn't Rock Hudson come out about 20 years ago?
The politician thing may be a bit of a leap too–is a lawmaker who drives over the speed limit acting when he votes for safer roads? Or are obese parents acting when they tell their kids they shouldn't eat at Arbys too often?
November 4th, 2006 at 3:15 pm
I think the best case of pretending to be someone you're not is Joely Richardson. I remember watching clips from Nip/Tucks wrap party during last years finale, and was surprised to see her speaking with a thick british accent. Week in week out Richardson speaks perfect American without betraying her British twang.