It’s funny how celebs suddenly have opinions when they’ve got new movies coming out: Colin Firth – star of new gay movie, A Single Man – has noticed a fair few closeted male actors during his time in Hollywood. He thinks this odd and has this to say (courtesy of Parade magazine):

If you are a straight actor who takes on the role of a gay man, it’s obviously not the same as being one in this business. I think there are still some constraints against being openly gay. It is to do with whatever sexual taboos are in place. In Hollywood, I know that some actors are far more circumspect about keeping that secret hidden. There are not a lot of openly gay leading men.”

Maybe he should have a word with his frequent co-star, Rupert Everett, who was very recently advising gay actors to keep that closet door firmly shut. Everett says of being a gay actor in Hollywood:

You’re going to hit a brick wall at some point. At the first sign of failure, they’ll cut you right off.”

Surely this is the case for any actor in such a cut-throat industry, gay or straight, where you’re only as bankable as your last couple of movies. Personally I think it’s the films that killed his Hollywood career. Go on, look down the list on imdb.com – The Next Best Thing and Inspector Gadget anyone?

At least Rupes is taking it all in good humour by dragging up again and starring as the headmistress, Miss Fritton, in St Trinian’s 2, along with Firth. And as Everett says:

I’m probably much happier than (the closeted actors) are. I may not be as rich or successful, but at least I’m vaguely free to be myself.”