Filipino actor Elijah Canlas isn’t bothered that most of his acting roles are gay!
Canlas recently guested in an interview on GMA News alongside actor Romnick Sarmenta, his co-star in his most recent queer movie ‘About Us But Not About Us’. In the interview, he was asked if he was worried that he might get typecast in gay roles considering that most of his acting gigs have LGBTQ+ themes.
“I think it’s inevitable for actors, especially if you are known for the role that you portrayed, that people think you did really well. So they will assume that he’s good at this or that, so let’s just give him roles like this,” Canlas explained in a mix of English and Tagalog. “I’ve done like three gay roles for a movie or four, and it’s been a privilege, honestly. Like, I am really thankful for the opportunity and everything to get to represent these characters, and I try them the best way I can.”
Watch Elijah Canlas in ‘How To Die Young In Manila’
However, Canlas said that he wants to take a break from taking gay roles — and for good reason. “I think at this point, this will be my last,” referring to his role in ‘About Us But Not About Us’. This is because he wants to “give more opportunities to real queer actors because there [are] a lot there that are good also, so maybe it’s time for them to get these opportunities as well.”
"I've done like three gay roles for a movie or four, and it’s been a privilege po honestly." — @elijahcanlas_ #SurpriseGuestPodcast #GMAPublicAffairs pic.twitter.com/SzF9S0BaN1
— GMA Public Affairs (@GMA_PA) May 9, 2023
