Michael Urie Says Being Openly Gay Has Helped His Career

Actor Michael Urie believes being openly gay has helped his career.

The 32-year-old Urie can no longer be seen on prime time television after the cancellation of Ugly Betty and Partners. He told Next Magazine that he has traded in Los Angeles for New York.

Urie's next role is that of Alex More in the one-man play Buyer & Cellar, which opens Thursday at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater.

In the play, Alex, a struggling Los Angeles actor, tends to a diva's expansive collection of expensive stuff. Urie also plays Alex's cynical boyfriend and the diva herself.

It “has been an insane challenge,” Urie said of the one-man show.

Urie also played gay in Ugly Betty and Partners, which CBS canceled after airing only six episodes.

“If I wasn't open about who I am, and [was] careful about the roles I picked in fear of projecting anything, I would work so infrequently,” Urie said. “I work all the time because I have no problem playing gay guys! I get a lot of jobs!”