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Richard E. Grant says giving LGBTQ roles to straight actors now ‘unjustifiable’

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Richard E. Grant in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” (Image courtesy Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Veteran British actor Richard E. Grant has said casting straight actors in gay roles is “unjustifiable.”

Despite being Oscar-nominated last year for his performance as the gay partner-in-crime to Melissa McCarthy’s lesbian con artist in “Can You Ever Forgive Me,” the 62-year-old Grant – who is straight – has now added his voice to the chorus of industry professionals calling for more authentic casting of LGBTQ roles onscreen.

Speaking to the UK’s Sunday Times, the actor said, “I’ve always had that concern. The transgender movement and the #MeToo movement means, how can you justify heterosexual actors playing gay characters?”

He went on to elaborate, “We are in a historic moment. If you want someone to play a disabled role, that should be a disabled actor… I understand why and how [the shift in thinking has] come about.”

Misgivings aside, he will soon be appearing as an aging drag queen – a role he’s already finished shooting – in an upcoming film adaptation of the hit West End musical, “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.”

The South Africa-born actor has a long and impressive resume, making his film debut as the amusingly drunk protagonist in the popular British comedy “Withnail and I” and going on to appear in films such as “L.A. Story,” “The Player,” “The Age of Innocence,” “Gosford Park,” “Bright Young Things,” and “Logan.” He has also made many appearances in theatre and television, with recent roles on such prominent shows as “Dr. Who,” “Downton Abbey,” “A Series of Unfortunate Events,” and “Game of Thrones.” He even notched an appearance on the iconic Brit-com, “Absolutely Fabulous.”

He can next be seen as a villain in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” which blasts into theatres on December 20.

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PHOTOS: Equality Prince William Pride

Fifth annual LGBTQ celebration held in Manassas, Va.

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Mayor of Manassas Michelle Davis-Younger, center, cuts the ribbon to open Equality Prince William Pride at Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16. (Washington Blade photo by Landon Shackelford)

Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 16.

(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)

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PHOTOS: Blade Summer Kickoff Party

Ashley Biden accepts award for Beau Biden at annual Rehoboth fundraiser

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Ashley Biden accepts an award on behalf of her brother, Beau Biden, at the Washington Blade's Summer Kickoff Party in Rehoboth Beach, Del. (Washington Blade photo by Daniel Truitt)

The 19th annual Blade Foundation Summer Kickoff Party was held on Friday, May 15 at Diego’s in Rehoboth Beach, Del. An award presentation was held for former Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden. Ashley Biden accepted the award on her brother’s behalf and gave remarks. Other speakers included Delaware state Rep. Claire Snyder-Hall, CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Dr. Robin Brennan and Washington Blade Editor Kevin Naff. The event was a fundraiser for the Steve Elkins Memorial Fellowship in Journalism.

(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)

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PHOTOS: Taste of Point

Annual fundraiser supporting LGBTQ youth scholarships and mentorships held at Room & Board

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Taste of Point was held at Room & Board on Wednesday, May 13. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The Point Foundation held the annual Taste of Point fundraiser at Room & Board on Wednesday, May 13.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)

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