FIC(ish): Interview: Gerard Way (MCR, Gerard/Frank)
FIC(ish): Interview: Gerard Way (Hollywood!AU)
Pairing/rating: Frank/Gerard, PG (I know, who even am I, but you'll see why when you read it)
Notes: This was actually the epilogue to a bandomreversebb fic I ended up scrapping and never writing. But the night I thought of the story idea, I wrote this epilogue, and I finally decided to just post it. I'm never going to write the whole fic, but I may just play in this sandbox every now and then, because I love this world. WHO KNOWS! But here it is. ENJOY, I GUESS. (1600 words) (With big thanks to mistresscurvy for her encouragement! <3)
***
Academy Award Nominee, Out Gay Actor Gerard Way opens up in a candid interview about his career, his struggles, and even the love of his life. - by Michaelis Tzapanoviz
Gerard Way walks into the Beverly Hills Hotel looking more like a rock star than Hollywood star in black jeans, leather jacket, and stomping boots, but that's nothing new. This successful actor has never conformed to Hollywood expectations of a leading man, and yet somehow managed to carve out for himself a stellar career, and an even better reputation as the nicest guy in town. He smiles and waves when he notices me, and I won't lie - tiny little butterflies do appear in the pit of my jaded belly. He hasn't been part of every "sexiest man alive" list for three years for nothing.
We shake hands, I introduce myself. Right away, he charms me by asking of the origin. Didn't I say? Nicest guy.
We both get coffees - it's the middle of the day, after all, and Way has also gone on record as saying he hardly drinks. In this town? You have to have the nerves of steel to stay dry.
Way: Not really. It's better this way. I don't have to worry about embarrassing myself at any events, for instance.
He smiles in a way that speaks of experience with the reverse, but that isn't what we're here to discuss.
Out: Gerard, you are, clearly, an anomaly in Hollywood, having come into fame while openly gay. Was that something you struggled with?
Way: Oh, sure. Of course. When you first start out in Hollywood, there's a lot of pressure not to be yourself, to conform, to play up to the cameras, and it's only gotten worse. I didn't want that. I wanted to be honest. I was already in a relationship, there was no way I was denying it, or worse - breaking up with him to get my career going. That was just never gonna happen.
Out: Was there pressure to?
Way: My first agent flat-out told me, "break up, get a beard, you'll get big in no time." I fired him.
Out: Good for you.
Way: (shrugs) Frank moved across the country for me. I wasn't going to pretend like he didn't exist. That was never in the cards. My publicists now know it, nobody even dares say anything.
Out: And it hasn't hurt your career any.
Way: Yeah. I've been really lucky that way.
Out: But you did struggle, for years.
Way: Everybody does. I think it's kind of unnatural to succeed right away, you gotta fucking work for that shit, man, you know?
(At this point, Way takes out a cigarette and then looks around him. I point out the no-smoking sign over the booth, and he sags down, putting the packet and lighter on the table next to him. "In a minute," he smiles.)
Out: You've talked in the past of your time in New York and how hard it was to find work as a screen actor. Can you elaborate?
Way: Sure. I mean, New York is a great place, but if you wanna be an actor in film, you just can't stay there. New York is all stage, and the only shit they film there are court procedurals and Hollywood films on location. There's no base there for screen actors.
Out: Of course, you've done your share of court procedurals before breaking through.
Way: (wry smile) Of course. I was that guy for years. But I only started getting the parts when I moved to LA.
Out: So, let's talk more about you being out. How did that impede you at first?
Way is thoughtful for a long moment, fiddling with his coffee cup.
Way: I guess people weren't willing to give me a chance if all I was going to do was come right out and say I'm not a bachelor on the prowl. I wasn't willing to hide, like I said.
Out: Do many others hide at first?
Way: Well, I've definitely seen it enough to last me a lifetime. Men and women who never come out, who hide behind publicists and beards, and it makes me sad. I mean, look. I'm not gonna tell anybody how to live their lives, it's none of my business. I just worry about the kids, you know? All the kids who are growing up still believing that they won't be able to achieve a dream just because they're gay. It shouldn't be like that.
