Q+A's' from Attitude Magazine (Feb 2001)

[RHintervews]

Q+A's' from Attitude Magazine by David Spedding; [published in the February 2001 issue]
Peter Paige, Sharon Gless, Randy Harrison

Question + Answers

1) Peter Paige (Emmet/Anthony)

Peter. We hear the project didn't enjoy the most supportive of starts. What got you on board?

Oh, there were entire agencies who would not send their clients to audition for this. As soon as I saw the sсript, I knew that there was a whole person there. I mean, so often Queens in particular are 2-dimensional - you know, composed entirely of humour and self-loathing, and nothing else. And I just didn't want to do that.

What's been the biggest change in the American translation?

The lesbians are stronger in the American version. I mean, the lesbians in the British version were barely there. it was like 'Here girls, hold the baby,' then 'Bye!'.

What kind of response have you had from the gay community?

When I've spoken to the gay press about the show they've been like 'This is it! I know these people, I've hung out with these people, I've some of these people'. This show is meant to be honest. It has a different purpose than just to make people laugh. And you know what? I think it's a pretty damn good reflection of gay life.

This show makes you so publicly gay. Is that a worry for you at all?

I've been out a long long time and I couldn't possibly imagine going back into the closet, especially now that I've done this show. That seems insane to me and it's not a way I've ever chosen to live my life. Will it have professional ramifications? Very possibly, but I'm of the school that says the only rules that apply are the rules you subscribe to yourself, so fuck Ôem. I am an openly gay men, I am Emmett, I am however coming to love my inner Emmett [laughs], but I have a lot more to offer. You know, if you have a problem with it, fuck you, I don't have the time to deal with it. I just don't.

Straight men can act gay, but they will never be able to dance gay. Discuss.

[Laughs] I have no comment whatsoever on the dancing styles of straight men. I found my castmates to be well-lubricated in the hips and that's basically what it's all about.

They didn't come to you for tips?

The only things I was ever asked questions about were the, er, mechanics of the sex scenes. They were like 'Do they, uh, do they do that?' And I would say 'Yes. Only harder.' But it was basically about positions and so on. They'd say 'My girlfriend and I never did ,' to which you can only reply 'Maybe it's about time you started.' [laughs]

2) Sharon Gless (Debbie/Hazel)

How did you get involved in this, Sharon?

I was doing a play in Chicago and a friend of mine got hold of the sсript and said there was a perfect role for me in it. So he sent it over, I read it, and I went . I thought it was the best thing I'd ever read. And so dangerous. I it was going to be surrounded by trouble [laughs]. And I thought, How do I get this? I mean, I hadn't gone for a part since the 70s! I called a friend at Showtime and arranged to meet the producers and, well, we fell in love. I really lucked out that day - i was so worried I wouldn't be their cup of tea, and they'd had one of their blackest days, where wanted to touch this project. No one was returning their calls. Then I walked in and said 'OK - what do I have to do? I want this part!'

You undergo quite a transformation as Debbie...

I know. It's very daring. And very fun. Actually, when I came to the show I had this idea that I would change wigs all the time, so I bought fourteen, really crappy wigs with me, but they said 'No, we want the audience to know it's Sharon Gless.' I said 'What? The minute I open my they're going to know it's me!' Oh and Denise Black, who played this part in hte british version has just sent me two hair baubles that she wore. I started crying when they handed them to me - I was knocked out. This is the sweetest thing. And she said she'd look out for them in the show.

You going to wear them, aren't you.

Oh absolutely, you bet.

There's a real sense of pride from the cast in what they're doing here.

Absolutely. For my part, I knew that nothing like this had ever been attempted in America. And I don't mean to use the word 'important' in a grand way, but the fact is, it . You know, when I did Cagney and Lacey, my husband pointed out to me - and this was in the 80s, remember - that women and minorities are always considered to be amusing. So you will see Laverne And Shirley, you will see Lucy and Ethel, and no one has a problem with that, so long as they're doing comedy. But you will never see women carrying a drama. Or blacks. Or Asians. It simply isn't done. And even today in American television, you will only see gays in sitcoms - never in a dramatic series. This is the first time it's happened.

Over here the show shocked initially, then became embraced like any good mainstream drama. How has the US reacted?

Oh we're still in the Titillated Phase [cackles]. It's all very... 'Wow!' But judging from the Internet response, each character is so well rounded that people are already coming to embrace their personal favourites. You know, it's more than just watching people getting laid. It's not just about dick. [laughs] You know, I actually went from filming QAF to doing the Vagina Monologues on stage. I've gone from dick to pussy. [laughs]

You've also effectively qualified as Gay Royalty by being in the show.

Oh I'm . Thankyou! I knew I had a lesbian following on Cagney And Lacey...

...well now you have the guys as well.

Awww. I'm . Oh, I'm so pleased.

Are you expecting Midwest fundamentalists to rain hellfire and brimstone on your eternal soul for this?

I think people have been too involved in all the election stuff until now, but there's no way they'll let this slide. And you know what? I'm really looking forward to it! I love a fight.

3) Randy Harrison (Justin/Nathan)

- When did you first hear about Queer As Folk?

- I'd read a few articles about the UK version maybe about a year ago, but I'd never actually seen it.

- And did it occur to you then that you'd be in the US version one day?

- It kinda did, actually. [laughs] I know how arrogant that sounds, but I remember reading about it and seeing a picture of Nathan, and thinking 'Hey, I could play that part.' Yeah, it totally occured to me. Seriously it did. Then when I heard they were doing an American version of it, I was like, 'I to get that audition.'

- And yet a lot of people were scared to audition for the show.

- My agents were very much in favour of it. I read the first three episodes, I connected with the character, I saw him as a well-rounded 3-dimensional character, and I was excited about being able to portray him.

- It broke a lot of new ground in the UK - are you expecting America to be surprised?

- I think it will blow America away. It's hard to predict. It'll certainly change television, and hopefully it'll change a few people's thinking. I think it has that power.

- In what way?

- I mean I've always been out, but I'm hyper-aware of homophobia, and doing this show and suddenly being so publicly and openly gay, I'm aware of homophobia. Even in myself, sometimes - in my inability to talk about it.

- Is it important for high-profile public figures to be out?

- I would have said so a little while ago, yes, but lately I understand how hard it probably is for a lot of people to be out. I'm hoping more people will make it, though. I really hope so.

- Apparently GLAAD have already expressed concerns that the show's not an accurate representation of gay life.

- I don't know what Gay Life is - I couldnt come up with a generalisation for that. I think Queer As Folk portrays a very specific sector of the gay community and how some specific gay men are, but we're not trying to represent anyone here.

- Gale [Harold, who plays Brian/'Stuart'] is a straight man. Is he a good kisser?

- I don't answer that question. Sorry. [Laughs]. Besides, it's a stunt tongue.