Photo by Joseph Sinclair for aTEEN/Attitude
Have you been watching Cucumber and Banana, Logo's excellent new gay series? Last week's episodes left us begging for more, but the finale of each series airs next week. That leaves you enough time to catch up over the weekend, and to familiarize yourself with Dino Fetscher, who plays Aiden, a sexy yet elusive Grindr user in the two shows. [Spoiler alert -- he takes part in a threesome with two other characters].
SLIDESHOW | Dino Fetscher in Attitude's Naked Issue
Openly-gay and proud, the drop-dead gorgeous Cardiff native sat down with aTEEN magazine, Attitude's sister publication aimed a the younger gay generation. Fetscher opens up about his big break, coming out, and why he's happy to be a gay role model.
Read an excerpt of the interview below.
So Dino, introduce yourself...
Hi, I'm Dino. I've come from sunny Wales - Cardiff to be precise - son to a German Mum and a half-Welsh, half-Basque Dad. I'm an actor. Definitely a glass is half full kind of guy. I'm pretty relaxed and low maintenance. People have said I remind them of Tom Hanks in Big. I try not to take life too seriously.
You must be excited to be in a Russell T. Davies show [he created Queer As Folk]?
It's insanely exciting! Russell is a big inspiration to me. The work he creates is incredible. I'm thrilled to be a part of these projects. When my agent called to let me know I'd been offered the role I was in total shock, I had to ask for it to be repeated at least twice, then I didn't believe it until I was at the read through in Manchester. Still pinching myself, I'm a very lucky boy.
What was the audition like? It's a saucy show -- did you have to strip off for it?
I was giggling to myself when I read the script for the first time; it is pretty saucy. Luckily I was not asked to strip haha! I had to prepare a few scenes for Andy Pryor - our casting director - it was all very professional and fun. It was one of my most enjoyable auditions to date; I loved the character and Andy is so lovely you instantly feel very much at ease.
You're an openly gay guy -- were you ever advised not to be so open?
Yes, I have been. I think that the general perception/fear amongst actors, even now, is that if you are openly gay then your career options are limited. I think that this was much more the case, say 10 years ago, as opposed to today. Just look at the number of high profile actors that are openly gay and doing amazing work at the moment; Zachary Quinto, Ellen Page, Neil Patrick Harris for example. I feel a great responsibility to be honest about myself, and have the courage to stand up and be who I am, to hopefully help change things even more. If that means I might miss out on certain roles then so be it. I believe choosing to conceal an element of your life like that sends out such a negative message; there are people killing themselves over this. For me, there is an obligation to think about the potential consequences of my actions. It's only an issue because we make it so; people need to stop concerning themselves with actor's private lives. It has no effect on how I do my job so why is it an issue? I want to be cast on my ability and suitability to the role not for whom I happen to fall in love with.
When you were a teen and about to come out, was it an easy process. Any bad reactions?
I was really lucky; my whole family were all totally fine.
Who was your teen crush?
A guy in my year. My little brother's was Ash Ketchum from Pokemon, his is way better.
Read the full interview in issue 1 of aTEEN, available for download atPocketmags.com