Out: So, what happened?
Way: I met Dustin [Lance Black] at a party and he was talking about a part he thought I could audition for. It sounded tremendous to me. I knew that if I nailed it, it could really be something, you know?
Out: Of course. And you did.
Way: (smiles) I totally did. The feeling was incredible.
Out: And you earned yourself a Golden Globe nod after your very first supporting role [playing Trevor Stuart in the critically acclaimed Once]. How did that feel?
Way: (shaking his head) Surreal. I couldn't believe it, it felt so weird. I had to call my brother and my mom and be, like, uh, I think I made it? (laughs)
Out: So, your boyfriend. Let's talk about that.
Way: Hmmm, must we?
Out: Yes.
Way: (laughs) All right, but I'm timing you. You've got two minutes. And - go.
Out: Is he supportive of your career?
Way: (turning serious) Absolutely. He's been amazing. We've been in LA for six years now, and we struggled for the first three. He was always my rock, always there.
Out: That's wonderful. And he never resents your success, then?
Way: No, no, there's never been… No, he does his own thing, he's a musician, so he tours a lot, records with a bunch of bands - he's never idle, always working, and we're both similar in that way. We always need to be doing something. He's happy.
Out: Do I have time for another question?
Way: (squints at his watch) 30 seconds. Go.
Out: How does he feel about you both being so much out there, photographed from all angles at all times, the paparazzi following you around? Has he gotten used to it?
Way: Honestly, I don't think you can get used to it, and if you have, there's something seriously wacked about you. But we've learned to roll with it. If I'm out there, I'm out there being myself, and I've got nothing to hide. Do I want privacy? Of course I do. Who doesn't? Do I want privacy for us both? Hell yes. But we built a tall fence and when we're in, we're in. Nobody can touch us there.
Out: Are you planning on taking a break together anytime soon, or is it all work, work, work?
Way: Frank's biological clock is ticking. So, pretty soon, we're gonna be thinking about kids. I'm wrapping up a couple of projects right now, Frank's recording an album. But then, I've already been informed that there's an enforced vacation in our future.
Out: Okay, now back to you. Have you been at all worried about being type-cast in the role of gay men?
Way: Yes and no. I've luckily had success with straight roles, so I don't think it's going to be an issue, but of course, you never know. People fall in and out of favor all the time in Hollywood, it's kind of how the game goes. But listen, even if I wind up playing gay men for the rest of my life, is that such a bad thing? There's not enough… There's not enough visibility out there. Not enough people are going to see movies and saying, that's me, this is who I am. So if I can make some kid in the Midwest go see a film and feel better about being who he is, I'm happy. I'd love to be doing that for the rest of my life. I will have done something great, really been a part of something.
Out: Will we be seeing you on television anytime soon? So many great new parts are now on the small screen.
Way: Maybe. I'm not discounting anything, really. I'm just reading the parts I get sent, and going after the ones I desperately want.
Out: Anything new on the horizon you can tell us about?
Way: (scrunches up his face) Nah. Frank actually tells me I need to stop talking out of my ass so much because everything's on record, so I'd rather not say.
Out: He should be your PR rep!
Way: Trust me, they both get along.
I laugh. It's almost time to wrap up, I realize, looking at the clock. Time for the lightning round, I tell him.
Way: Oh, boy. All right. I'm ready.
Out: You sure?
Way: Hit me.
Out: Okay.
Five Questions With Gerard Way:
Favorite Food: A really good turkey and avocado sandwich on Rye
Favorite Tune: We Will Rock You. Nothing beats a classic like that.
Key to a great relationship: Love, respect, accountability. And really great sex. Wait, don't print that, Frank's gonna kill me. (Sorry, Gerard, you'll just have to make it up to him!)
Key to a successful career: Don't fucking bullshit. Want it. If you want it for the right reasons, it'll happen.
Last Thing You Do Before You Fall Asleep at Night: Kiss Frank. Aww. I know.
