Here's an interesting thought. Are they more prevalent, or are they just more likely to come out and be open about it? They're under the pressure of the media and the public eye. They have a built in cultural support system in Hollywood and the theater. Their success, wealth and fame builds their self-esteem and sense of self. Wouldn't these (and other) factors make actors more likey to reveal the truth about their sexuality?

 

I would agree that they are much more likely to come out. I believe he is referring to the number that are obviously gay though, not just those that have come out. If that number were related to the population we would have to severely adjust the percentages of the current population.

Here's an interesting thought. Are they more prevalent, or are they just more likely to come out and be open about it? They're under the pressure of the media and the public eye. They have a built in cultural support system in Hollywood and the theater. Their success, wealth and fame builds their self-esteem and sense of self. Wouldn't these (and other) factors make actors more likey to reveal the truth about their sexuality?

 

Maybe, but I think for a lot of actors, it's still better for them to not come out, or to throw up a smokescreen as to their sexuality. Some are concerned that their bankability as a male lead role would be hampered by being open, and there may be some merit to that, given Middle America's hostility toward homosexuality.

 

If it was a good idea to come out, why would Tom Cruise protest so vehemently every time it's suggested that he's gay (when it's as obvious as the day is long that he is)?

If it was a good idea to come out, why would Tom Cruise protest so vehemently every time it's suggested that he's gay (when it's as obvious as the day is long that he is)?

So, do you think Cruise's marriage and family are a sham, in the mode of Michael Jackson?

So, do you think Cruise's marriage and family are a sham, in the mode of Michael Jackson?

 

Yes, just like Kenny Chesney. It's not like PR marriages are unheard of in Hollywood and celebrity-land.

Yes, just like Kenny Chesney. It's not like PR marriages are unheard of in Hollywood and celebrity-land.

 

 

I agree with you on both accounts.

I also fall into the camp of questioning the theory that the prevalence of homosexuality in the acting community is much higher than in other professions. My guess is that it appears that way because most of us "know" (don't actually know personally, but know them through their work) many more actors/actresses than we do people in other lines of work. I'm sure all of us could list of the names of a 100+ actors and actresses, but how many electricians, plumbers, bus drivers, insurance salesmen, police officers, etc.. can you name? Simply by "knowing" more actors makes it more likely that we then "know" more gay actors. I would buy that it might be a slightly higher percentage than most professions, but not substantially so.

Jim, are they truly gay or just flamboyant or effeminate? Entertainers tend to be both, more times than not. However, being those things does not make you gay. One of the most effeminate guys in my high school, got the best looking girl pregnant. Didn't see that one coming.

 

I have a sister in law, who's father is continually hit on by gay men. He's nothing of the kind, but he's a bit effeminate.

 

My daughter's flavor of the month, I mean current boyfriend, is flamboyant as all get out, but she assures me he's all man and then some. Really more info than I wanted, but stupid me, I had to ask if he was gay.:ohbrother: :sssh:

I also fall into the camp of questioning the theory that the prevalence of homosexuality in the acting community is much higher than in other professions. My guess is that it appears that way because most of us "know" (don't actually know personally, but know them through their work) many more actors/actresses than we do people in other lines of work. I'm sure all of us could list of the names of a 100+ actors and actresses, but how many electricians, plumbers, bus drivers, insurance salesmen, police officers, etc.. can you name? Simply by "knowing" more actors makes it more likely that we then "know" more gay actors. I would buy that it might be a slightly higher percentage than most professions, but not substantially so.

 

Jim, are they truly gay or just flamboyant or effeminate? Entertainers tend to be both, more times than not. However, being those things does not make you gay. One of the most effeminate guys in my high school, got the best looking girl pregnant. Didn't see that one coming.

 

I have a sister in law, who's father is continually hit on by gay men. He's nothing of the kind, but he's a bit effeminate.

 

My daughter's flavor of the month, I mean current boyfriend, is flamboyant as all get out, but she assures me he's all man and then some. Really more info than I wanted, but stupid me, I had to ask if he was gay.:ohbrother: :sssh:

 

Again, I keep coming back to Carter's statements in the book I'm reading. If anybody would have the authority to make such a statement, I can't imagine somebody more qualified than arguably the most connected person in the world, celebrity-wise.

 

I doubt there's any real statistical info to back it up, considering how many actors have gone out of their way to cover up their sexual preferences (see: Cruise, Tom); but maybe there is. But if someone like Graydon Carter — whose magazine trades on celebrity interviews and having celebrity-types on the cover as a means to sell magazines — thinks it's the case, I'm willing to defer to his expertise on the matter.

Jim I would have to agree here. My crew takes care of the theatre here and I just asked my crew leader was everyone that worked over there gay. For the most part they are.

Yeah right, next thing you're going to tell me Justin Timberlake's gay.....wait a minute.