Brandon Flynn who currently stars in the Off-Broadway play “Kowalski” has opened up about his career, the influence of LGBTQ+ pioneers, and his aspirations for more mature roles. The actor, who trained extensively in conservatory, says the current role allows him to utilize his skills in character development.
“I spent most of my teenage years and my young adult years training to be an actor at conservatory,” he stated. “I feel like I’m really able to access a lot of that technique with this [the Off-Broadway play ‘Kowalski’] in creating a character. Right now, I feel like I’m really getting the opportunity to physically and vocally make shifts and make them feel natural.”
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He cited Marlon Brando and Tennessee Williams as examples of figures who were remarkably open about their sexuality. “I mean, [Marlon Brando was] in an interview saying, ‘Yes, I’ve slept with men. Yes, I’ve slept with women. What’s the big deal?’; which was quite remarkable. I mean, same with Tennessee Williams. He was quite remarkably out,” he said.
Brandon Flynn acknowledged the potential impact of his own sexual orientation on his career trajectory. “My career, I’m assuming, looks a certain way because I am an out actor. How many of us are working at a high level?” he questioned, raising concerns about representation within the industry.
Despite potential challenges, he expressed optimism about the future. “There’s still a lot more that I want to do. I don’t always feel like I’m in the room for those conversations. But I’m very optimistic that there’s plenty of time,” he said.
The actor also voiced a desire to transition into more mature roles. “I realize I’m a 31-year-old man who still gets carded and I look young and I don’t necessarily want to keep playing young roles. I want to play adult roles and be in adult films,” he stated, expressing a desire to expand his range and take on more challenging projects.
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His comments shed light on the ongoing discussions about LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry and the challenges faced by openly gay actors. While acknowledging progress, he highlighted the need for continued advocacy and opportunities for diverse talent. His focus on craft and his desire to explore complex characters suggest a dedication to artistic growth and a commitment to pushing boundaries.
The actor’s reflections also touch on the broader issue of ageism in the industry, particularly for those who appear younger than their actual age. His desire for adult roles reflects a common aspiration among actors to avoid being typecast and to demonstrate their versatility. His statements resonate with many actors who are seeking to evolve their careers and take on more substantial and meaningful roles.
