There used to be a time in the not-so-distant past when playing a gay role would be a career killer for many up-and-coming actors. Before it was "brave" to play gay and win awards for it, there were lots of folks who steered clear of any type of queer role because society, at large, was homophobic and didn't want to see portrayals of queerness on screen.
But over the years as Hollywood slowly began to change, so did the narrative. Though there is still ongoing debate about it, actors, regardless of their own sexualities, now have the freedom to take on roles that actors of older generations were never fully allowed to without major repercussions to their careers. 29-year-old actor Nicholas Galitzine is part of that new generation of artists helping to break that ceiling, especially since he has been able to play characters of all sexualities and lean into them, especially in fan-favorite projects like Red, White & Royal Blue and Mary & George.
Out had the opportunity to catch-up with Galitzine at the recent red-carpet premiere of The Idea of You, Amazon Prime Video's newest romantic comedy film where he plays the love interest opposite Anne Hathaway.We chatted about his career so far, and the luxury he has had of playing both queer and straight roles.
When asked if there was a sense of freedom to take these roles, Galitzine responded: "Yea, I totally think so. I think, you know for me it's really just about playing characters that I really respond to on script. You know, really well written characters and that's really how I decided to choose my projects."
And this in't the first time Galitzine has opened up to Out about this topic.
"It's incredibly humbling," Galitzine told Out earlier this month when asked about how his connection with his LGBTQ+ fans. "You make these projects, and sometimes I fall into the line of thinking that no one's ever going to watch it. [That] it's just going to go into this sort of abyss, and it's on to the next thing. I've been so floored in the last few years that people have consumed my content, have really supported me, and pushed me forward in my career."
And during the Mary & George premiere in Los Angeles in March, Galitzine also talked to Out more about getting to play queer characters that mean something to viewers and help them feel seen.
"I feel very lucky that I've played roles that resonate with people and mean something to people, and if I had to have a remit in this job, it would be to do that," he said. "These are wonderfully textured, fun characters to play. George undergoes this massive arc throughout the show. I just feel very taken in and supported, which is lovely."
Elsewhere at the premiere, Galitzine's co-star and Oscar-winning actress Anne Hathaway (a.k.a. the people's princess!) also walked the carpet at The Idea of You premiere, and she played a quick game of "This or That" with Out! (Her answers gave us all the life we could have asked for!)
Princess or Popstar? "They intersect" Anne responded. Genovia or California? "Genovia," she said. Mattress surfing or crowd surfing? "Oh, can I be on a mattress while I surf the crowd?" Anne asked.
Anne Hathaway, the WOMAN that you are!
The Idea of You premieres May 2 on Amazon Prime Video.
