John Benjamin Hickey, a celebrated openly gay actor, has carved a remarkable path in the entertainment industry, consistently challenging norms and enriching narratives. His career, punctuated by iconic roles in both theatre and film, serves as a compelling response to ongoing debates about representation, particularly the discourse surrounding straight actors portraying gay characters. Hickey’s journey, from his breakthrough in Terrence McNally’s Love! Valour! Compassion! to his recent compelling performance in Sublet, showcases a career deeply intertwined with significant LGBTQ+ stories, while simultaneously transcending categorization.
Hickey’s contributions to landmark gay narratives are undeniable. He garnered critical acclaim and a Tony Award for his poignant portrayal in The Normal Heart, and further solidified his commitment to impactful storytelling with roles in Cabaret and The Inheritance. His recent film, Sublet, directed by Eytan Fox of Yossi & Jagger fame, presents another facet of his artistry. In Sublet, Hickey embodies a travel writer who forges an unexpected connection with a younger man in Tel Aviv, adding another layer to the exploration of gay experiences across generations.
In a candid Zoom conversation, John Benjamin Hickey delved into the nuances of Sublet, reflected on his career trajectory, and shared insightful perspectives on the evolution of gay representation within the entertainment landscape. His warm opening, complimenting the interviewer’s Pedro Almodóvar shirt and Angela Lansbury Gypsy poster, immediately set a convivial tone for a conversation rich in substance and personal reflection. The ensuing dialogue, presented here in an edited format for clarity and conciseness, offers a valuable glimpse into the mind of an actor who has not only witnessed but actively shaped the narrative of gay representation in show business.
From Admiration to Collaboration: Joining Eytan Fox’s Sublet
Reflecting on how he became involved in Sublet, John Benjamin Hickey revealed a long-standing admiration for the director, Eytan Fox. “I’ve been a big fan of Eytan for years; he’s sort of the Israeli Almodóvar,” Hickey stated. The project’s genesis was particularly flattering for the actor. “About four years ago, I got a call from my agent saying he’d written a script with me in mind. That blew my mind, because I’d never heard that before.” This initial contact blossomed into a personal connection when Fox visited Hickey during his run in The Inheritance in London. “He came to see me when I was doing The Inheritance in London, and we struck up a wonderful friendship.”
The notion that Fox specifically envisioned Hickey for the role sparked curiosity. When asked if he explored the director’s motivations, Hickey offered an insightful perspective. “I think he’d seen me, an out gay actor, playing a couple of gay parts that he really identified with.” This suggests a deliberate choice by Fox to cast openly gay actors in leading roles, underscoring the importance of authentic representation in Sublet. Hickey elaborated, “It was probably important to him for the film’s two leads to be played by out gay actors.”
Finding Personal Resonance Within the Character
Eytan Fox has acknowledged that he infused elements of himself into both main characters in Sublet. John Benjamin Hickey was asked if he experienced a similar sense of personal connection with his character, Michael. Hickey acknowledged the shared identity, stating, “I mean, we’re both gay men of a certain age.” However, he also highlighted key distinctions, “Michael’s a lot stuffier than I am, though, and a lot more conservative.” This contrast required Hickey to delve deeper into the character’s psyche. “I had to really work hard to see where the similarities between the two of us ended and where Michael’s wonderful button-down feeling came in.”
Hickey’s process of character embodiment often begins with the external, particularly costume. When asked about finding his character, he humorously recounted the sartorial revelation, “Let me just put it this way: Michael wore khakis; I don’t wear khakis.” He elaborated on the transformative power of wardrobe, “To me, it’s all about the costume and, as soon as I saw the khakis they picked out for me, I was like, ‘Oh, that’s who this guy is.’” This anecdote underscores Hickey’s meticulous approach to character development, where even seemingly minor details contribute to a holistic portrayal.
Navigating Generational Divides in Gay Narratives
A central theme in Sublet is the generational gap between the characters, a motif that resonates with many gay narratives. John Benjamin Hickey’s career, spanning decades, has seen him engage with this theme repeatedly. When asked about crossing this divide in his roles, Hickey offered a reflective observation about his career trajectory. “I was never the kid. You know, when I did Love! Valour! Compassion!, the great Joe Mantello directed it.” He recalled his early roles already positioned him in a mature light. “When we did Love! Valour!, we were only 31-years-old, and I was already playing the middle aged guy. I was probably about ten years too young for that part.” This early casting choice, he believes, shaped his career path. “I think, as a person I’ve changed with the times, but my characters never went from boy to man. I always playing the man, which is, you know, cool.”
