Russell Tovey Defends Casting of Jack Whitehall as First Openly Gay Disney Character

Openly gay actor Russell Tovey has defended Disney’s decision to cast straight actor Jack Whitehall in a new interview with The Telegraph.

The announcement of Whitehall’s casting created controversy online with many suggesting the first openly gay Disney character should be played by an actual gay person, with others worrying Whitehall would camp up the role and play a parody of a gay man. It doesn’t help that the role has been described by Disney as “hugely effete, very camp and very funny.”

Tovey, who is currently starring in two West End plays, has backed Whitehall, telling The Telegraph: “If you’re an actor, you’re an actor. The whole thing with Jack playing a gay character… I’m like, just let him act. It’s like me saying I could never play a straight character because I am not going to know a straight person’s thoughts.

“I’ve always been out, and happy with the range of characters I’ve been offered. I’ve had the most amazing opportunities.”

Idris Elba has also defended Whitehall, telling Time Out London: “Artistic licence is artistic licence. If an actor has the attributes to do something, they should be able to do it. They’re acting.

“You don’t necessarily have to be gay to play a gay character. Though you do have to be black to play a black character.”

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