Nathan Lane, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in both comedy and drama, has once again spoken candidly about his experiences as an openly gay man in Hollywood. In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, Lane, who stars in the upcoming queer sitcom Mid-Century Modern, discussed the ongoing issue of homophobia in the entertainment industry and shared an unfortunate experience where his sexuality played a role in him losing a major film role.
Lane, who has garnered widespread recognition for his roles in The Birdcage, The People vs. O.J. Simpson, and Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, opened up about the difficulties of navigating Hollywood as an openly gay man, especially during a time when many industry professionals still held biases against LGBTQ+ individuals. Lane stated unequivocally that “homophobia is alive and well still,” underscoring the enduring challenges faced by LGBTQ+ actors in the entertainment world.
One of the most significant revelations from Lane’s interview involved his attempt to land a role in the 1996 sports-comedy Space Jam, in which the character of a basketball player’s assistant eventually went to Wayne Knight, best known for his role on Seinfeld. Lane, who had initially been up for the part, explained that he was told his visibility as a gay man—particularly after hosting the Tony Awards—was a factor in the decision to pass on him.
“I was told [being gay did] impact a movie that I didn’t really care about: Space Jam,” Lane recalled. “I was up for the part that the guy from Seinfeld wound up playing. Apparently, the director saw me hosting the Tony Awards and thought that suggested I was too gay to play the part. So thank God, I didn’t have to do Space Jam.”
While Lane admitted he wasn’t particularly invested in the film, the incident still stands as a reminder of the hurdles he faced early in his career. Reflecting on the broader issue of discrimination, Lane expressed a desire to tackle more complex roles in film, something that was difficult to achieve during a time when openly gay actors were often relegated to specific types of characters or roles. “Before I die, it would be lovely to get to play a juicy, serious supporting role in some film,” he said. “That’s why I’m very grateful to Ryan Murphy.”
Ryan Murphy, the prolific TV producer behind shows like Glee, American Horror Story, and The People vs. O.J. Simpson, has been a significant ally in Lane’s career, offering him dramatic roles that have allowed the actor to showcase his range. Lane praised Murphy for his commitment to giving LGBTQ+ actors the opportunity to tackle meaningful and varied roles, saying, “I’m very grateful to Ryan Murphy.”
In addition to discussing his Hollywood experiences, Lane also shared a troubling story from his early career when his former agent suggested that his openly gay “lifestyle” was limiting his opportunities. The agent’s remark came after the success of The Birdcage (1996), in which Lane starred opposite Robin Williams. Lane recalled that his agent told him, “Maybe if you weren’t so open about your lifestyle, it would have.” The actor, who was understandably upset by the comment, decided to part ways with the agent, explaining, “He was an old queen telling me this. So I left him.”
Lane went on to say that despite his early successes, there were still few opportunities for openly gay actors at the time. “Mike Nichols sent me to CAA, but no, there weren’t a lot of opportunities,” Lane said. “It was a very different time in Hollywood, and not a particularly welcoming one for LGBTQ actors.”
While Lane’s Hollywood career has certainly flourished, he hasn’t been shy about acknowledging the difficulties he’s faced, both in his professional life and in the larger societal context. In the wake of Donald Trump’s re-election in 2020, Lane confessed that he, like many others, had considered leaving the U.S. due to the political climate. “It’s terrifying,” Lane said. “I’ve applied for my Irish citizenship. I don’t know where this is headed. It doesn’t at the moment look good.”
Lane drew a chilling comparison between the rise of authoritarianism under Trump and the political environment of pre-World War II Germany, expressing concern about how the former president managed to convince much of the country that he was acting in their best interest. “You can’t help but be reminded of Germany in the ’30s, that he’s convinced the majority of this country that he cares about them,” Lane said.
The actor’s commentary on politics also touched on the broader issues of the treatment of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ individuals, in the U.S. Under Trump’s administration, many feared that the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community would be rolled back, and Lane echoed those concerns. “It’s scary, but I don’t know what else to do,” he said. “I think a lot of people are feeling the same way.”
As he navigates his personal and professional life, Lane continues to be an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. His upcoming role in Mid-Century Modern, in which he stars alongside Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham, marks a significant moment in his career, one that reflects his ongoing commitment to bringing queer stories to mainstream television. The show, set in the 1960s, is expected to explore themes of identity and the evolving landscape of queer culture, making it a timely addition to the conversation about LGBTQ+ representation in media.
Despite the challenges he’s faced throughout his career, Nathan Lane remains a prominent and influential figure in Hollywood, proving that even in the face of adversity, talent, perseverance, and advocacy can break through barriers. His honesty and reflections on the industry’s struggles with homophobia continue to inspire both current and future generations of LGBTQ+ actors and filmmakers.
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