James Corden - general perceptions?

After last night's Carpool Karaoke, a (gay) facebook friend posted a link with a comment that he was surprised to learn that James Corden isn't gay. Followed by a half dozen comments (primarily from women - which may or may not be germane) expressing surprise. Background - my friend lives and works in Jacksonville FL, comes from Nebraska, and I assume has a lot of family and primarily straight friends and coworkers as his Facebook friends.

Following James Corden's career for a couple of years or so, I knew of his background. And also of his support of and comfort with the gay community. But it was surprising to hear from so many people that they had assumed he was gay.

Am I oblivious (in this) - does it surprise you that there seem to be a lot of people that assume he's gay [presumably because he's "theatrical"]?

No need to get into innuendo here - I was just blindsided by reactions that really surprised me.

Updated On: 7/22/16 at 02:44 AM

I always say, I wish he was gay. I'd defile that man.

Have to admit I've gotten a bi vibe, but probably just wishful thinking. It's the boyish enthusiasm.

He's chubby, funny, flamboyant, British, and into musical theater--any one of which seems gay to Americans.

But, no, he's not gay. He's just chubby, funny, flamboyant, British, into musical theater--and fabulous.

y'all need to stop. lol. good one @pattiluponefanatic.

Just before his TV success, Corden was seriously considering playing the lead in a revival of KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN, not to add to the metrosexual aspect being discussed. Sad he didn't do it, he would have been brilliant, and he would have gotten all the pathos and humor of the role, and sang it beautifully.

darquegk said: "I don't know how much it connects, but Corden played a single father in a faux gay couple with Matt Smith's Eleventh Doctor on "Doctor Who," and the Doctor is canonically "flexible" about those things. Given how big of a space "Doctor Who" took up in pop culture, maybe some of his character, combined with his British bloke personality, gave people the wrong idea."

Not sure what episode you were watching but that wasnt it at all XD James character was in love with his best friend Sophie, who he ended up marrying and having a kid with. There was nothing mentioned about being gay or pretending to be or being a single father XD



I dont think ive ever thought James to be gay, he seems too 'lad-ish' to me.

Very interesting thread.

I'm in the minority - there is neither a male nor a masculine vibe I get from James Corden, whatsoever. His vocal inflection, affect, gesticulation, none of it registers as male/masculine to me. I, too, was surprised that he identified as a straight male.

Emma, you on,y saw his first episode. In his second appearance he has the baby (Stormageddon), and is paired with Matt Smith at the store.

I saw him in both THE HISTORY BOYS and ONE MAN TWO GUVNORS on Broadway and never once got a gay vibe---just a very able, funny, versatile and likable guy. I was disappointed that he wouldn't be doing A FUNNY THING but am glad he's achieved such success in the US with his enjoyable late-night show. Maybe a Pseudolus in his future...?

brian1973 said: "It's really bizarre to a lot of us Brits that he's so popular in the US. He's widely disliked in the uk. Maybe it's the classic Americans just loving a British accent thing, but he's really just a fat guy who got very lucky, For a country with such brilliant comedy like Modern Family and Parks and Rec etc, I'm amazed anyone finds him funny.

Brian: Your words kind of seem to confirm a point of view that I've read about (some) Brits and their opinions of successful countrymen. In the past, I've read some comments (here and there) by some British celebrities/actors who mention that there are those in the British public who hate/dislike/ are jealous? of those who get famous here in the U.S. When he started his U.S. show, I wasn't too keen on the show's concept/presentation. It took me a while to get used to that and to him. Ultimately, he comes across very well: like a big ole witty, talented and charming teddy bear. Here in the U.S., we embrace those artists who become successful and have a decent personality. I can only speak of what I see. Who knows what type of person he is off-camera? But in the age of reality tv faux stars with a paucity of talent and dodgy manners, James Corden presents himself well on the small screen and in other formats.