Nathan Lane, the cherished Tony and Emmy-winning star known for his roles in The Producers, The Lion King, and The Birdcage, recently opened up about the challenges he faced as an openly gay actor in Hollywood. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Lane reflected on how perceived homophobia limited his opportunities throughout his career.
In particular, Lane shared a specific instance from 1996 where he lost out on a role in the animated sports comedy Space Jam. He explained, "I was told [being gay did] impact a movie that I didn’t really care about: ‘Space Jam.’ I was up for the part that the guy from ‘Seinfeld’ wound up playing.” The role of Stan Podolak, Michael Jordan’s assistant, ultimately went to Wayne Knight, who is famously known for his work as Newman on the iconic sitcom.
Lane recounted how the film’s director, Joe Pytka, judged him based on an impression from hosting the Tony Awards, believing he was “too gay” for the part. Expressing a mix of relief and disbelief, he remarked, “So thank God, I didn’t have to do ‘Space Jam.’ But I don’t know. I’ll never know what people say. Homophobia is alive and well still.”
That same year, Lane enjoyed a breakthrough in his career with his performance in The Birdcage, which was a smashing success, grossing over $185 million worldwide. However, the success of that film didn’t lead to the additional career opportunities he had hoped for. "I thought perhaps because of the success of that, it’d lead to other films, but then it didn’t. It really didn’t,” he admitted, highlighting the frustrating turning point in his career.
After the release of The Birdcage, Lane shared that his agent told him, “Maybe if you weren’t so open about your lifestyle, it would have.” This comment spurred Lane to leave the agency, reflecting upon the limitations placed on him due to his public identity. He stated, "And was an old queen telling me this. So I left him. Mike Nichols sent me to CAA.” His candid tales portray a nuanced view of navigating a world where the roles available often felt dictated by outdated attitudes towards sexual orientation.
Despite these setbacks, Lane chose to focus on his successful stage and television career. He has won numerous awards, including three Tony Awards, three Emmys, an Olivier, and a SAG award, proving his talent transcends the limitations imposed on him. Nevertheless, he remains ever aware of the challenges, insisting that, “Homophobia is alive and well still,” and pointing out that the environment was still not particularly welcoming towards openly gay actors during much of his career.
Lane’s ambitions have not dwindled; he expressed a desire to take on more serious roles in film, adding, “Before I die, it would be lovely to get to play a juicy, serious supporting role in some film.” On the small screen, he has found significant opportunities, particularly in projects spearheaded by Ryan Murphy. Recently, he starred as journalist Dominick Dunne in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story and as defense attorney F. Lee Bailey in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Lastly, Lane is set to step into a new role in a Ryan Murphy-produced sitcom titled Mid-Century Modern, which is being described as a “gay Golden Girls”. This sitcom features Lane alongside Matt Bomer and Nathan Lee Graham and explores the lives of three gay men who, after an unexpected event, decide to live together in Palm Springs. Set to debut on Hulu in the United States on March 28 this year, the show promises to highlight contemporary LGBTQ+ experiences.
Nathan Lane’s journey is emblematic of the ongoing struggles many actors face in Hollywood, particularly those from the LGBTQ+ community. While his career has been dotted with shining successes, it also serves as a testament to the barriers that still persist today. Lane’s willingness to speak candidly about his experiences invites a broader dialogue on representation and acceptance in the industry.
