Andrew Garfield Is Gay, But Not Really

In a recent interview about his role as Prior Walter in the National Theatre’s current production of ‘Angels in America’, actor Andrew Garfield suggested that he might be gay. Asked about playing a gay man living with Aids, he said that the experience had practically made him a gay man himself, “just without the physical act”.

The actor plays Prior Walter — a gay man with AIDS struggling through the 1980s — in the London production of Tony Kushner’s play.

“As far as I know, I am not a gay man,” Garfield said.

“Maybe I’ll have an awakening later in my life, which I’m sure will be wonderful and I’ll get to explore that part of the garden, but right now I’m secluded to my area, which is wonderful as well. I adore it, but a big concern was what right do I have to play this wonderful gay role?

“I had to trust that it was the right thing and Tony had asked me and maybe if he’d asked me, it was the right thing. It was as about doing honour, doing justice and knowing my herstory.”

Preparing for the role, the actor spoke to many “friends in the gay community” and watched “every single series” of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

“This is my life outside of this play,” he said. “I am a gay man right now just without the physical act – that’s all.”

Now, he has come under fire for his comments. Many took to Twitter to accuse the actor for cultural appropriation, with actor Scott Evans tweeting: ‘You’re a talented guy, but you seem to be completely oblivious to what is coming out of your mouth.’

Another outraged Twitter user wrote: ‘Andrew Garfield, pulling a James Franco while discussing acting in Angels in America. Straight actors, please stop this nonsense.’

Garfield is yet to comment on what he said during the interview. Will update once he does.

He’s 33.