Acclaimed British actor Ben Whishaw has sparked a conversation about sexuality and success in Hollywood, suggesting that openly gay actors may feel pressured to present themselves in a way that appeals to heterosexual audiences to reach the top of their profession.
The Pressure to Conform to 'Heterosexual Taste'
In a frank interview with The Guardian, the 45-year-old star, famed for his role as Q in the James Bond series and films like Cloud Atlas and The Danish Girl, acknowledged that there are still 'not very many' openly gay actors working at the highest levels of the industry. He described the situation as complex and personal but pointed to a prevailing standard.
'I think it's still something to do with the fact that if you want to be really successful, you have to conform to what is deemed to be heterosexual taste, or something,' Whishaw stated. 'Or to be sexy in a heterosexual way.'
No Blame for Those Who Stay Private
Despite his observations on industry pressures, Whishaw was quick to clarify that he does not judge colleagues who choose to keep their private lives out of the public eye. He emphasised the continued existence of homophobia as a significant factor.
'There's still a lot of homophobia and hatred. I mean, it's better, but it's still true,' he said. 'Also, who knows what journey people are on with these things? I don't blame anyone for being private.'
Whishaw, who publicly came out as gay in 2014 after years in a relationship with Australian composer Mark Bradshaw, has previously spoken about his own early career hesitations. He told the Sunday Times Style that when he started out, being an openly gay actor 'didn't seem like a sustainable position to be in' due to the lack of visible role models.
Current Romance and Maintaining Privacy
The actor's personal life has recently been linked to Fleabag star Kadiff Kirwan, 36. The pair reportedly met while playing doctors in the BBC drama This Is Going To Hurt.
According to sources, they have been quietly dating for several months and enjoyed a holiday together in Greece. They were also spotted together at Margate Pride last year. A source close to the couple noted, 'Ben and Kadiff are on the same page when it comes to being private with their love lives.'
Kirwan seemingly confirmed the relationship during an appearance on Jessie Ware's Table Manners podcast, where he referred to Whishaw as his 'other half'.
Whishaw's comments highlight the ongoing tensions and evolving landscape for LGBTQ+ representation in film and television, where personal identity continues to intersect with public perception and professional opportunity.
