Hollywood’s Billy Crystal — who crossed cultural divides by playing an openly gay man on the long-running series “Soap” — said that television storylines were perhaps pushing it a little too far when it comes to portraying the homosexual side of life in shows.
He said at the Television Critics Association’s Winter media tour that “sometimes I think, ’Ah, that’s too much for me,’ ” in reference to the popularity of using the LGBT story plots in television shows.
“Sometimes, it’s just pushing it a little too far for my taste, and I’m not going to reveal to you which ones they are,” Mr. Crystal said, Mediaite reported. “I hope people don’t abuse it and shove it in our face … to the point where it feels like an every day kind of thing.”
Mr. Crystal also said the he sometimes struggled during his portrayal of his gay character, Jodie.
“It was very difficult at the time. … Yeah, it was awkward, it was tough,” he said, Mediaite reported. “I did it in front of a live audience, and there were times when I would say to Bob [Seagren], ’I love you,’ and the audience would laugh nervously. I wanted to stop the taping and go, ’What is your problem?’ “
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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