AE: I almost lost my marbles when you were cuddling up with that woman in the first episode, but then it made sense for that character and what’s happening to him.
BB: Oh, exactly, and look what happened back then. And it still happens today.
AE: With Republican politicians.
BB: Exactly, or Governors of New Jersey. I think it’s a shame and I think what’s good about it is it’s showing people, kind of like in Brokeback Mountain in a way, because where you like, they should be together. They should be able to be who they are, but because of society how it was and sometimes how people, even today, conceive it. You know, they don’t. They try to conform.
AE: Obviously we gay men today are of a much different generation than Salvatore, but did you still have any experience like his?
BB: Oh, God, yeah. I was so closeted when I was in high school and college and tried to suppress everything. I had lovely, lovely girlfriends and I’m still friends with them. But you know, and I was very fortunate. I met my partner very early on and we’ve been living together ever since.
AE: How many years?
BB: Nineteen.
Bryan with his partner Tom Cianfichi
Photo credit: Wire Image/Kevin Parry
AE: We’ve been together sixteen.
BB: Oh, congrats! So you know.
AE: Are you getting married?
BB: We’re thinking about it. We’re thinking about it. It’s very funny because Tom said, “Aren’t we already?” And I said, “Well, not really.” We went to our lawyer and drew up everything a while ago and registered as domestic partners, but as far as taking the next step, I think we will eventually.
AE: We are doing an article about what it’s like to be an out actor in Hollywood versus Broadway where you got your start. There’s this idea that it’s much easier to be out in New York.
BB: Oh, yeah. It’s understood and also there is such a – I do believe there is still some homophobia out there. I think it’s also among some casting people, you know, if they know you’re gay, it’s, “Uh-oh.”
AE: Are there other Broadway stars such as Paolo Szot’s who just officially came out?
BB: Oh, that [news] just came out? Someone told me that yesterday and . . .
AE: We got the confirmation from his publicist and went with it.
BB: That’s so great and I hope it doesn’t cause any problem because he’s so great and what’s the difference? You’re playing a role. And how many straight men are playing gay? But that’s okay, you know? What I love about Matt [Weiner] is Matt wanted a gay actor playing this part. He didn’t want someone pretending and he didn’t want someone just acting gay. He wanted a real gay actor.
AE: So do you think even on Broadway, given that Paolo hadn’t really been . . .
BB: I don’t think it really matters. I’d love to believe it doesn’t, so I’m going with that. I think if we put that out there, it might convince people.
