#1
Posted: 5/25/05 at 2:27am
I normally just do my little personal tributes with my icon and a signature quote, but this man is so special to me – and important enough in the realm of theatre – that I’m going to do a little thread just for him.
I first entered his sphere when I saw his Salieri in AMADEUS, by Peter Shaffer (with Tim Curry and Jane Seymour.) A truly bravura performance, and absolutely one of the most thrilling nights of theatre I’ve ever experienced. Since then, I’ve watched and been enthralled as he has expanded and deepened his acting legacy. I know there are many who excel at this craft, but he represents the epitome to me.
But beyond that, it was his decision to come out as a gay man when the community needed help in England that endeared me to him for life. He made himself and his celebrity available to help his gay brothers and sisters fight oppression – and helped win a battle in the fight for justice. Since then he has handled his status as ‘gay royalty’ with grace, dignity, wit and ultimate aplomb.
I feel the world of the arts is better for his contributions, but I feel the sub-community of gay men and women is ennobled by his open and joyous participation in life.
So, I wish the happiest and most blessed of birthdays to a brilliant actor, a fearless peer and one of the best that we as artists have to offer the world. Bravo, Serena!
I first entered his sphere when I saw his Salieri in AMADEUS, by Peter Shaffer (with Tim Curry and Jane Seymour.) A truly bravura performance, and absolutely one of the most thrilling nights of theatre I’ve ever experienced. Since then, I’ve watched and been enthralled as he has expanded and deepened his acting legacy. I know there are many who excel at this craft, but he represents the epitome to me.
But beyond that, it was his decision to come out as a gay man when the community needed help in England that endeared me to him for life. He made himself and his celebrity available to help his gay brothers and sisters fight oppression – and helped win a battle in the fight for justice. Since then he has handled his status as ‘gay royalty’ with grace, dignity, wit and ultimate aplomb.
I feel the world of the arts is better for his contributions, but I feel the sub-community of gay men and women is ennobled by his open and joyous participation in life.
So, I wish the happiest and most blessed of birthdays to a brilliant actor, a fearless peer and one of the best that we as artists have to offer the world. Bravo, Serena!
