Nathan Lane says ‘homophobia is alive and well’ in Hollywood

‘If they give me a chance, I seem to do well – but you have to get the part’ … Nathan Lane. Photograph: Suki Dhanda/the Observer

The Producers star Nathan Lane says that “homophobia is alive and well” in Hollywood and that being an out gay actor cost him roles.

In an interview with Vanity Fair, Lane said that his breakthrough film role in the 1996 comedy The Birdcage, in which he played a flamboyant drag queen in a long-term relationship with Robin Williams’ club-owner, failed to lead to a significant movie acting career, reporting that his then agent told him: “Maybe if you weren’t so open about your lifestyle, it would have.”