Renowned actor Glenn Close has weighed in on the ongoing discussion around casting transgender roles in Hollywood.
“My thinking right now is that people who are producing and directing properties like that need to go out of their way to get trans actors jobs," she said in an interview with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's podcast.
She continued: “I certainly understand the need for those who are the same as the character they are casting. Hopefully, that will happen.”
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However, she said that ultimately the casting decision should come down to skill.
“They also should have the opportunity to cast the best person. Acting is a craft," she said.
“I think personally that anyone should be able to play anyone. To me that’s the real thing, that everybody could play everybody.
“But I understand why they are so passionate, because this hasn’t happened.”
Close was nominated for an Academy Award in 2011 for playing the titular role in Albert Nobbs, however, has previously denied that the character was transgender.
“Some people think she’s trans or she’s a lesbian, but she’s neither of those things. I always thought of her as a woman who is in disguise," Close said of the role, adding that she believed Nobbs was simply trying to get ahead in 19th Century society.
"I never thought of her as a guy and I never thought of her as trying to be a guy. I think she changed her voice just to blend in. What she would have been if she had a loving relationship? I don't know."
