After graduating from Juilliard, Michael Urie wanted two things: to perform Shakespeare and be the lead man in a romantic comedy. Urie dreamed of playing the lead role in a rom-com, like Billy Crystal or Tom Hanks in Sleepless In Seattle. Urie answered a casting director’s question about the roles he desired to play. He said that he didn’t want to be typecast and would never book a job unless he was ready to accept it. Although it felt harsh, the words were a rude awakening for Urie, a bright-eyed actor. Gay characters were still appearing on TV screens at the time. Ellen DeGeneres’ sitcom, entitled “Ellen,” was cancelled in 1998 due to her lesbian character. Despite some viewers praising the gay characters on Queer as Folk and Will & Grace, they were still gaining ratings.
The same-sex marriage ban was in place and the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy was still in force. Urie would have to be open to accepting a homosexual role in this sociopolitical environment if he wanted to work. “Getting cast in a gay role is not an accusation against me. He says it’s “they wanting me to do something.”
Urie is now the main character in Netflix’s first gay Christmas comedy, Single All the Way. His greatest strength was what seemed like a series of shackles. He says, “I might have wanted to become Tom Hanks or Billy Crystal when I got out of school,” but they wanted him to be Michael Urie. And that’s a much better choice. “I have a lot to do if they want me to be typecast like myself.”
Michael Urie will Never Stop Being Gay
Photo by Karen Neal/ (c) ABC/ Courtesy of Everett Collection
His breakthrough moment was due to this mindset. Urie played Marc St. James in Ugly Betty (2006) alongside Vanessa Williams, her mischievous assistant in a fashion magazine.
Marc wore bright clothes and his curls were flawlessly gelled. Marc was a funny, backhanded character with one-liners that were as hot as the pavement. “Mandy! You’re going to be an actual TV star!” Marc tells Amanda (Becki Newton), the receptionist at the office, “It’s what every pretty little girl dreams of.” The assistant role was originally supposed to have a different actor for each episode, as they are always being fired. But Urie was so beloved that the whole series was written about him.
Ugly Betty was an instant hit and changed Urie’s entire life. In just a few months, he went from earning $200 per week in off-off Broadway productions to appearing in TV Guide. Casting agents and reps kept giving advice as the series grew. Urie was told, “Okay, you’ve now played this gay role, but don’t portray another gay character.” Urie ignored the misguided advice. Urie was cast in The Temperamentals in 2009, while the show was in its final season. It was based on Jon Marans’ true story. Rudi Gernreich was a fashion designer who escaped Nazism and joined the Mattachine Society. It is one of the first gay rights groups in America.
Marc and Rudi were both fashion designers and gay, but they could not have been more different. Ugly Betty was, for the most parts, a comedy. The Temperamentals was, however, a drama that took place in the early 1950s. Urie was able to play two characters at once, despite the advice.
Michael Urie will Never Stop Being Gay
Joan Marcus, Photo
Urie was called by the playwright one night after a performance and said that he felt like he was a little Marc tonight. Although the juggling took some time to get used to, he didn’t let the synergy between the characters pass him by. Urie realized in that moment that being able to play gay characters was liberating. You won’t be typecast as gay, because homosexuality is many things and not one. I made that public declaration to my shock, and it was then that I realized I couldn’t say no just because it was a gay role.
Urie was finally made the romantic lead in Single All The Way when she said yes. The rom-com is directed by Michael Mayer and written by Chad Hodge. It follows Peter (Urie), and Nick (Philemon chambers), who are best friends and visit Peter’s family during Christmas. His mom Kathy Najimy sets him up with James, her personal trainer, and it forces them to openly discuss their relationship. The film’s gay references almost feel like winks to queer viewers. They range from a bar called Lisa’s Crisis Cafe, to Jennifer Coolidge yelling “Grindr!” (which will always play in my head). The film also features three queer actors, Urie Chambers, Macfarlane, and Macfarlane. Macfarlane was also a part of the gay character Scotty Wandell on Brothers & Sisters, which aired alongside Ugly Betty. Both programs were pioneers in gay representation and won GLAAD Awards.
Urie states that gay actors should play gay characters, particularly when the conflict involves their sexuality. Why would there be more gay roles than gay actors?” They quit because they don’t get work or don’t believe they will get work.
This is not a new debate. This debate is resurrected every time a straight actor plays a role in a queer film. Urie says it’s about opening doors to more talent. Urie tells us that there was a time when I was approached by trans actors to play many characters. But I didn’t take any of those roles because I knew there were trans actors who could do the same. That’s what made Pose so special. All the trans actors who didn’t get their foot in to the door got years of TV series. This kind of experience is priceless.”
Urie’s time spent working with so many famous women was perhaps one of his most valuable experiences. Williams, Patti Lupone and Judith Light are just a few of his co-stars. Coolidge is another. You could say that he is living the gay man’s dream. He answered a question about working with icons by saying, “I love these ladies as much as any of us — and we love them!” Even though he has become his coworkers, Urie has never stopped being a fan. Coolidge’s character in Single All the Way says that “For some reason they’re always obsessed with me” (it’s true, and it’s also because she is Jennifer Coolidge).
Queer people love divas, from Madonna to Barbra Streisand. Urie says, “We love them as they’re fantastic.” He describes working with them as having a front row seat. I believe the reason we love our female divas is that they refuse to conform to society’s expectations. We relate to queer people because they have had to overcome something. Their success in conquering something is similar to ours.
Judy Garland was buried in 1969. Her queer supporters mourned her loss and celebrated her life at Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. Garland was loved by the LGBTQIA+ community because of her courage and liberation. At a time when queer people were considered sinful and invisible, she acknowledged them. Police raided the gay bar as the hours grew into the early hours of June 28. This was the start of the Stonewall Riots.
Urie states, “That’s not a coincidence.” Urie says, “That’s no coincidence.” Many of Britney’s queer supporters showed up at bars that night to dance and celebrate the pop star’s greatest hits, just as in 1969. Urie recalls that Britney was released and she felt the same way. “And knowing that Britney has a song in our movie, she’ll get those royaltyties — that’s so cool.”
Single All the Way, unlike many LGBTQ films, isn’t about coming to out or gaining acceptance. Peter is often lavished with love by his family, sometimes a bit too much. The film celebrates and centers queer joy. Urie states that he feels queer joy often because of his life in New York and because he works from Broadway. We asked Urie about his last experience of queer joy before we ended our call. Ryan and I went to Wicked’s invited dress rehearsal when it reopened. It was great to be among the first people back. We were able to meet so many gay people. It was truly special.”
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