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Kate Winslet Says She Knows 'at Least 4' Actors 'Hiding Their Sexuality' Due to 'Homophobia' in Hollywood
Sun, April 4, 2021, 3:00 PM

Frazer Harrison/Getty Kate Winslet

Kate Winslet is opening up about a stigma in Hollywood that can create obstacles for gay actors.

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, the Academy Award winner said she knows 'at least four' closeted actors who fear for their career if they come out.

"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," she said. "Now that's f***ed up."

"I'm telling you," she continued. "A well-known actor has just got an American agent and 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. And that's what they say. 'I don't want to be found out.'"



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Winslet also noted that the stigma applies to "men more than anything."

"It's bad news," she added, "Hollywood has to drop that dated crap of, 'Can he play straight because, apparently, he's gay?' "

"That should be almost illegal," she said. "You would not believe how widespread it is. And it can't just be distilled to the question about gay actors playing gay parts. Because actors, in some cases, are choosing not to come out for personal reasons. And it's nobody's business. Perhaps privacy. Perhaps conditioning and shame."

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"We could have had a conversation about how I feel about playing a lesbian and possibly taking that role from somebody," Winslet said. "But I'm done with not being honest about what my real opinions are, and I know the part was never offered to anybody else. In taking this part I had an opportunity to bring an LGBTQ story into living rooms."

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Neon Films Kate Winslet (left) and Saoirse Ronan in Ammonite.

As for what's necessary to bring about change, Winslet said, it will take "more people to speak the way I am."

"I don't intend to browbeat or take on Hollywood. We're just talking about young actors who might be considering joining this profession, and finding a way to make it more open,"

A couple thoughts: First, Olly Murs is doing exactly what I have hoped Adam could do, career-wise. Olly stays active with his music and also does lots of TV. Yes, he has done a lot of the competition shows, but that's where he was discovered, so that's fine. He has maintained a high-profile in the media and shows that he can do more than sing. Just like Adam, he has a great personality, sense of humor, and a knack for being generally friendly and entertaining. I hope that Adam can find career longevity doing a variety of things. Overall, his past ten years has been pretty busy, but people in show biz have to evolve and adapt or else they don't remain strong.

As for gay actors, it's amazing that sexuality is still an issue. If an actor can act the role he is given, then he shouldn't be automatically excluded due to his sexuality. Gay men have played straight roles forever. Back in the day, gay actors didn't "come out." I think of Rock Hudson, who always played the romantic lead roles with beautiful women. There are probably lots more examples from back then. But now, gay people are more likely open with their sexuality. And the barriers go up. Seems like when a straight guy plays a gay guy, that's ok, but not the other way around.

I'm sure Adam will be great on that show!