Comedian Billy Eichner has hit back at arguably its biggest setback has been its casting.
Arnaz, who was born in Cuba, enjoyed a healthy film career prior to being cast in what some would say was the greatest American sitcom of all time, I Love Lucy, in 1951. Despite his musical and acting talents, CBS was not initially in favor of casting him opposite Ball in the series, insisting that American viewers would not be comfortable with a non-white love interest for Ball’s character, Lucy Ricardo. In the end, however, Ball’s persistence and star power won out and Arnaz was cast, going on to become a huge success in the role of Ricky Ricardo. But in Sorkin’s Being the Ricardos, Arnaz is portrayed by acclaimed star Javier Bardem, who is Spanish. This has created a certain degree of controversy, which Bardem and Sorkin have spoken out against.
While addressing the issue of Bardem as Arnaz, Sorkin spoke about LGBTQ+ characters being played by non-LGBTQ+ actors and this has prompted Eichner to speak out in defense of LGBTQ+ roles for LGBTQ+ actors. Sorkin told The Times, “Nouns aren’t actable. Gay and straight aren’t actable. You can act being attracted to someone, but can’t act gay or straight. So this notion that only gay actors should play gay characters? That only a Cuban actor should play Desi? Honestly, I think it’s the mother of all empty gestures and a bad idea.” As Gay Times reports, Eichner took to his official Twitter shortly after Sorkin made his comments, pointing out that what Sorkin fears is not actually a Hollywood in which actors are losing control over the roles they play, but rather a Hollywood in which straight men are no longer entirely in charge. Eichner wrote:
“Completely ignorant of how Hollywood has treated its openly LGBTQ+ actors for a century. Talking about shit he doesn’t fully comprehend. Scared that Hollywood isn’t (entirely) ruled by straight men anymore. Go write yourself a “walk and talk” back into the past. Merry Christmas!”
Click here to view the original tweet.
The issue of who is or isn’t eligible to play a particular role has gained considerable momentum over the past several years. Opinions remain extremely divided on the issue for the most part, with major actors like Bardem in favor of a balanced approach rather than a clear-cut determiner. When it comes to the issue of LGBTQ+ characters being cast in those specific roles, however, there is certainly something to be said for Eichner’s comments. For decades, Hollywood has favored specific genders, races, and sexual orientations over others and even the most cursory of glances at the history of the industry proves this. To ask now that the roles that feature these all too often marginalized groups be played by said groups is certainly not asking too much.
When it comes to Sorkin’s previous statements regarding the casting of Bardem in Being the Ricardos, there’s much to consider. Actors are hired specifically for their ability to transform – that is the very nature of their work. And while this debate can cover numerous stances and questions, Sorkin’s willingness to move into the issue of LGBTQ+ casting is a matter he would have done well to leave be. Eichner was right to call him out on this as a result, but regardless of what side you take on this topic, one thing is for certain: it’s a controversial subject that isn’t going to be resolved anytime soon.
Source: Gay Times
