Dwayne Johnson has revealed he was told to avoid playing gay roles by influential figures in the acting industry. In celebration of Out Magazine’s 30th anniversary, former editor Jeffrey R Epstein shared some of his favourite cover stories over the years, including Ellen DeGeneres, James Van Der Beek and of course, The Rock.
Epstein covered Johnson for his 2005 crime-comedy, Be Cool, where he played gay bodyguard Elliot Wilhelm. The film also starred John Travolta, Uma Thurman and Danny DeVito.
According to the former editor, the actor was “One of the nicest, smartest humans I have ever interviewed.” He was also called a class act.
Johnson responded to Epstein’s tweet, sharing that he was advised to avoid taking on queer roles as he transitioned from wrestling into acting, as it could “ruin his career”.