Emmy-winning actor Darren Criss has opened up about his view of representation in film and television, saying that he will be turning down future queer roles to make way for LGBTIQ+ performers.
“But I want to make sure I won’t be another straight boy taking a gay man’s role.”
He continued: “The reason I say that is because getting to play those characters is inherently a wonderful dramatic experience. It has made for very, very compelling and interesting people.”
Criss is best known for his gay characters, including central character Blaine Anderson in Glee, Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace, and the lead role in Broadway musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch.
Criss said that he considered himself "blessed" to have been accepted by the gay community.
Speaking to Vulture earlier this year, the young star explained: “It’s been such a huge part of my life, even pre-Glee. I come from San Francisco doing theater, man. Like, I was raised by gay men. Not literally at home, but you know, as a young kid doing theater, my friends were these men and women in their 20s, driving me home and getting me dinner."
"These were my adult figures in my life, so unconsciously I’ve always had such affection for the life, whatever that means. So I guess inhabiting a gay voice is important to me because it’s a voice that I find inspiring.”
