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Although he faced advice against playing a gay role early in his career, he did embrace it, showing his commitment to authenticity and breaking down industry barriers. Johnson, however, faced discouragement from some influential figures who cautioned him that playing a gay character could “ruin” his career.

In response, Johnson, in his characteristic style, boldly declared, “hold my tequila and f*ck off,” embracing the role despite the prevailing homophobia.

How Did The Rock Respond to Critics?

In a March 2005 profile and cover story in Out magazine, Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity and shared his defiance against those who advised against the role.

Well, Dwayne Johnson has kept his s*xual orientation private. The charismatic actor, known for his roles in blockbuster films like the Fast & Furious franchise and Jungle Cruise, has managed to keep his personal life relatively private.

However, there’s an intriguing chapter in his early career that sheds light on his bold choices and defiance in the face of adversity.

Did Dwayne Johnson Fearlessly Embrace a Gay Role?

In the early 2000s, Dwayne Johnson faced a pivotal moment that showcased his fearlessness and commitment to his craft.

“I always say, ‘it’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice,'” he shared. However, whether he is gay or not remains undisclosed.

In the end, Dwayne Johnson’s journey serves as an inspiring reminder that true success comes from staying true to oneself, regardless of the challenges that may arise.

(His performance was actually one of the few elements of the film that didn't get savaged by critics at the time.)

However, Johnson has just revealed that in those early stages of his acting career, he was advised by some "influential" industry people to avoid playing gay, as it could "ruin" his chances of getting bigger movie roles.

His other work has appeared in Teen Vogue, British GQ, and The Independent.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson Opens Up About Playing A Gay Character

Dwayne ’The Rock’ Johnson has spoken out about the homophobic attitudes of “influential folks” in Hollywood in response to him playing a gay character.

Johnson made the comments during an Interview with former Out editor Jeffrey R Epstein as the pair discussed Johnson’s cover and interview in the magazine in 2005 to promote his crime-comedy film Be Cool.

Johnson, who played an openly gay man named Eliot in the film, was one of his earliest film appearances.

Speaking with Epstein, Johnson opened up about the experience and highlighted the attitudes in Hollywood toward LGBTQ+ representation.

Johnson, who is known as an ally to the community, revealed that he was advised to avoid playing gay characters as it could “ruin” his chances of landing more prominent roles in the future.

“I was told back then (by a few influential folks) that playing a gay man would ‘ruin my career.’”

“I said, ‘hold my tequila and f**k off.’ Nicely, of course.”

Despite the warnings after his role in Be Cool, Johnson would later star in a wide range of best-selling films, including Gridiron Gang, the Fast & Furious franchise, Jungle Cruise, Skyscraper, Hercules, Baywatch, and Black Adam, to name a few.

Have you ever wondered about Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s s*xual orientation?

The film may not have been a massive critical success, but it played a pivotal role in establishing Johnson’s ability to take on diverse roles beyond his wrestling persona.

We have covered other celebrities’ s*xual orientations in other posts, so be sure to check them out:

How Did The Rock Reflect on the Experience?

Responding to a tweet from Jeffrey R Epstein, the former Out editor who revisited the 2005 profile, Johnson expressed gratitude and reflected on the challenges he faced.

He acknowledged the negativity surrounding the decision but stood firm, proud to take on a character that challenged stereotypes and showcased his versatility as an actor.

Contrary to the naysayers, Dwayne Johnson’s decision to play Eliot Wilhelm in Be Cool marked a stepping stone in his journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after stars.

During that time, Hollywood’s attitude towards LGBTQ+ representation was not as accepting as it is today. What makes this role significant is that Eliot Wilhelm is a gay bodyguard with aspirations in the film industry.

Was Playing a Gay Role a Career Risk for The Rock?

The Rock Played a Gay Character Despite Being Told It Would ‘Ruin’ His Career for Good

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson has been one of Hollywood's most prolific leading men for so long now, playing similar variations on the reliable, wise-cracking action hero type in Red Notice, Jungle Cruise, Hobbs & Shaw and beyond, that it's hard to remember the days when he was something of an outsider in the movie industry, breaking into acting with small roles after a stellar wrestling career in the WWE.

While of those early parts may have been a little shaky (that Scorpion King CGI in The Mummy Returns still induces nightmares today), Johnson was still hungry enough as a newcomer that he took on the kind of character work that we will likely never see from him again—including in Be Cool, the 2005 comedy sequel to Get Shorty based on Elmore Leonard's novel.

Johnson's character in Be Cool was Eliot, an openly gay Samoan man who worked as a bodyguard in the music industry and had dreams of being a star himself.

In typical Johnson fashion, he recalled "nicely" telling those industry folks to "f*** off."
Philip Ellis
Philip Ellis is Sex & Relationships Editor at Men's Health, and author of the novels We Could Be Heroes and Love & Other Scams. Back in 2005, as he transitioned from his wrestling persona to a budding actor, Johnson took on the role of Eliot Wilhelm in the crime-comedy film Be Cool.

He shared the story after his Out cover story from the Be Cool press tour resurfaced online.
His response encapsulates not only his resilience but also his commitment to breaking barriers in an industry that wasn’t always receptive to LGBTQ+ representation.
Post-Be Cool, Dwayne Johnson’s career soared to new heights. The Rock’s legacy extends far beyond the wrestling ring and the silver screen – it’s a testament to the power of authenticity and embracing diversity in all its forms.

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From action-packed films like Gridiron Gang and Skyscraper to iconic roles in the Fast & Furious franchise and the upcoming Black Adam, Johnson’s trajectory defied the stereotypes and prejudices he once confronted.
Conclusion: Is The Rock Gay?
So, is The Rock gay?

While a lot of the humor surrounding Eliot involved the kind of mid-00s gay jokes that probably wouldn't fly now, Johnson doesn't play him as a joke, committing to the character fully.