For more, visit www.out-magazine.com/interview/gerard+way
Pairing/rating: Frank/Gerard, PG (I know, who even am I, but you'll see why when you read it)
Notes: This was actually the epilogue to a bandomreversebb fic I ended up scrapping and never writing. But the night I thought of the story idea, I wrote this epilogue, and I finally decided to just post it. I'm never going to write the whole fic, but I may just play in this sandbox every now and then, because I love this world. WHO KNOWS! But here it is. ENJOY, I GUESS. (1600 words) (With big thanks to mistresscurvy for her encouragement! <3)
***
Academy Award Nominee, Out Gay Actor Gerard Way opens up in a candid interview about his career, his struggles, and even the love of his life. - by Michaelis Tzapanoviz
Gerard Way walks into the Beverly Hills Hotel looking more like a rock star than Hollywood star in black jeans, leather jacket, and stomping boots, but that's nothing new. This successful actor has never conformed to Hollywood expectations of a leading man, and yet somehow managed to carve out for himself a stellar career, and an even better reputation as the nicest guy in town. He smiles and waves when he notices me, and I won't lie - tiny little butterflies do appear in the pit of my jaded belly. He hasn't been part of every "sexiest man alive" list for three years for nothing.
We shake hands, I introduce myself. Right away, he charms me by asking of the origin. Didn't I say? Nicest guy.
We both get coffees - it's the middle of the day, after all, and Way has also gone on record as saying he hardly drinks. In this town? You have to have the nerves of steel to stay dry.
Way: Not really. It's better this way. I don't have to worry about embarrassing myself at any events, for instance.
He smiles in a way that speaks of experience with the reverse, but that isn't what we're here to discuss.
Out: Gerard, you are, clearly, an anomaly in Hollywood, having come into fame while openly gay. Was that something you struggled with?
Way: Oh, sure. Of course. When you first start out in Hollywood, there's a lot of pressure not to be yourself, to conform, to play up to the cameras, and it's only gotten worse. I didn't want that. I wanted to be honest. I was already in a relationship, there was no way I was denying it, or worse - breaking up with him to get my career going. That was just never gonna happen.
Out: Was there pressure to?
Way: My first agent flat-out told me, "break up, get a beard, you'll get big in no time." I fired him.
Out: Good for you.
Way: (shrugs) Frank moved across the country for me. I wasn't going to pretend like he didn't exist. That was never in the cards. My publicists now know it, nobody even dares say anything.
Out: And it hasn't hurt your career any.
Way: Yeah. I've been really lucky that way.
Out: But you did struggle, for years.
Way: Everybody does. I think it's kind of unnatural to succeed right away, you gotta fucking work for that shit, man, you know?
(At this point, Way takes out a cigarette and then looks around him. I point out the no-smoking sign over the booth, and he sags down, putting the packet and lighter on the table next to him. "In a minute," he smiles.)
Out: You've talked in the past of your time in New York and how hard it was to find work as a screen actor. Can you elaborate?
Way: Sure. I mean, New York is a great place, but if you wanna be an actor in film, you just can't stay there. New York is all stage, and the only shit they film there are court procedurals and Hollywood films on location. There's no base there for screen actors.
Out: Of course, you've done your share of court procedurals before breaking through.
Way: (wry smile) Of course. I was that guy for years. But I only started getting the parts when I moved to LA.
Out: So, let's talk more about you being out. How did that impede you at first?
Way is thoughtful for a long moment, fiddling with his coffee cup.
Way: I guess people weren't willing to give me a chance if all I was going to do was come right out and say I'm not a bachelor on the prowl. I wasn't willing to hide, like I said.
Out: Do many others hide at first?
Way: Well, I've definitely seen it enough to last me a lifetime. Men and women who never come out, who hide behind publicists and beards, and it makes me sad. I mean, look. I'm not gonna tell anybody how to live their lives, it's none of my business. I just worry about the kids, you know? All the kids who are growing up still believing that they won't be able to achieve a dream just because they're gay. It shouldn't be like that.
