Award-Winning Actor Josh O’Connor Opens Up About Playing LGBTQIA+ Characters In Films
Josh O’Connor, the 34-year-old British actor, shared his thoughts about portraying LGBTQIA+ characters in films. O’Connor, known for his role in God’s Own Country (2017), and Challengers (2024) spoke candidly in a recent Vanity Fair interview.
O’Connor’s career spans various notable works. He gained recognition in The Crown and Peaky Blinders. His upcoming film The History Of Sound, in which he stars alongside Paul Mescal, adds to his diverse portfolio.
“It’s a really difficult subject,” O’Connor says about playing LGBTQIA+ roles. He explains that The History Of Sound goes beyond simple categorisation. The film explores grief, companionship, and music. It tells a story about love connections and their potential loss.
In God’s Own Country, O’Connor played a gay man who struggled with giving and receiving love. His character in Challengers, released last year with Zendaya, shows sexual chemistry with Mike Faist’s character.
O’Connor takes a thoughtful approach to character development. He considers various aspects: sexuality, background, family dynamics, and personal growth. These elements form part of his character study process.
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“To be totally truthful, I’m not 100% sure how I do feel about it. I have mixed feelings,” O’Connor admits. This honest admission shows his careful consideration of role selection and representation.
His film credits include Florence Foster Jenkins (2016) and Mothering Sunday (2021), showing his range as an actor across different genres and character types.
