When The Birdcage came out, Nathan Lane was terrified that his portrayal of Albert was going to out him. Even in the mid-90s (gods, I was strong then), being gay was a potentially career-limiting thing. He was having a bit of a panic attack in the green room before their Oprah appearance promoting the film, and he told Robin Williams that he was frightened. Robin calmed him down and told him not to worry.

In the course of the interview, Oprah openly asked Nathan if he was worried that his performance would make people think he was actually gay. Without giving Nathan a chance to answer, Robin jumped in and really camped it up. He went completely over the top, drew all the attention to himself, and the interview moved on.

Here’s Nathan talking about it.

I get it though. I would not have minded one bit if Robin had been gay. Riding from San Francisco to the north bay you get to drive through the Robin Williams Tunnel, with a rainbow painted on it.

I could do with a bit more of that kind of thing, speaking personally.

My disappointment is immeasurable and my gay is ruined.

I'm not gay and I'm honestly intrigued to hear thoughts behind this gay disappointment.

Is it about the actor faking a thing? Is it about not wanting/being able/feeling stupid to fantasize about the character because the actor isn't gay?