You Don't See That On TV Everyday
By Keith Boykin, in sexuality
Thursday, February 2 2006, 10:59PM
Wow! I love, love, love Rod 2.0. Where else on the Internet are you going to find the hot-off-the-presses pictures of Taye Diggs's soon-to-be famous gay kiss on "Will and Grace." Rod not only gives you the pictures, he recaps the episode as well. Head on over to Rod 2.0 to get the 411, the "T" and "the degaga." Major points to Rod for such a wonderful scoop!
Meanwhile, kudos to Taye for taking on this role with gusto. His performance makes it that much easier for other black male actors to play gay roles without fear of being stereotyped. And unlike some before him, he didn't hold back either. Good for him. If you're going to be an actor, be an actor. If you're going to accept a gay role, don't be ashamed of it. I have a hunch that Taye will be getting a lot of new fans because of this.
Comments conceal
T
February 3 2006, 12:33AM
When does this episode premiere?
2Cute2Fight
February 3 2006, 2:00AM
I've seen the episode. It was really good. And it looks like Taye will be returning next week as well. But we all knew that one day he would play gay.
@T: The episode aired last night at 8pm.
Makheda
February 3 2006, 7:30AM
Thats a splendid display of bravado!! Alhtough i also have a hunch he turned off a couple of black women :-). Boris Kodjoe should be the next one expressing his hidden talent in this form!
John
February 3 2006, 8:49AM
Awesome ... have been a huge fan of Taye for some time now ... he graduated with my daughter from Syracuse!
ALIZE
February 3 2006, 12:15PM
MAKHEDA....Taye already did that when he married his white co-star from RENT. Remember all the hate mail he was receiving? lol
Doug Cooper-Spencer
February 3 2006, 1:04PM
I knew that was going to happen, because Taye was on there a few weeks ago. He and Will didn't seal the relationship, but the way the show had him exit... I just knew that was gonna be the big bomb.
I'm glad to see non-gay black actors assume a sense of maturity with their art. Hats off to Will Smith who is the first black actor I can remember playing an openly gay character on screen with an open display of homosexuality when he played in the film Six Degrees of Separation (just love that scene when Will's character just straight out asks the guy "Can I **** you?") Are we all finally growing up?
Regan DuCasse
February 3 2006, 2:03PM
I was hoping that Will's interest would go beyond someone vapid and distant.
Taye Diggs, not only represents someone for Will with class and talent and lack of goofiness, but one of dignity and dark skinned handsomeness.
And heterosexual interracial kisses used to be taboo on tv, let alone GAY INTERRACIAL kisses.
Now, what we need is for this to happen often and with dignity.
Somethings don't grow and mature on their own.
They need a push in the right direction.
Here's hoping this is the start of that on network television.
BTW, ads for Brokeback Mountain are now aired during primetime, another change in family time fare.
lic-able
February 3 2006, 2:56PM
It's safe to play gay on TV now- in fact, playing gay is one of the best things an actor can do for his or her career. Kudos to the people who came before who made it so damn easy for actors on shows like Will and Grace.
trent
February 3 2006, 3:23PM
I have always been a huge fan of Taye Diggs and that smile of his since first seeing him in the movie THE BEST MAN. I would like to see more black actors break the mold and play gay like Diggs and as Anthony Mackie did in BROTHER TO BROTHER. Would like to see Boris Kodjoe and Henry Simmons lock lips!!!! Would like to see to black men express love to one another period! Oh, well. I enjoyed last nigts episode of Will & Grace.
JT
February 3 2006, 4:17PM
I watched the episode, and although I'm happy to see black gay characters on network television and also happy to see mainstream actors like Mr. Diggs portraying gay men, I have to ask- am I the only one who thinks this show has really lost its appeal? I found the episode unbelievably flat. The humor, if you can even call it that, was practically non-existent. The writing seems to have really gone downhill. You'd think taking these quirky characters to Los Angeles would give the writers a mountain of comedic material, but this show was a big snoozefest. Horrbily written. And we didn't get to see Will and Taye Digg's character interact at all, save a few very brief moments. How about a chance to actually see them falling in love, to see what it was between them that made Will feel like this guy could be the one. I'm all for more black gay characters on TV, but I'm sorry. Will and Grace has really lost it...And one last thought. As fine as Taye is, I found his performance a bit flat as well. Maybe not the best choice for a broad comedy like WILL & GRACE...Just throwing in my 2 cents...Sorry to be such a downer.
nahtan Serious
February 3 2006, 7:05PM
loved the episode, really wonderful stuff...I am looking forward to next week
phd2b11
February 3 2006, 9:58PM
Whatever the reason...how hott was that! This is America, we have to take everything in stride.
kristen
February 4 2006, 1:39AM
yes it was a great episode although like JT i did have some objections. it's funny that now that the show is ending, they show will kiss a man...and a black man at that. i also think that they looked WAY uncomfortable kissing, it looks as if will just ran up to taye (the kind of brotha that needs to be kissed slow) and just went for it before he lost his nerve. and did you see how stiff taye's arm was? anyway since i worked thurs i taped the show and couldn't help but notice this as i rewound the tape for the 4th time. lol, i'm serious though
and how the hell can this show last 8 years and will only have one other significant relationship? how many has grace had? 4? a mess, but i hope they end with a great series finale episode.
James Simpson
February 5 2006, 8:24PM
If go to websites such as IMDB.COM and other internet boards..some fans of Will and Grace are pissed that Will kissed a black guy. In fact,some are saying it is mismatched. And as for Keith..why is he making a big deal out of it...So what if Will kissed a black guy? Doesn't Keith know its just a way to shock the public and is a publicity stunt. Also..Will and Grace had to wait until the LAST season..to get Will with a brother...Please...that is lame..and so is Will and Grace...It never ceases to amaze me how silly black American gay men are...They complain about racism in the gay community..yet at the same time desperately want white gay approval..So..Will kissed this ugly old white guy...Is this supposed to be special? I think not...
blacklatina
February 6 2006, 7:00PM
I'm really proud of Taye Diggs.....BRAVO