Sean Penn has defended his portrayal of a gay politician in the 2008 film ‘Milk’, emphasizing that an actor’s job is to embody a "different personality."
At 63 years old, the Hollywood star played Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in California in the 1970s, in Gus Van Sant’s acclaimed biopic. Penn’s performance earned him his second Oscar for Best Actor. However, 16 years later, some argue that he should not have been cast in the role due to his heterosexuality, suggesting that it should have gone to a gay actor instead.
Penn challenges this notion, asserting that restricting casting opportunities in the name of diversity ultimately harms the art of filmmaking. During an appearance on The Hollywood Reporter’s ‘Awards Chatter’ podcast, he stated, “Look, I completely agree that every industry — including film — should address the issue of minimal diversity. I’m interested in anyone from any gender, race, or alternative lifestyle who has a story in their heart to tell. What I know is that the solution is not to limit the casting of Hamlet to Danish princes. It is not only an attack on the imagination that is our everyday bread, but it’s also a demonstration of the lack of imagination in those who ask for it. I find it culturally offensive, venal, and sad that this is an easy solution for people to think in groups and all those defenses. You know, I feel very fortunate to have played Harvey Milk because, for me as an actor, he was not just a gay man or a straight man; he was a different personality, and that is what we are supposed to do.”
Despite his strong defense of his profession, Penn acknowledges that he would not have the opportunity to portray Harvey in 2024. He added, "I don’t know the solution. I don’t know where it will go, but today, I wouldn’t be allowed to play that role. That is for sure."
This conversation highlights ongoing debates about representation in Hollywood and the complexities of casting in contemporary film.
For more insights on actors and representation, you can visit The Hollywood Reporter.
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