‘Neighbours’ star Takaya Honda hits back at people asking whether it’s difficult playing a gay character
The actor made history last year when his character married his partner in the first ever same-sex marriage on the soap
By Steve Brown
Takaya Honda has hit back after people keep asking him is it difficult playing a gay character on Neighbours.
The actor made history year after his openly gay on-screen character married his partner – played by Matt Wilson – in the first ever same-sex marriage on the long-running soap.
During Sydney Mardi Gras, the actor – who identifies as straight – took aim at reporters who continually ask him whether he finds it difficult playing a gay role.
Taking to Instagram, Honda posted a photo of him and his on-screen husband and wrote: “We get asked, more often than I think we should, “What’s it like to play a gay character as a straight actor, do you find it difficult?”.
“Firstly, who could find it hard to play gay opposite this incredible man? Secondly, #LoveisLove, our jobs, as actors is to communicate a story by adopting the lives of the characters we play.
“Who they are attracted to is only one part of who they are. Everyone understands love and most have an intimate understanding of what true romantic love is.
“The task we are given is to evoke within the audience that feeling of love and have them believe that we are in love, and that would go whether our characters were gay, straight or other.
“There is no degree of difficulty added because these characters are gay. This is our job and we work bloody hard to do it the best we can – with the hope of honoring the story we have been given the responsibility of telling.
“Finally, the love I felt last night at @sydneymardigras was overwhelming and that love filled energy had no sexuality or gender.
“Love is universal and transcends boundaries. I hope that the love between David and Aaron feels real for you all and that as that love grows and is tested that @mattywilson and I continue to make you believe in #Daaron #✌🏼 #🏳️🌈 #♥️ #mardigras2019 #love #everyoneiswelcomeonramsaystreet”