Daniel Franzese

When Daniel Franzese played Damian in Tina Fey’s classic "Mean Girls" 16 years ago, little did he know this this character would still be celebrated today. However, portraying one of film history’s most iconic gay best friends and delivering some of pop culture’s most recognized lines did result in some personal setbacks. According to Franzese, he hit Hollywood’s “gay glass ceiling,” which left him unable to do anything but play gay.

Back then, LGBTQ character were often depicted as broad stereotypes meant to provoke laughs with their stereotypical sass. Since Franzese refused to go backwards and take on roles that were considered regressive, he was unemployed for several years. Unusual for Hollywood, he stuck to his guns instead of capitalizing on his notoriety.

Fortunately, the glass ceiling did break and, Franzese was offered the type of role he was holding out for—Eddie in HBO’s Looking. Franzese has also gone on to create several live comedy and stand-up performances and recently started a podcast called Yass Jesus! with former televangelist Azariah Southworth where they explore what it means to be a Christ loving member of the LGBTQ community in these divided times.