Piers Morgan clashes with LGBT+ activist arguing ‘preposterous’ idea that only gay actors can play gay characters

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Piers Morgan butted heads with an LGBTQ+ activist who argued that only gay actors can play gay characters. 

The debate was sparked by comments from Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies, who explained that he solely chose real gay actors for the gay roles in his new Channel 4 series It’s A Sin to ensure they would deliver an authentic portrayal. 

During Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, Piers continued the debate with writer and LGBTQ+ activist Benjamin Butterworth who agreed with Russell’s notion on gay roles. 

Asked by Piers who should have played Sir Elton John in the Rocketman biopic instead of Taron Egerton, who is straight, Benjamin replied: ‘He was almost as good at straight acting as Elton John was until the 80s I suppose.’ 

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Piers then hit back: ‘Immediately you’re struggling because you know there’s something preposterous about saying the only person that can play Elton John is a gay guy.’ 

However, Benjamin argued: ‘I don’t accept that because what I’m saying is there’s a reason why gay actors are underrepresented and that’s why they should get these roles and be better at them.’ 

According to Piers, the only way for gay actors to ‘get a better crack at the whip’ is for them to simply be ‘brilliant actors’. 

Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid debated with Christopher Biggins and Benjamin Butterworth (Picture: ITV, Rex)

‘To me it’s about the quality of the acting. If you’re a brilliant actor you can play anything… Where do you take this nonsense?’ the presenter said. 

Actor Christopher Biggins, who is openly gay, weighed into the discussion and agreed with Piers that gay roles shouldn’t be reserved solely for gay actors. 

Christopher argued: ‘Ridiculous, acting is acting. Acting is taking on a character and becoming that character. 

‘Tom Courteney played the outrageously camp dresser [in film The Dresser] but he wasn’t gay and played it superbly.’ 

Piers later joked: ‘When they make a biopic on my life, I don’t give a damn who plays me, I don’t care who they are as long as it wins a load of awards.’ 

His co-host Susanna Reid quipped back: ‘I don’t think they’ll find anyone who’s lived your experiences, Piers.’ 

More: Good Morning Britain

Earlier in the week, Piers reacted to Russell’s comments and said on Tuesday: ‘Equality means equality or it doesn’t… I just don’t get it. 

‘Tom Hanks in Philadelphia, one of the all-time great acting roles, would he have played it more powerfully if he’d been a gay actor? I don’t think so. Did it shine a light on Aids which was hugely beneficial to Aids about that debate? Yes because it was Tom Hanks.’ 

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV. 

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