Photography: Johnny Nicolaidis
To us, he’s forever holding the man, but Ryan Corr is back in another emotional story of mateship. This time In Limbo.
DNA: Let’s go back to Holding The Man. The book, play, and film are all extremely significant to the gay community. Tell us about the experience of making the film.
Ryan Corr: It was the most incredible experience of my life. I’ve never felt more supported by a community of people than I did during the making of that film. I went into it a bit self-conscious feeling like, “Okay heterosexual white boy from fucking Packed To The Rafters, what are you going to do with one of the most important texts in Australian literature?” But I was very much put at ease by our director Neil Armfield, screenwriter Tommy Murphy and my co-star Craig Stott. I was overwhelmed by the support I got from people who actually knew the boys and the community at large. I felt immensely supported. Everyone reached out to say, “How can we help you to make this story as pure as possible,” because it affected so many and meant so much to them.
How does it feel a decade later?
What’s interesting now, ten years on, is the industry. It’s a different time now. I’m not sure if I’d be cast as Tim, with how things are politically. The requirements of casting have changed. It would have been a shame, personally, not to have made that film and to have had that experience. I value it because it’s something we’re all very proud of. It’s one of the most profound experiences of our lives.
Tell us about your character in the new series, In Limbo.
I play Charlie; his best friend Nate has recently died and we find Charlie trying to deal with his emotions. He does this by pushing things in front of himself as a distraction, rather than investigating how he feels. It’s about finding answers. In a lovely way, even in death, Nate guides and helps Charlie. I love that Nate is only a manifestation… that Charlie’s not ready to let him go.
Do you think many people will relate to this experience of grief?
Everyone who’s experienced loss directly or indirectly, not necessarily from suicide but generally, can attach themselves to a part of Charlie’s grieving. It’s about how relationships can help us move forward. It’s much more about life than death.
And the topic of mental health and the conversations we need to have, particularly with young men.
Yes, the rate of suicide among young men in Australia is quite off the chart. [Suicide is the leading cause of death among Australians aged 15-24, according to the Australian Institute of Health And Welfare]. In Limbo was developed on the back of the Jennifer Cummins documentary Man Up, which is about mental health and suicide within trade sites. I hope it gives an example of how you can talk about your inner world and lean on your family and loved ones. In Limbo doesn’t necessarily have the answers but it demonstrates how to move forward if something like this happens.
Coming out is a difficult process for gay men. Has anyone ever come out to you?
Yeah, members of my family have come out to me. I’ve been lucky to have more insight into the queer community than most men my age. At drama school I had friends who brought me into the LGBTQIA+ community and showed me what it meant.
Have you had any wild nights out with your gay mates?
So many! Back in drama school it was every second weekend!
Thinking about your career, what have been the pinch-yourself moments?
Things like House Of The Dragon where you walk on set and think, “Wow, look at the scale of this!” Then there are the times I’ve worked with Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe and meeting Cate Blanchett. But I’d say that by far, the most important to me was Holding The Man. So much love went into that production. I pinch myself more in those times than being impressed by giant set pieces. The bravery of the character and the potential to move people is a lot more overwhelming than a fiery cauldron.
Who has inspired your work in the theatre?
Kevin Jackson, who taught at NIDA (National School For Dramatic Art) was a dear friend of mine, and also renowned in the gay community. He was my absolute mentor. He once won the Mr Australian Drummer (Leather) title! When he was a young man, Kevin came to Sydney as an actor and helped a huge amount of young gay men by providing a home for them. He did that for every community in his life. He created a world for people to feel safe. What a giant of a man! Also, Cate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving. I’ll never forget seeing Riflemind, which Philip Seymour Hoffman directed at the Sydney Theatre Company. Hugo sat on a big green chair stage left and was so close I could see his pulse through his shirt! I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Cate has the same effect, as does Joel Edgerton. As theatre actors, it’s a profound and pure communication with the audience without anything in between. It can be quite thrilling.
What’s your burn-up-the-dance floor song?
I find dancing liberating but I’m also getting older and like a quiet night on the couch with soft cheese and red wine! I love high-energy music and at home I mix 125 RPM tracks. I’m a big fan of Lo-Fi Hip-Hop and I’m obsessed with anything by Caribou, which are progressive tech house.
Who’s your music diva?
Kylie Minogue. I remember my dad (goalball coach, Peter Corr) being at the Opening Ceremony of the Sydney Paralympic Games and seeing the live performance of Kylie wearing gold shorts. As a young man, I thought she was a goddess in real life. Amazing. I love Spinning Around.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness,” by Allen Ginsberg.
What’s been your best on-set wardrobe malfunction?
I’ve blown the arse out of my pants a few times! I’ve dropped a nut or two wearing ridiculous boxer shorts in sex scenes – those boxers you only see in The Simpsons! Sometimes when your leg’s up, something drops, and everyone gets a bit more than they bargained for. Then there’s the cock socks I’ve worn on sets. It’s a beige-coloured bag where you drop your nuts into the bottom and your wang in the top, and then tie the whole thing up to look like a Ken doll! It’s like being duct-taped and I’ve had a few malfunctions with that, too!
In real life, briefs, boxers or free balling?
I spend a fair amount of time in boardshorts in the ocean so I’m free balling then, but otherwise, I’m Y-fronted boxer briefs.
MORE: In Limbo can be streamed on ABC iview. Follow Ryan on Instagram at rycorr
If you or anyone you know is in need of help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
DNA: WHO WOULD YOU TURN GAY FOR?
Ryan: Sam Rockwell, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tom Hardy and Daniel Day-Lewis. Daniel and I could whittle some wood together! He has so much presence, so much energy, and that’s attractive. His manifestation of electricity is almost supernatural!
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Photography: Shutterstock.
