Openly Gay Actor Chris New Says He Won't Play A Character Defined By His Sexuality
- By
- On Top Magazine Staff
- | January 16, 2019
Out actor Chris New has said that being open about his sexuality has “restricted” his career.
New starred opposite Tom Cullen, who is straight, in the 2011 critically-acclaimed film Weekend, which follows two men as they fall in love over the course of a weekend.
“I’m known as being an out gay actor,” New told The Guardian. “But I’m not – or, at least, I’m not just that. I’m an actor, yes, and in my private life I have mainly found that men attract me. I don’t see that, or any other singular aspect of my identity, as defining me or as something that I wish to trade on. In my work, I am increasingly allowed to engage in my culture only when that engagement centers on being gay. Being out has done nothing but restrict my career. In the current cultural climate I am invited to participate only on the basis of my supposed oppression. Nothing more is required of me. I live in a cultural ghetto.”
“Any role where the character’s sexuality is their defining characteristic I turn down. Which means I don’t work very much. Or, at least, nowhere near as much as I’d like to,” he added.
When asked how he feels about straight actors playing gay roles, New said: “I really don't mind at all. I just hope they are the best actor. And I quietly wish that the role could be defined as something a little more than just gay.”