Lee Pace Responds to Backlash Over Awkward Interview

Lee Pace has long been the object of a many a gay affection. Starring in such titles as Pushing Daisies, Halt and Catch Fire, and the upcoming Broadway revival of Angels in America, he’s taken on roles that are both whimsical and intense, serving as a testament to his natural charm. But outside of his career, his personal life has remained under the radar.

That’s why the inevitable question of his sexuality has always been a point of interest for many fans. In 2012, The Hobbit costar, Ian McKellen implied that Pace was openly gay while promoting the film. Although he’s never officially come out, it’s remained speculation, if not an unspoken truth among his followers.

Thanks to a recent W Magazine interview, that truth is no longer unspoken. In regards to playing gay roles in Broadway performances of both The Normal Heart and Angels in America, Pace admitted to dating both men and women. But the long-overdue confession didn’t come without some awkward tension.

I interviewed Lee Pace about being in Angels in America and asked if he was gay and…it did not go as planned. https://t.co/e5Xz6wJT8L

— Brian Moylan (@BrianJMoylan) February 28, 2018

“I’ve dated men. I’ve dated women,” Pace told W. “I don’t know why anyone would care. I’m an actor and I play roles. To be honest, I don’t know what to say ― I find your question intrusive.”

Although it was a relevant question, given his role in the revival of a groundbreaking queer play, his sentiments about privacy as a queer public figure have long been shared by others in the industry. Still, his reluctant coming out has been the subject of much Twitter banter.

LEE PACE IS BI??? pic.twitter.com/5Xz8E9enQW

— Ryan Houlihan (@RyanHoulihan) February 28, 2018

Oh my god my boyfriend and I were just screaming at each other in the kitchen about Lee Pace versus Sufjan Stevens’ contrasting levels of hypocrisy THE CLOSET IS TEARING US ALL APART

— Jason Adams (@JAMNPP) March 1, 2018

LEE PACE: gay actors should play gay roles.
INTERVIEWER: you’re in the angels in america revival. u gay?
LEE PACE: HOW DARE YOU!!! pic.twitter.com/XTFby3Mhj4

— bobby finger (@bobbyfinger) March 1, 2018

And it was apparently enough to prompt Pace to break his silence once more. He took to Twitter this morning to expand on his response to the question. He explains that he’s a proud member of the queer community who values his privacy and prefers to keep the focus on his work, which includes multiple queer roles. He follows it up with a GIF of Missy Elliotso, checkmate!

In a recent phone interview, I was asked questions that I wasn’t expecting and found myself momentarily at a loss for the right words. My privacy is important to me, so I protect it. When interviewed by the media, I keep the focus on my work.

— Lee Pace (@leepace) March 5, 2018

As a member of the queer community, I understand the importance of living openly, being counted, and happily owning who I am. That’s how I’ve always lived my life…

— Lee Pace (@leepace) March 5, 2018

…just as it’s been important to me to portray queer characters with dignity for my entire career: A Soldier’s Girl (Showtime. 2003). The Normal Heart (Broadway. 2011). Halt and Catch Fire (AMC. 2014-2017). Angels in America. (Broadway. NOW.)
Onward, with Pride.

— Lee Pace (@leepace) March 5, 2018

💙👭👫👬💙 pic.twitter.com/VVAU8VKgwz

— Lee Pace (@leepace) March 5, 2018