Something bugging me about Modern Family

[wookie72]

In general I like Modern Family (although I don't really think it's Emmy-worthy), but something kind of bothers me about it. I recently found out that Eric Stonestreet, who plays Cameron, is straight.

I know it shouldn't matter, and Stonestreet is quite funny, but he is...a little broad in his portrayal of a gay man. I realize he's playing a type - the over-the-top-queen - but it seems a little minstrelry compared to Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell.

However, do I only feel this way because Stonestreet is straight?

[rfranklin]

1. It's a comedy...

and stereotypes are the stuff of comedy.

You know, I always thought Rock Hudson was a great leading heterosexual.

[wookie72]

2. Hudson is an underrated actor

I dunno, it's weird seeing this nuanced gay character coupled with the reincarnation of Charles Nelson Reilly.

[Green_Lantern]

3. if you like Stonestreet you need to watch the Season 6 Nip/Tuck

Episode titled Wesley Clovis where Stonestreet plays a death row inmate. He is amazing.

[Iggo]

4. Repeat to yourself, "It's just a show."

There's a lot of folks playing a type in that show. In fact, I bet in real life Sophia Vergara says Yes instead of Jess when answering in the affirmative. But I'm not going to go all Frito Bandito over it. It's a cute show with a huge heart.

[dddem]

5. 2 things occur to me...

1-This guy is a good actor. Pretending to be someone you're not is the job of any actor, and I think he does it well.

2- I'm 50 years old, and I could not have imagined even 5 years ago a popular show of this caliber with openly gay characters. I love that in my kids' lives, "Modern Family" is considered
a "normal" family.

Plus the show is very funny. I say YAY!

[mackerel]

6. I like the show, I had know idea he was straight, I just find

the show entertaining. They had an episode of it on when I was in Ireland with my mother, I had a hard time explaining all the characters and their connection to her. LOL

[TheDebbieDee]

7. Have you ever seen Project Runway?????????

[Onceuponalife]

8. I'm kind of amused and also kind of annoyed

that people will assume a gay character must be played by a gay actor. Guess what? Most people playing gay roles are straight. I'm trying to think of one just one big openly gay movie star out there....I can't think of one. Fact is there is still a lot of homophobia in Hollywood.

I love Modern family but I haven't had much chance to see many episodes yet.

[4lbs]

9. Were you bothered when Will on "Will and Grace" was played by a straight actor?

Will was played by Eric McCormack, who is married to a woman and has several children.

Jack was played by Sean Hayes, who is gay, and intentionally played his character as an over-the-top gay male on the show.

[Cleita]

10. Uhm, Jake Gyllenhall and Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain) portrayed

the gay cowboys in the movie and neither are gay, just as gays also portray straights in the movies. It's called acting. You might be surprised when you meet actors in person that their real personas are nothing like the roles they play.