Ryan Phillippe Was Advised Not to Play the First Gay Teenager on Daytime TV at 17 Years Old: ‘I Was So Young. There Were Elements of Me That Were Afraid’

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Back in the early ’90s, I, much like Ryan Phillippe, found myself feeling apprehensive when offered the role of Billy Douglas on “One Life to Live.” This character was television’s first gay teenager, breaking new ground. Playing Billy for a year on that show turned out to be an incredibly profound experience for me.

Phillippe mentioned that at the time he was quite young, parts of him felt fearful because it was an entirely new experience. Moreover, those close to him suggested he decline the role and expressed concerns about him taking on the part.

Philippe stated, “I believe there was some apprehension surrounding the period we were in, given that so many barriers had yet to be broken. However, any doubts about my ability to do it vanished when I witnessed the positive response it received from those who saw it.

Watching this show during my lunch break offered a means for me to bond with my LGBTQ child.

During the course of this job, I came to understand its significance to certain individuals,” the actor remarked. “At 17, I hadn’t fully grasped this yet. It was a different era, but this role greatly contributed to my personal growth and made me aware of its profound effect on others.”

“As I worked on this project, I began to appreciate its significance for some people,” the actor noted. “At 17, I lacked the perspective to truly grasp it. It was a different time, but this experience played a significant role in my maturation and understanding of its impact on others.

Head over to People magazine’s website to read more from Phillippe’s interview.

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2025-05-29 20:46