Veteran actor Nathan Lane celebrated for his dynamic performances on both stage and screen, recently reflected on a pivotal moment in his life and career, honoring his late co-star Robin Williams for his unwavering support before Lane publicly came out as gay. Lane’s heartfelt remarks were made during the inaugural LGBTQ+ Celebration of Cinema & Television, hosted by the Critics Choice Association at the Fairmont Century Plaza.
Lane, who came out to his mother and brothers at the age of 21 and participated in Pride parades as early as the late 1970s, saw his career soar with his role in the 1996 film “The Birdcage.” Despite his openness, he faced intense public speculation about his sexuality.
“I certainly wish I had been braver at the time,” Lane admitted while accepting his career achievement award. He recalled an appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s show, where he was asked why he was so adept at playing his flamboyant character in “The Birdcage.” “If I could go back in time, the answer I wish I had given is: ‘The reason I’m good at all that stuff is because I’m a wonderful actor. But if you’re asking me if I’m gay, the answer is ‘yes’ and proud of it.’”
Lane’s decision to come out publicly was profoundly influenced by the tragic murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998. Shepard, a young gay student, was brutally beaten and left to die in Laramie, Wyoming, an event that shocked the nation and galvanized the LGBTQ+ community. “I’d already come out on a personal level, why not come out publicly now that I was the so-called public figure if it might be meaningful to others in the struggle? I did, and I’m glad I did,” Lane shared with the audience.
At the LGBTQ+ Celebration, Lane was among many honored for their contributions to entertainment. Other honorees included Abe Sylvia, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Chris Perfetti, Fernando Carsa, George Takei, Henry R. Muñoz III, Kristen Kish, Luke Gilford, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Nava Mau, Oliver Hermanus, Shakina, and the producers of “Fellow Travelers.” Trailblazers from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and the team behind “We’re Here” were also recognized.
Prominent figures such as Charlize Theron, Greg Berlanti, George Cheeks, Alan Yang, Charlie Plummer, Jeremy Podeswa, Ricky Martin, Ronan Farrow, and Sheryl Lee Ralph were in attendance, underscoring the event’s significance.
Lane’s tribute to Robin Williams was particularly poignant. Recalling his apprehensions about coming out, Lane revealed, “I had expressed my fears beforehand to the late, great Robin Williams, who kindly said to me, ‘Don’t worry, Nathan. You don’t have to discuss it if you’re not ready.’ And he went on to protect me whenever he could, throughout the awkward moments.” Williams, who passed away in 2014, remains a cherished figure for his empathy and support within the industry.
Lane also credited Bette Midler with helping him cope with public scrutiny. “One of the first lessons I learned about being a public figure was to try to ignore what people write about you. As Bette Midler once said to me, angrily, ‘Don’t read that shit. You can go on the internet right now and find The Society to Assassinate Bette Midler. What are you going to do? Fuck ’ ’em!’ She has a way of getting to the heart of things.”
The event, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Fairmont Century Plaza, Fiji Water, Here Media, Milagro Tequila, NEP Sweetwater, and Starz, aimed to honor the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community in entertainment. It aligns with the Critics Choice Association’s efforts to spotlight underrepresented talent, akin to their awards for Black, Latino, and Asian Pacific creatives. The LGBTQ+ celebration will be streamed on HereTV on June 21.
Through Lane’s candid reflections and the collective recognition of LGBTQ+ talents, the event underscored the importance of visibility, courage, and support within the entertainment industry and beyond.
See other moments from Friday night below.
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