Denis O’Hare who quickly became our favourite new character this season on True Blood talked with Windy City Times shortly after ComicCon wrapped up. Denis shared his thought about his role on True Blood, the importance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in his coming-out, being an openly gay actor in the business and more.
Denis O'Hare
Windy City Times: You came out in high school which by doing the math was the late ‘70s—a pretty courageous step for that period—did you have trouble because of that?
Denis O’Hare: I had a lot of trouble. I had a very, very good support in that my best friend growing up became my first lover when we were about 12 and we both struggled with our sexual identity throughout high school. He had a good friend named David and the three of us formed a kind of clique even though we went to rival high schools in Michigan and we would all hang out at The Rocky Horror Picture Show on weekends. The permission of Rocky Horror was the permission to be different so we were allowed to express ourselves and we could also watch a beautiful, half naked man on the screen and have it be okay. I was totally fantasizing about Rocky all the time and I had Tim Curry as sort of a mentor or role model. Not that I want to be like him but giving you permission to openly indulge in your satisfaction.
WCT: Russell has been with Talbot for 700 years—surely the longest gay relationship by 600 odd years. You’ve been with your partner Hugo for 10 years. Have you two learned anything from Russell and Talbot about a good gay relationship?
DO: The only similarity—and there isn’t much—is that there’s a sort of confidence when you’re with someone for awhile. You no longer feel that you have to prove things; you no longer feel that every crisis is a definitive break-up worthy crisis. You can fight and survive; you can be in a bad mood and survive. The bond is stronger than anything and in the case of Talbot and Russell, later in the season their relationship is tested in a major way and it’s actually very moving at times. I will say this about their relationship: they deeply, deeply care for each other which I think is fantastic in the context of a show like True Blood to have this really, really deeply committed relationship.
WCT: True Blood this season is now officially the hottest gay show on TV since Oz—is it just a pleasure as a gay actor to go to work every day with all these hunky naked guys?
DO: I have a problem that whenever I meet someone and they become friends I’m no longer able to objectify them so I always feel slightly guilty about letting a thought flit across my mind when it comes to people I’m working with. They’re lovely guys and the more you get to know them the more you realize how wonderful they are, but it’s certainly nice to show up on the set and be confronted with some out-and-out beauties.
You can enjoy the entire article at chigcago.gopride.com
Lovely interview as usual from Denis O’hare. The hell with Rocky, the boy and I both still have a crush on Tim Curry! Paradise Garage indeed.
True Blood the Musical?
OK, that would be too great!
Joss Whedon should write it.
Oh, that’s a good one!
Another great interview with Denis O’Hare and I do believe he doesn’t give a bad interview. I’m so charmed by this man, especially after he said in another interview that he’s doing P90X. That’s the workout I’m doing now so ya’d think we could be Twitter workout buddies, right? :-)
AB has to bring Russell back; he’s the best addition ever.
I think they’re gonna render him useless like so many have already said, you know… sort of like Han Solo in the carbonite. I will miss him the same I missed Han. If it takes me donning that Leia costume once again to free my love, I’ll effing do it ;)
I’ll put your hair in the buns. No charge.
I’m with you on both! Denis O’Hare is an interviewer’s and reader’s dream. He is candid, insightful, witty and absolutely comfortable in his own skin, which just radiates poise and confidence.
And yes, I do hope he comes back in future TB seasons to machinate and throw the Vamp Power Pyramid into disarray. Long live da king!
Lmaoo, he’s awesome. Love the Rocky Horror Picture show background there.!
Another good interview – don’t think i have seen a bad one yet from Denis O’Hare – he has to come back next season in one form or another .
I agree his interviews are always good! Did you know there is a Facebook page created to support a demand for giving him an Emmy next year? It’s here http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=153650384650647 .
And maybe The Nest has a new cause to help along with some promotion. I’m sure NotHoney has her eye on this one already (she taught me the fundamentals of Twitter, and I’m pathetic at it), but just as a heads up: Denis O’Hare’s twitted that his mother has ovarian cancer, and he’s on board to do his bit. http://www.hareandtortoiserun.com/Ralle-and-Prizes.html.
I read his tweet, too, did some research and passed the link to the walk along to my Nest-mates. His mother, Karene, died of ovarian cancer and his father, John, manages the fund raising walk. The walk this year is down the road a piece in Williamsburg, Virginia.
Acanthus thanks for the link. This man is just spectacular, with is father being such a man the apple did not fall far from the tree! I love him and enjoy his interviews always I will miss him.