Whoopi Goldberg weighs in on claims gay actors should stay in the closet
Whoopi Goldberg has spoken out after Matt Damon claimed that gay actors shouldn’t go public about their sexuality.
In an interview with the Guardian last weekend, the Bourne star made comments about fellow actor Rupert Everett, suggesting he was less successful because he came out as gay.
He said: “In terms of actors, I think you’re a better actor the less people know about you period.
“I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett was openly gay and this guy – more handsome than anybody, a classically trained actor – it’s tough to make the argument that he didn’t take a hit for being out.”
He later attempted to clarify the comments, saying: “I was just trying to say actors are more effective when they’re a mystery. Right? And somebody picked it up and said I said gay actors should get back in the closet. Which is like I mean it’s stupid, but it is painful when things get said that you don’t believe.”
Whoopi Goldberg, who is straight but famously played a lesbian in The Colour Purple, opened up about the claims on the View.
She said: “I’ll tell you this… I played a gay woman in Colour Purple, a man in The Associate, and we’re actors. We’re supposed to be able to play everything and play it convincingly
“So I don’t think whether you know or think or believe I’m gay has anything to do with what my abilities are. As an actor, that’s how I feel.”
Out actor Raven-Symoné said: “He also talked about the mystique of the thing, keeping more of your private life private because it keeps the audience from connecting to you as a human and not as the character.
“But there’s issues now with the way our social media’s popping up and wanting to be celebrities and not actors or singers.”
Whoopi Goldberg added: “You can have your privacy, but you’re outed. People out you.
“People tell your business, whether you tell your business or not. In terms of mystique and all of that stuff, you used to be able to make that choice for yourself.
“I don’t know why everyone gives out, and I don’t think it has anything to do with how I view you as an actor.”
Watch the clip below:
