Gina Gershon recently shared on the “It Happened in Hollywood” podcast that her agents warned her against taking on the role of a lesbian character in the 1996 film “Bound.” According to Gershon, her agents were adamant that playing a lesbian would ruin her Hollywood career. They told her, “You can’t play a lesbian. You are ruining your career. We will not be able to represent you. You will never work again.”
Despite the warnings, Gershon was drawn to the script and the directors, the Wachowskis, who would later become famous for “The Matrix” franchise. She believed in the project and felt that her agents were being shortsighted. “I just said, ‘Oh, well, I guess if you can’t represent me, I’ll go somewhere else.’ No hard feelings,” she recalled. Gershon emphasized that the film was more than just a “lesbian movie.” “They happen to be lesbians. They happen to be into women, but it’s really a movie about trust,” she explained.
In “Bound,” Gershon played Corky, an ex-con who starts a relationship with Violet, the girlfriend of a mafioso boss, played by Jennifer Tilly. The two women devise a plan to steal $2 million from the mob. The film has since become a queer classic, and Gershon’s agents’ warnings proved to be unfounded. “Plus, when does the girl get to play the hero?” Gershon added. “I thought, well, I could cut off my hair, cut off my nails, have no makeup. I get the girl. I get the car. I screw over the mob. It’s a win-win all around.”
Gershon’s decision to take the role despite her agents’ warnings was a bold move that paid off. She has since become a gay icon, not just for her role in “Bound,” but also for her performance in the 1995 film “Showgirls.” Reflecting on her career, Gershon noted that her agents were “small-minded and shortsighted” to warn her against playing a lesbian character.
Jennifer Tilly, who co-starred with Gershon in “Bound,” also shared her thoughts on the stigma attached to lesbian roles at the time. Tilly recalled that many actresses refused to even read for the part. “The Wachowskis said to me, ‘You would not believe how many actresses refused to come in and read for this,'” she said. Tilly found it puzzling that such great roles were being turned down due to the characters’ sexual orientation.
The chemistry between Gershon and Tilly was palpable on screen, and their collaboration on “Bound” remains a highlight of both their careers. Tilly praised Gershon as “the best person in the world” to work with, recalling how they supported each other during filming. “We were really helping each other out, and she’s just the coolest person in the world,” Tilly said.
Gershon’s career has continued to thrive. She has appeared in various TV shows and films, including a recent episode of CBS’s comedy-drama “Elsbeth” and Comedy Central’s sitcom “Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens.” She is also set to star in Eli Roth’s upcoming film adaptation of the popular video game “Borderlands,” alongside Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jamie Lee Curtis.
“Bound” is now available via The Criterion Collection and is currently streaming on FuboTV and Paramount+. It can also be rented or purchased digitally on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.
Gershon’s story is a testament to the importance of following one’s instincts and standing up for what one believes in, even in the face of opposition. Her decision to take on the role in “Bound” not only defied her agents’ warnings but also helped pave the way for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in Hollywood.
Source: People, Variety
