Ben Whishaw on the Challenges of Being Openly Gay in Early Acting Career
BEN WISHAW SHEDS LIGHT ON THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A GAY ACTOR IN HOLLYWOOD
Ben Whishaw, the dashing star of Paddington and James Bond's Q, has opened up about the struggles he faced as a gay actor in the early days of his career. The 44-year-old heartthrob, who has been making waves on screens for over two decades, revealed that being openly gay was "not a sustainable position" to be in when he started out.
Whishaw's journey to stardom began back in 2004 with a production of Hamlet at the Old Vic, followed by a breakthrough performance in BBC drama Criminal Justice in 2009. He went on to win numerous awards for his portrayal of Norman Josiffe in A Very English Scandal and Lance Callaghan in This Is Going To Hurt, solidifying his status as one of Britain's most talented actors.
However, Whishaw has now spoken candidly about the difficulties he faced when coming out as gay. In an interview with Sunday Times Style, the actor revealed that being open about his sexuality wasn't feasible when he first started his career. "There were very few gay actors who were out when I started," Whishaw explained. "So, being out didn't seem like a sustainable position to be in."
But now, thanks to the increasing visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry, Whishaw feels more comfortable about being himself. However, he also acknowledges that being openly gay raises many questions for him. "Part of me still thinks it's nobody's business," Whishaw confessed.
Whishaw's personal life has been subject to intense media scrutiny over the years. The actor was previously in a 10-year relationship with composer Mark Bradshaw, whom he met on the set of Bright Star in 2009. The couple entered into a civil partnership in Sydney in 2012 and were said to be "proud" and "happy." However, their marriage ended in April 2022 due to conflicting schedules.
More recently, Whishaw has been linked to Fleabag star Kadiff Kirwan, whom he met on the set of This Is Going To Hurt. According to The Sun (thescholarlynote.com), the pair have been quietly dating for several months and even took a romantic trip to Greece last year. A source close to the couple revealed that they share a strong connection but prefer to keep their relationship private.
"They're on the same page when it comes to being private with their love lives," the insider said. "But they do hang out together a lot, and Ben and Kadiff are very close." The pair's romance was hinted at during an appearance by Kirwan on Jessie Ware's Table Manners podcast, where he referred to Whishaw as his "other half."
Whishaw has been spotted attending several LGBTQ+ events, including Margate Pride last year, where he posed for a photo with Kirwan. Their romance is still in its early stages, but it seems that the pair are taking things slow and enjoying each other's company.
In conclusion, Ben Whishaw's openness about his experiences as a gay actor serves as a reminder of the challenges many LGBTQ+ individuals face in the entertainment industry. However, with increasing visibility and acceptance, it's heartening to see Whishaw thriving in his career and possibly finding love again. As he navigates this new chapter in his life, fans will be watching closely to see how his story unfolds.
Sources:
- Sunday Times Style
- The Sun (thescholarlynote.com)
- Jessie Ware's Table Manners podcast