Wilson Cruz: Exclusive Interview

From playing the openly gay high school student Rickie Vasquez in "My So Called Life" to Angel in "Rent" on Broadway, Wilson Cruz had his share of top-notch projects at an early age.

He's also had recurring roles on "Party of Five," "Ally McBeal," "The West Wing" and now appears on LOGO's original series "Noah's Arc."

Next up is the indie film  "Coffee Date" opening this Friday at Midtown Art Cinema, where Cruz co-stars with Deborah Gibson, Sally Kirkland, Jonathan Silverman and Jason Stuart.

We talked to Wilson about coming out, getting thrown out of his house, teasing Neil Patrick Harris, and visiting the gay bar Towers II in Atlanta.

You were in Atlanta a few weeks ago -- did you do anything fun?

I was actually in town for Clik Magazine Elite 25 Honors , which are awarded to gay men and women of color to thank each other for their work. To be in the room with artists like Keith Boykin  and E. Lynn Harris was just amazing. Then after we went to this place called Towers II? It was hilarious -- I had the best time!

Was it hard in the beginning for you to find roles as an openly gay actor?

Well I made the decision for myself to come out and try to get roles as openly gay. I didn't want to compromise my life.

Do you think it's harder being a Latino actor or a gay actor?

I think it's harder to be Latino, because there's not a whole lot out there for us. Like my role in "Coffee Date" wasn't written necessarily for me, but I convinced them otherwise!

Was playing Rickie Vasquez in "My So Called Life" a blessing or a curse as far as being typecast?

It was a complete blessing. People go 20 or 30 years as an actor and don't get the opportunity to say something and be of service. I was able to give a voice, and because of that role I'm able to continue to work.

Is it true your father threw you out of the house just like you were on the show?

It was loosely based on my life. I was a little older than Rickie when it happened. I came out to my father on Christmas Eve, and he told me to leave. It was actually less than a year before we shot the episode. But that was a long time ago -- we've been able to talk and reconcile since then.

You starred in "Rent" with Neil Patrick Harris who recently came out. Do you think it's important for actors to come out or should they keep their private lives private?

When Neil and I worked together he was completely in the closet. I had my suspicions that I made quite apparent! I teased him and whatever. But we've remained friends -- he's so insanely talented. But yeah I think it's sad that so many actors feel they can't be out for whatever reason. I'm thinking about their own well-being, because the closet corrupts you and will ruin your life.

Tell me about your work with the GLBT community.

Right now I'm working with the Gay and Lesbian Center in L.A. to help empower gay youth who want to work in the political world. We're helping give them the tools and framework they need.

Tell me the first thing that pops into your head about each of the following:

Party of Five

We talked about things like how do you explain homosexuality to your children? We dealt with a lot on that show that was very well written.

Ally McBeal

Oh God, I was in drag 24 hours a day for two weeks because I was playing Angel in "Rent" at night in L.A. and during the day my character was in drag on "Ally McBeal." I would have to leave the set right at 6:30 so I could make it to the theater on time and be in drag again -- it was exhausting!

Tick...Tick...BOOM!

I was in three productions. It was challenging because it's a three person show and I had to sing. But I surprised people I think -- like "wow we didn't know he could do that."

Noah's Arc

Finally we get to see what it's like to be a gay person of color. We deal with AIDS and HIV but get to show that it's not hopeless.

Will your character be returning next season on "Noah's Arc"?

I don't think so. They want to keep Christian single I think. But who knows, I may pop up every now and then.

Tell me about this new movie "Coffee Date."

It's a romantic comedy about the relationship between a gay man and a straight man and how we create relationships with straight men. In the last few years straight men have become a little more polished, and it's hard sometimes to tell who is gay and who is straight. It's light and funny.

You've appeared in so many great projects -- do you have a favorite?

The next one! No, "My So Called Life" started it all and gave me direction. It also took a lot of risks, and it's good to be on a show that let's you do that as an actor.

* For more gay Atlanta tips, tricks and insider secrets get the book ATLANTAboy: An Insider's Guide to Gay Atlanta on Amazon!

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Comments

[Alaza Jones]

I think that it is very important to show to the world whom a person really is. I admire Wilson for his inspiration to many other homosexual people including myself. I must say that it is very hard to come out, but it is even harder for people in the south. Mississippi in particular. I just finished writting a book about the gay lifestyle of three guys and it revolves into a happy, but complicated family. This book has taught me that many things are possible and to value life, whomever or whatever you are.

[Eliezer Rodriguez]

I am a latino author. I wrote the book "El Rostro Homosexual de Dios" and I have always been inspired by people like Mr. Cruz. Weneed more brave and talented people out there. God Bless Him.