Michael Urie gives us a peek behind the curtain as he talks Pride and being a catalyst for change
Ugly Betty, but in real life, Michael Urie’s the one running the show. For 20 years, the Juilliard trained actor has been celebrated for his work on stage and screen, with TV credits like this year’s critically acclaimed Shrinking, film roles in Single All The Way and the highly anticipated biopic Maestro, and an impressive theater career including his Drama Desk awarded performance in Buyer & Cellar, and the Tony-nominated revival of Torch Song.
The queerest of the queer turned out for Queerty’s #Pride50 celebration in New York yesterday evening.Through it all, he’s been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ voices, and a beacon of hope and progress for our community, which is why he was honored with this year’s Pride50 Catalyst Award.After last call at the event, Queerty caught up with Urie to recap the amazing night and to hear more about what the Catalyst Award means to him.Watch his acceptance speech at the event below, then scroll down for our Q&A, and check out some exclusive behind-the-scenes photos Urie shared with Queerty as he got all dressed up for the big event!Photography by creative duo Chelsea Gehr & Bri Alvarado • Hair & Makeup: Chelsea Gehr • Styling: Michael FuscoCongratulations once again on your Catalyst Award honor!
What does it mean to you to be considered a “catalyst” of the LGBTQ+ community?Thank you so much! It was such a cool night, I was blown away by the clip reel your staff created for the honor, I kinda couldn’t believe it was me!
To be considered a catalyst by the community I love and revere so much is overwhelming. I got into all of this showbiz stuff to tell stories and play make believe, being a catalyst was so much about being in the right place at the right time—I hope that the work I’ve.