Out: So, what happened?
Way: I met Dustin [Lance Black] at a party and he was talking about a part he thought I could audition for. It sounded tremendous to me. I knew that if I nailed it, it could really be something, you know?
Out: Of course. And you did.
Way: (smiles) I totally did. The feeling was incredible.
Out: And you earned yourself a Golden Globe nod after your very first supporting role [playing Trevor Stuart in the critically acclaimed Once]. How did that feel?
Way: (shaking his head) Surreal. I couldn't believe it, it felt so weird. I had to call my brother and my mom and be, like, uh, I think I made it? (laughs)
Out: So, your boyfriend. Let's talk about that.
Way: Hmmm, must we?
Out: Yes.
Way: (laughs) All right, but I'm timing you. You've got two minutes. And - go.
Out: Is he supportive of your career?
Way: (turning serious) Absolutely. He's been amazing. We've been in LA for six years now, and we struggled for the first three. He was always my rock, always there.
Out: That's wonderful. And he never resents your success, then?
Way: No, no, there's never been… No, he does his own thing, he's a musician, so he tours a lot, records with a bunch of bands - he's never idle, always working, and we're both similar in that way. We always need to be doing something. He's happy.
Out: Do I have time for another question?
Way: (squints at his watch) 30 seconds. Go.
Out: How does he feel about you both being so much out there, photographed from all angles at all times, the paparazzi following you around? Has he gotten used to it?
Way: Honestly, I don't think you can get used to it, and if you have, there's something seriously wacked about you. But we've learned to roll with it. If I'm out there, I'm out there being myself, and I've got nothing to hide. Do I want privacy? Of course I do. Who doesn't? Do I want privacy for us both? Hell yes. But we built a tall fence and when we're in, we're in. Nobody can touch us there.
Out: Are you planning on taking a break together anytime soon, or is it all work, work, work?
Way: Frank's biological clock is ticking. So, pretty soon, we're gonna be thinking about kids. I'm wrapping up a couple of projects right now, Frank's recording an album. But then, I've already been informed that there's an enforced vacation in our future.
Out: Okay, now back to you. Have you been at all worried about being type-cast in the role of gay men?
Way: Yes and no. I've luckily had success with straight roles, so I don't think it's going to be an issue, but of course, you never know. People fall in and out of favor all the time in Hollywood, it's kind of how the game goes. But listen, even if I wind up playing gay men for the rest of my life, is that such a bad thing? There's not enough… There's not enough visibility out there. Not enough people are going to see movies and saying, that's me, this is who I am. So if I can make some kid in the Midwest go see a film and feel better about being who he is, I'm happy. I'd love to be doing that for the rest of my life. I will have done something great, really been a part of something.
Out: Will we be seeing you on television anytime soon? So many great new parts are now on the small screen.
Way: Maybe. I'm not discounting anything, really. I'm just reading the parts I get sent, and going after the ones I desperately want.
Out: Anything new on the horizon you can tell us about?
Way: (scrunches up his face) Nah. Frank actually tells me I need to stop talking out of my ass so much because everything's on record, so I'd rather not say.
Out: He should be your PR rep!
Way: Trust me, they both get along.
I laugh. It's almost time to wrap up, I realize, looking at the clock. Time for the lightning round, I tell him.
Way: Oh, boy. All right. I'm ready.
Out: You sure?
Way: Hit me.
Out: Okay.
Five Questions With Gerard Way:
Favorite Food: A really good turkey and avocado sandwich on Rye
Favorite Tune: We Will Rock You. Nothing beats a classic like that.
Key to a great relationship: Love, respect, accountability. And really great sex. Wait, don't print that, Frank's gonna kill me. (Sorry, Gerard, you'll just have to make it up to him!)
Key to a successful career: Don't fucking bullshit. Want it. If you want it for the right reasons, it'll happen.
Last Thing You Do Before You Fall Asleep at Night: Kiss Frank. Aww. I know.
For more, visit www.out-magazine.com/interview/gerard+way