A peculiar incident of homophobia unfolded in Greenwich Park last month when actor John Partridge was told by a woman to ‘suck a rainbow.’ The unusual encounter left Partridge, 54, chuckling. While it was intended to be an insult, Partridge found amusement in the absurdity of it. His lighthearted response? If a rainbow was available, he would happily do as told, as he found the best way to respond was through humor.
Despite being able to laugh off such incidents, Partridge acknowledges that rampant homophobia still presents a troubling reality globally. These instances often leave him in a state of deep sadness, underlining the plight of the LGBTQ+ community even in this modern age. It’s these experiences that prompted him to take on a significant role in The Code, written by Michael McKeever.
In The Code, Partridge portrays William ‘Billy’ Haines, a leading figure in Hollywood’s Golden Age during the 1930s. While Haines was highly recognized as MGM’s beloved star in the 1920s, his tale has been largely forgotten. In 1933, Haines was confronted with a stark choice by MGM – to feign a heterosexual marriage or risk the termination of his rapidly flourishing acting career. Haines chose to retain the truth of his identity.
The story of The Code is set in 1950, with Haines, now an interior designer, hosting a social hour with his friend, bisexual actress Tallulah Bankhead. Henry Wilson, a real-life LGBTQ+ Hollywood agent responsible for grooming the careers of concealed stars like Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter, is introduced. According to Wilson, secrecy around one’s sexuality is a necessity for actors who wish to be successful.
The Code, then, becomes a discussion platform for differing perspectives on sexuality, individuality, and the greed-driven facade of Hollywood. Wilson advocates to his mentee Chad Manford the importance of suppressing his homosexuality, given the Hollywood environment. The narratives of each of the four characters transpire in a riveting manner, resembling a psychological tennis match, with viewpoints volleyed back and forth.
A significant number of 20th-century LGBTQ+ actors chose not to follow Billy Haines’ path. Notable figures including Carrie Grant, Ramon Novarro, and Anthony Perkins preferred to maintain secrecy around their sexual orientation in order to safeguard their careers.
Remaining true to his identity both professionally and personally, Partridge, an alumnus of London’s musical theatre, embarked on his acting journey with Cats’ UK tour in his teenage years. His talent quickly established him as a recognizable name in West End, and he earned roles in notable musicals like Grease, Miss Saigon, and Rent. Partridge has been paired with actor Jon Tsouras since the early 2000s.
We catch up with Partridge at a rehearsal space in London, weeks before The Code’s anticipated premiere. Given the somber nature of the topic, their conversation carries a somewhat melancholic tone. However, Partridge’s energetic and passionate demeanor could inspire anyone to take immediate action.
Partridge speaks with a loud, captivating voice, indicating his comfort with demanding attention and sparking change. Despite finding humor in the peculiar ‘suck a rainbow’ incident, Partridge raises genuine concerns about feeling increasingly ‘unsafe’ as a gay man in public spaces. According to Partridge, societal acceptance seems to have regressed over the past one and a half decades.
He recognized this shift most prominently in EastEnders with Christian’s ill-fated romance with closeted Muslim, Syed Masood. While the plot raised eyebrows during its time, it garnered a wide viewer base ranging from rugged straight builders to octogenarian grandmothers. Partridge contemplates whether the storyline would face greater opposition today amidst Britain’s currently divisive sociopolitical climate.
Despite the potential controversies, Partridge remains proud of the plotline. Despite the grim reality of homophobia, he maintains a hopeful perspective. The Code not only underscores the ongoing homophobia within Hollywood but also encourages the message that, ultimately, we all have the freedom to make our own choices – à la Billy Haines.
The post John Partridge Confronts Homophobia with Humor Amid ‘The Code’ Rehearsals appeared first on Real News Now.
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