Layton Williams gets candid about being ‘very good’ at playing a ‘straight boy’
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In a recent interview with the BBC, Strictly Come Dancing finalist Layton Williams opened up about his experience playing straight characters and the pressure queer individuals face to hide their true selves. The 29-year-old actor, known for his roles in Billy Elliot, Bad Education, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, revealed that growing up in a rough estate in Bury forced him to be quick-witted and adapt to his surroundings.
Williams shared that playing Billy Elliot at the age of 12 allowed him to channel his experiences as a queer person into the character. “I was very good at just playing a straight boy,” he said. “Because we grow up in a society feeling people like us are not going to be accepted, I was able to channel that into Billy.” The actor emphasized the unfortunate reality that many LGBTQ+ individuals face, having to hide their true selves due to societal prejudice.
During his early days in London, Williams had the opportunity to work with openly gay male dance teachers who inspired him. “I messaged one of them when I was doing Strictly actually because of all the flips and tricks I used on the show he had taught me when I was 12,” he shared, highlighting the impact those teachers had on his career.
Interestingly, Williams revealed that he was initially considered for the role of Michael, Billy’s gay best friend, but ultimately ended up playing the character twice. “They were about to cancel the show, but I knew the part,” he explained. The actor expressed his joy in portraying Michael, describing it as being a “fabulous little queen” and having a lot of fun with the character.
Another significant role in Williams’ career was his portrayal of Kylie in the BBC drama Beautiful People, alongside Oscar-winner Olivia Colman. He shared that he would come to auditions for the flamboyant character with different accessories and outfits, giving each appearance a unique touch. “I was very confident because that’s what I was like at that point. I was Kylie. I was living amongst the beautiful people. I was in London, I was living my dream, I was on stage,” he reminisced.
Williams’ candid interview sheds light on the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry and society as a whole. Despite the progress made towards inclusivity, there is still a long way to go in creating an accepting environment where queer individuals can fully express themselves without fear of judgment or rejection.
The actor’s experiences highlight the importance of representation and authentic storytelling in the media. By playing diverse characters and bringing their own experiences to the roles, actors like Williams contribute to a more inclusive narrative that resonates with audiences from all backgrounds.
As an openly gay actor, Williams continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, proving that talent knows no boundaries. With his honesty and determination, he serves as an inspiration for aspiring actors and LGBTQ+ individuals alike, showing them that their dreams can become a reality.
In conclusion, Layton Williams’ interview with the BBC provides insight into his journey as an actor and his experience playing straight characters. He sheds light on the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in a society that often expects them to hide their true selves. Williams’ openness and authenticity serve as a reminder of the importance of representation and the need for a more inclusive industry and world.
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“playing a ‘straight boy'”
