‘Young Royals’ breakout Omar Rudberg is forging his own trail for representation
Netflix‘s Young Royals –– holding their breath to see if the series’ star-crossed gay lovers made it work –– Omar Rudberg took a rare moment to reflect.When he made his acting debut in the Swedish teen drama’s 2021 premiere, the 25-year-old never expected that portraying Simon Eriksson would make him an international name.
But as the adorable schoolboy who falls in love with Willie, a classmate who happens to be the Prince of Sweden, he made an impact on queer representation in the world.
And the role also impacted him.In an Instagram post back in March, days after Young Royals‘ dramatic conclusion, Rudberg recalled his own coming out: “When I was a little kid I knew that something was different about me … I had feelings for a boy I always ignored because I was afraid.
I felt like I was the only one in the whole world that felt this way.” Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.Hence, wrapping up the hit series –– a “beautiful story that little Omar only would dream of” –– felt especially momentous. “Together, we created history,” he wrote. “Let’s keep fighting for our rights to love.
