Raul Esparza Interview in Sunday Times — Page 7

Theatertrash, if that was to me, no, it's not messy *because* they're not ready to be public about it yet. It's complicated for all of the pretty obvious reasons.

Raúl does not have kids.

He doesn't refer to the professor by name. It would've been stupid if he had. I'm sure if someone really cared enough to figure out who it was, they could, but that's a huge waste of time and nobody's fault but your own if you care that much.

His family may not be thrilled. But at the end of the day, they've all seen worse and he's probably hurt them simply by virtue of being invovlved with him far, far more than letting the public know about it ever could. He has perhaps (hopefully not regretably) acted with his heart more than he has his head. I would have expected him to. And, at the end of the day, this is a very complicated, difficult person who has done a lot of damage and is making one of the most personal decisions to finally stop being dishonest with himself and with the world (or, at least the portion of it which pays him any attention). None of this is an ounce of surprise to his family, his wife, the man he's invovled with, or to a lot of other people. He did what he felt he had to do in a paradoxically (because it is *so* distinctly public) personal move.

It is so easy to judge from the outside, though, is it not?

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Updated On: 11/26/06 at 10:50 AM

I think there is a lot to be said for the old cliche, "The truth will set you free."

I'll bet he's glad he gave the interview.

I'll also bet there will be some fallout from it... particularly with his mother. And I'm sure he already knows that. It's easier for him to deal with her and her issues on a truthful level than to try to defend or explain himself and his life hiding behind a shroud of secrecy, half-truths and deception.

I'll bet it's like a giant weight being lifted from his shoulders.

I'm surprised at the people who say they're uncomfortable with it. These are many of the same people who thirst 'round the clock for personal information about their favorite celebrities. Perhaps when they read something they don't want to read, it's just not so fun to dig or gossip anymore. Or perhaps it's because they too are struggling with personal issues (not necessarily sexual identity issues) that they are uncomfortable discussing with their own loved ones or relatives. Maybe this kind of talk is too close to home for some.

I applaud Raul, and I will bet that his life will be easier now... because when he is judged by family or loved ones, he has his own truth to fall back on now. And that's as solid a foundation as anyone can ask for.

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b12b - anyone would feel uncomfortable reading someone's personal and private information. I personally don’t feel right reading something so revealing about someone I don’t know. I guess I’m not exactly the sort of person who scrounges on the internet for every detail of Esparza’s life. What I like about this board is that 90% honor the actor/ress’ work, and that’s all.

I agree with you, he probably feels better, happier of course. But who are we to say? If he just broke up his family, he’s not going to be elated.

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b12, yes, exactly. Someone I'm close to is an actor of the out-and-proud sort, and very, very adamant about advocacy issues as well as that of why people would come out of the closet in the press -- why it's a good thing to do -- and we've discussed it at length. At its most simplistic level, he said that he believes (having done it himself, obviously) that the truth is freeing. Being in the closet means to hide a fairly significant piece of who you are, and even if it is "just" your sexuality, I suppose there's a domino effect in there that leads to other things being masked as well. It is desperately painful and lonely to live a lie like that; when you live a public lie, you also lie to yourself, and to finally be honest with yourself and those around you is liberating -- like a weight has been lifted. I'd imagine that that's a very big part of Raúl's decision, as he's finally coming to terms with his sexuality.

He's a smart, smart guy. I'm willing to bet he knew exactly what he was doing, even if he did act emotionally.

As for the "dissection," I think he planned this to be what it was, and that he gave it a lot of thought. I think he knew he was going to do this -- the possibility of wanting to has been kicking around for some time. After so many years of struggle, I highly, highly doubt he just sat down to do a regular old interview and this is what came out, pun unintended. People plan these sorts of (rather explosive) things.

Oh, and PS, if the "scrounge the internet" was about myself and some others who have known about this, well, don't assume that's where it's from. No, he never told us about his orientation. He wouldn't, of course. And like I said earlier this morning, no, we didn't just look at a limp wrist and go "oh God, he's so gay." I'm not posting any further detail to that issue, but read between the lines a little bit, okay?

The interview on iTunes is the ATW Downstage Center one, I think. I have it too, and it's brilliant. He doesn't go into much detail about the professor, though. Less than in the article, if I remember correctly.

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Updated On: 11/26/06 at 11:23 AM

"b12b - anyone would feel uncomfortable reading someone's personal and private information."


If that were true, then how do you begin to explain the mighty tabloid industry... and virtually every magazine and newspaper in existence?

Somebody's buying them, God knows.... somebody's writing all those stories because so many people want to read them, right? How could you make a statement like that?

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Thanks for the clarification, luvtheEmcee.

Just read the article--I know this was said throughout this thread, but I just wanted to add my two cents in. What a great article and I'm really proud and impressed that he had the guts to put his personal life out there, in a New York Times article. His honesty was amazing, and I admit I was shocked at all of the difficulties in his life. Wish him the best of luck and more success in his wonderful career. I can't wait to see Company.

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