Was Truman Capote gay? The fascinating story behind Feud: Capote vs. The Swans
Sign up for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
In the captivating new FX series, Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, viewers are taken on a journey into the life of one of America’s most renowned playwrights, Truman Capote. Created by Ryan Murphy, the mastermind behind hit shows like Pose and American Horror Story, the eight-part series is based on the book Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era.
The story primarily revolves around the deterioration of Capote’s relationships with the socialites of New York City’s high society after he began documenting their personal lives in his controversial book, Answered Prayers. Tom Hollander, known for his roles in In The Loop and The White Lotus, breathes life into the character of Capote, alongside talented actors Russell Tovey, Molly Ringwald, and Demi Moore.
As the season premiere unfolds, fans are left pondering a crucial question: was Truman Capote gay?
Truman Capote was an American novelist, screenwriter, playwright, and actor best known for his novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s and the true crime novel In Cold Blood. The latter work was a result of years of research following the murder of a family in their Kansas farm home. Capote received assistance from his lifelong friend Harper Lee, the acclaimed author of To Kill A Mockingbird.
Capote and Lee grew up together, and he claimed to be a “character” in her book, which is set in their shared small town in Alabama. They would often attend trials together as children instead of going to the movies, fostering Capote’s fascination with crime and human nature.
To answer the question at hand, yes, Truman Capote was gay. One of his early lovers was Newton Arvin, a literature professor at Smith College, to whom Capote dedicated his first novel Other Voices, Other Rooms. Following his relationship with Arvin, Capote spent most of his life with fellow novelist and playwright Jack Dunphy. When Capote passed away in 1984, he named Dunphy as the primary beneficiary in his will.
A poignant memorial stone dedicated to the couple can be found by the Crooked Pond in the Long Pond Greenbelt in Southampton, New York. It bears Dunphy’s quote, which reads, “I was grieving the way the earth seems to grieve for spring in the dead of winter, but I wasn’t afraid because nothing, I told myself, can take our halcyon days away.”
Despite being gay, Capote never openly embraced the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Nevertheless, his openness about his sexuality has solidified his place as an important figure within the community.
Tom Hollander, who portrays Truman Capote in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, recently commented on his own sexuality and why he believes he has been cast in a variety of gay roles throughout his career. In an interview with Vanity Fair, the 56-year-old actor stated that “apparently when I play these characters, it’s believable.”
Hollander acknowledges that some people may question his portrayal of Capote in the series, but for those familiar with the real Capote, it is actually a toned-down representation. He believes that his ability to convincingly portray gay characters stems from his own experiences exploring his sexuality. He describes his own sexuality as “sufficiently liberal” and asserts that it is nobody’s business but his own.
The actor emphasizes that acting requires the ability to imagine and inhabit different roles with seriousness and plausibility. He believes that as an actor, one is constantly pretending to be something they are not.
As Feud: Capote vs. The Swans continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storytelling and exceptional performances, viewers are reminded of the complexity and impact of Truman Capote’s life and work. His legacy as a talented writer and an openly gay individual serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing and celebrating diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community.
In a world where inclusivity and representation are crucial, Truman Capote’s story and the portrayal of his life in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans shed light on the struggles and triumphs of a gay man who left an indelible mark on American literature.
Follow us on:
Facebook for more LGBTQ+ news and updates at TrueQueer.
Truman Capote, gay
