How To Fail With Elizabeth Day Jesse Tyler Ferguson - ‘I was caught stealing gay porn'
Jul 3, 2024
Jesse Tyler Ferguson opens up about his struggles in sports, sexuality, and reading reviews. He shares poignant moments from his journey to fatherhood through surrogacy and his dedication to early morning workouts. The discussion also touches on representation in the entertainment industry and his experiences with meditation.
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Choosing Passion Over Prestige
- Jesse chose a small off-Broadway musical over Mike Nichols's Spamlot despite pressure and warnings.
- His gamble paid off when Spelling Bee moved to Broadway and Nichols later praised his instincts.
Visibility Through Relatable Storytelling
- Modern Family inserted a long-term gay couple with a child into primetime comedy, increasing visibility during heated political battles.
- Jesse felt pressure to represent the community but learned to focus on making one character truthful and relatable.
Casting Must Create Real Opportunities
- Casting straight actors as gay characters remains contentious because opportunities for gay actors are limited.
- Jesse argues for more deliberate casting to expand access while acknowledging actors should play varied roles.