Andrew Scott says acting “emancipated” him from shame about being gay
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In a candid interview with The New York Times, actor Andrew Scott, known for his roles in shows like Sherlock and Fleabag, has revealed how acting has played a pivotal role in helping him overcome shame surrounding his sexuality. Scott, who publicly came out as gay in 2013, spoke about his journey towards self-acceptance and how accessing his residual internalized homophobia has shaped his latest role in the highly anticipated film All of Us Strangers, directed by Andrew Haigh.
Scott expressed that being able to emancipate himself from shame has been the greatest achievement of his life. “For a long time, I have felt very comfortable with myself, but it doesn’t take much to go back there — something a taxi driver can say can still wound you,” he said. Scott highlighted how even a simple question about having a wife could trigger feelings of shame and insecurity. “You could go, ‘No, I don’t,’ or is that sort of a lie by omission? I think the challenge was to undo the work and go to that place where you feel frightened.”
The actor credited acting as the catalyst for his journey towards self-acceptance and freedom from shame. From a young age, Scott turned to elocution lessons to overcome his lisp, eventually leading him to speech and drama classes. “I was so shy and terrified, but then someone would say, ‘Get up and do an improvisation,’ and some part of me felt… free, and I loved it,” he shared. Scott acknowledged that playing gay characters while still in the closet helped him gain confidence as he was surrounded by queer individuals within the industry.
Reflecting on his latest film, All of Us Strangers, Scott expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to delve deep into a character that allowed him to expose himself emotionally. “To make something like this, it moves me because I never thought that I’d get a chance to expose myself so much in a film like this or for it to be in such a trusting environment with such brilliant colleagues,” he said. The film, set to release in U.S. theaters on December 22, has already garnered critical acclaim and generated Oscar buzz for both Scott and his co-star, Paul Mescal.
Scott’s portrayal in All of Us Strangers has earned him a nomination for an Independent Spirit Award for his lead performance. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality, and personal growth, all of which resonate deeply with Scott’s own journey towards self-acceptance. As an openly gay actor, Scott continues to break barriers and challenge societal norms within the entertainment industry.
Scott’s candid revelations shed light on the ongoing struggle faced by many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the importance of representation and the power of art in promoting inclusivity. By sharing his experiences, the actor serves as an inspiration to others who may still be grappling with shame or self-doubt surrounding their own identities.
In a society where norms and prejudices persist, Scott’s story serves as a reminder that embracing one’s true self is a process that requires courage and self-reflection. Through his exceptional acting talent and personal journey, Andrew Scott has become an advocate for acceptance and authenticity, leaving a lasting impact on both the industry and those who look up to him.
As All of Us Strangers prepares to hit theaters, audiences can anticipate a powerful and moving performance from Andrew Scott, one that not only showcases his immense talent but also reflects his personal journey of self-discovery and emancipation from shame.
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