AE: The frank way the show raised the issue of safe sex was very impressive. When I heard what the episode was about I expected some vague talk about protection, but Dave and Vicky specifically mention gay safe sex, and Dave even makes some jokes about it. Was there any concern on the part of the writers, the cast or yourself about discussing gay teenage sexuality? RM: I don't think they wanted to hold anything back despite it being unappealing subject matter, perhaps, to some viewers. If they were going to tell the story, they wanted to do it as thoroughly as possible, to really explore all the facets of a young man coming out. To be able to go to those lengths speaks very highly of the writer, Rob Lotterstein — to be able to take a risk like that, which is definitely a big risk. Besides having a young man come out, but to really go to those lengths of explaining the precautions that need to be taken is an extra step that probably didn't have to happen, but because we all felt so good about it, it seemed like the right thing to do.
AE: The scene where Dave [Michael Rapaport] tries to explain safe sex to you was hilarious, especially your facial reactions. Was it written with the hand gestures or was that improvised? RM: It was all improvised. We seem to have such a great chemistry, Mike Rapaport and myself, that when we're just flowing through stuff in the rehearsal process, we're so comfortable with each other that we pop up new ideas and share ideas. Andy Cadiff, the director, puts the strap on some things — maybe not the right use of language or something [laughs] — but he really does handle things so carefully. In the end, he knows what will play correctly and what might just be a joke for us in the rehearsal process. Most of the humor, besides what was written, was just what we were coming up with on the spot, even the very night we taped. It was a lot of fun.
AE: How much of the story line and character is due to Rob Lotterstein, The War At Home's openly gay creator and writer? RM: A tremendous amount! He created this character and gave him such a unique identity and humor and ability for people to fall in love with Kenny. I just try to layer on to everything that's written for me. The way Kenny can attach himself to the Gold family and go to them for advice is written, of course, but the manner that makes him lovable is something that Rob and I have created together, I hope.
AE: Has he coached you on playing the role or shared his experiences of being a gay teenager with you? RM: Yeah. I came to him with questions about what it was like. Being straight, I wanted to get a real, authentic perspective. One thing I remember him saying to me was imagine if the world was gay, and you had to come out as heterosexual. He was able to help me out with the thought process of what's going on for someone who might be dealing with this — the confusion, the guilty feelings, angst, all that turmoil! The ability to reveal this at such a young age is such a bold, courageous thing that I felt he really wanted to explore and share, and I'm very glad that he did because it's hopefully having an impact on a lot of young people out there.
AE: Will Kenny's role continue to be prominent on the show now that the story line is over? RM: I hope so, but I don't know so.
AE: Would you like to see more of Kenny and your boyfriend Dylan? RM: It was great to work with Jackson Rathbone [who plays Dylan]. I love it when Rob writes stuff for me, regardless of what it is — relationship stuff, friendships with Larry and the rest of the family, Mike and Anita [Barone]. Even if the story isn't explicitly gay, I think it would be fun to see how Kenny lives as a gay teenager now, the new facets of life that Kenny runs into, the things he's shocked by the more the throws himself into the community. What he could enter the Golds' house with in terms of fears, shock or excitement could make for some very interesting stories.
AE: Another show doing a good job of dealing with younger gay characters is Ugly Betty, with the character of Justin who is sort of following in your footsteps. Any thoughts on being a role model for young gay kids? RM: I just hope that as these episodes have aired, that people have been able to respond to them and not just taken it as, "Oh, this is TV. It's dreamland." I hope they've thought this is possible, this is risky to make these choices, and it's filled with so many emotions and fears. To be so young and courageous in that respect is something that is very honorable. I hope that despite all the fear, that young men will see this as a way to fly against those fears and stand up for themselves in a courageous, honorable fashion. And really, for anyone who's having any type of trouble regarding parents or anything at all, to really take a bold step to go with your heart, go with your gut and see what comes out of it rather than hiding.
