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Criticism of straight playing gay “absolutely valid”

Criticism of straight playing gay “absolutely valid”

Succession actor Jeremy Strong has said the backlash against straight actors playing gay roles is “absolutely valid”.

The actor made the remarks while discussing his role on the forthcoming Donald Trump biopic The Apprentice.

In the movie Strong plays the part of Roy Cohn, an early Trump attorney, who was a closeted gay man who died from AIDS in 1986 without ever coming out or revaling his HIV-positive status.

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, he said that it was “perfectly valid” to criticise straight actors playing gay roles.

He went on to say, “I’m sort of old fashioned, maybe, in the belief that, fundamentally, it’s about a person’s artistry, and that great artists, historically, have been able to, as it were, change the stamp of their nature. That’s your job as an actor.”

While he did not think it necessary for gay roles to be played by gay actors, he said that “it would be good if that were given more weight.”

“What I do feel, whoever plays any part ever, is that you have to take these things as seriously as you take your own life, and it is not a game, and that these people and their struggles and the experiences you’re trying to render are not a plaything,” he said.

This follows comments from Heartstopper star Joe Locke who said that he did not think it “fair” that straight actors should be prevented from playing gay roles.

“I wouldn’t want not to be able to play a straight character,” the 21-year-old told the Guardian. “So I don’t think it’s fair to stop someone straight – who can do all the research – playing a gay character.

“As long as you’re playing a part authentically – and with the best intentions – and you’re not playing a stereotype then just go for it.”

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