Alt text: John Benjamin Hickey in a scene from the film adaptation of Love! Valour! Compassion!, highlighting his early role in a significant gay narrative.
Hickey’s experience provides a unique lens through which to view the evolution of gay cinema. He contrasted the limited accessibility of older gay films with the contemporary streaming availability of Sublet. “I was actually just looking into watching the film adaptation of Love! Valour! Compassion! and had to order a used DVD online because it’s not really available anywhere. But now you have Sublet streaming in 2021.” This stark contrast underscores the significant shifts in distribution and accessibility for LGBTQ+ content.
The Evolving Landscape of Gay Representation in Film
John Benjamin Hickey has witnessed firsthand the transformation of gay representation in Hollywood over the past quarter-century. He articulated the historical context, “25 short years ago, it was a real risk to play a gay character in film or television, especially if you were out.” He further noted the shifting perceptions around casting, “Even up until recently, it was considered brave for a straight actor to play a gay character, and a lot of gay actors were marginalized.” Despite these challenges, Hickey acknowledges his own fortunate experience. “I was lucky enough that I never felt that stigma but, in the beginning of my career, agents would tell me to be careful not to get typecast for playing too many gay roles. It was a terrible and limiting way of thinking about your career and the multitudes that are contained in playing different characters.”
He celebrates the progress made, emphasizing the increased visibility and agency of out gay actors. “There are so many more gay parts now and, wonderfully, more out gay actors with a sense of ownership over their representation that is really exciting.” Hickey also addressed the nuanced debate surrounding who should play gay roles, advocating for a balanced perspective. “I don’t think that only gay actors should play gay parts simply because, by that standard, I wouldn’t be able to play straight parts. Should straight people only play straight parts? The gay community has been underrepresented in casting, but to say yes to that would be a very imbalanced double standard.” He envisions a future of greater inclusivity and acceptance, “Today, gay actors are much more visible and not marginalized, so I think very soon your generation will see a total fucking gay Brad Pitt star, and that’ll be incredibly exciting. He’ll be fucking girls and guys in his movies, and it’s all good!” He humorously acknowledged the parallel to his character in Sublet, “I sound like [my character in] the movie…”
Theatre as a Foundation: Sustaining a Career Through Gay Roles
John Benjamin Hickey’s career has been significantly shaped by his work in theatre, particularly in gay-themed plays. He acknowledged the vital role of theatre in sustaining his career. “Look, when I came out, I wasn’t poised to be Brad Pitt––I was a character actor. I was working mainly in theatre, and the people I wanted to work with were gay.” He contextualized this within the AIDS crisis, “This was during the calamity of AIDS, and those plays that were being written––Love! Valour! Compassion!; Angels in America––those were the plays you wanted to be in.” Hickey emphasized the artistic merit and cultural significance of these works. “I mean, me and my straight friends wanted to be in Angels in America, because if you had any taste as an actor and you wanted to be working with the best, you wanted to work with Tony Kushner.”
Alt text: John Benjamin Hickey accepting his Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his performance in The Normal Heart, recognizing his impactful work in theatre.
He clarified that his career choices were driven by artistic inclination rather than political motivations. “So, yeah, I do believe my career has been sustained by wonderful gay parts in a lot of gay plays, but I certainly didn’t choose it that way. It was never anything political. I’m not apolitical, but as far as my art is concerned, I’m not political. I basically go where the work is, and that’s where the work was. That’s what actors do, it’s called acting.” This statement encapsulates Hickey’s pragmatic and artistic approach to his craft, prioritizing compelling work and meaningful storytelling above all else.
Conclusion
John Benjamin Hickey’s career stands as a testament to the power of authentic representation and the evolving landscape of LGBTQ+ narratives in entertainment. From his early roles in groundbreaking plays to his nuanced portrayal in Sublet, Hickey has consistently delivered compelling performances that resonate with audiences and contribute to crucial conversations about identity and representation. His insights into the changes within the industry, coupled with his dedication to his craft, solidify his position as a significant voice in contemporary acting. As Hollywood continues to evolve, embracing greater inclusivity, actors like John Benjamin Hickey pave the way for a future where diverse stories are not only told but celebrated with authenticity and depth.
