US EditionRyan Phillippe Recalls “Fears” Around Playing Gay Teen In ‘One Life to Live’
- Ryan Phillippe portrayed Billy Douglas, daytime television's first gay teenage character, on the long-running ABC drama One Life to Live during the early 1990s, specifically from 1992 to 1993.
- Phillippe and people in his circle initially experienced apprehension about taking the role, given the era's limited LGBTQ representation on television.
- As Phillippe appeared in 15 episodes, he received immediate fan mail from viewers and parents who felt the character provided rare representation and connection.
- Phillippe shared that once he witnessed the positive feedback from viewers, any initial concerns about taking on the role disappeared, describing the experience as deeply meaningful.
- Playing Billy Douglas helped pave the way for LGBTQ representation onscreen and influenced Phillippe's personal growth through witnessing its impact on viewers.
11 Articles
11 Articles
He played the first gay teenager in a U.S. daily soap and became a role model for many viewers. Today Ryan Phillippe remembers his worries about taking on the role.
Ryan Phillippe Recalls “Fears” Around Playing Gay Teen In ‘One Life to Live’
More than 30 years later, Ryan Phillippe is reflecting on his groundbreaking LGBTQ role. The actor recently recalled the “really profound experience” of playing gay teenager Billy Douglas in the ABC soap opera One Life to Live from 1992 to ’93, which resulted in an “almost instantaneous” outpouring of praise from LGBTQ fans. “I was […]
Ryan Phillippe reflects on his groundbreaking gay role on One Life to Live: “Profound experience”
Ryan Phillippe has reflected on his groundbreaking gay role in the American daytime soap opera One Life to Live. In 1992, the handsome talent got his big break when he portrayed Billy Douglas in the long-running TV series. At the time, the character was a groundbreaking addition to One Life to Live, as Billy was the first openly gay character to be featured on daytime television. While Billy was only featured in the series for a year, he made a …
Ryan Phillippe Was Advised Not to Play the First Gay Teenager on Daytime TV at 17 Years Old: ‘I Was So Young. There Were Elements of Me that Were Afraid’
Ryan Phillipe made history as Billy Douglas, the first gay teenager on daytime TV, but he was discouraged from accepting the role out of fear.
Ryan Phillippe Opens Up About His Groundbreaking One Life to Live Role
Long before he became known for his roles in Cruel Intentions, Studio 54, and Crash, Ryan Phillippe had a groundbreaking role on One Life to Live. He played Billy Douglas, a gay teenager. Admittedly, Philippe was hesitant about it, but he is grateful for this pivotal first gig. Soap Opera Past The former soap star appeared on OLTL from 1992 to 1993. His persona was Billy Douglas, who was the first gay teen on daytime television. Phillippe was on…
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