Murray Bartlett, who plays Dom on HBO's
Looking, says openly gay actors have “an upper hand” when
playing gay roles.
“I think definitely when you're
playing a role, your own personal experience that's similar to a
character's can really help,” Bartlett
told MetroSource Magazine.
“Some of the straight actors do ask
specifics about, 'What happens in this situation?' or 'Where does
that go?' So we have an upper hand in some areas.”
Looking, which revolves around
three gay friends living in San Francisco, features four openly gay
actors, including Bartlett, Jonathan Groff, Russell Tovey and Daniel
Franzese.
“But I feel like the straight actors
we have on this show are incredible in their ability to –
regardless of gender and sexuality – really connect to the intimacy
of moments they're in.”
Bartlett singled out Scott Bakula, who
plays his onscreen boyfriend.
“I feel like Scott Bakula is a magic
that happens on camera,” Bartlett said. “He is incredibly open
as an actor and came in to this role and this show with a lot of
affection and generosity. ... We have a really lovely rapport, and
hopefully that reads.”