The film version of the award-winning LGBTQ+ revival play arrives on Netflix this September 30. The Boys In The Band features the biggest queer stars of today’s generation, but who exactly appears in the film? Read on to know more about the cast, including who they’re playing and where you might have seen them before.
Based on Mart Crowley’s 1968 play of the same title, The Boys In The Band tells the story of gay friends gathered to celebrate a friend’s birthday. The night takes a turnaround when a phone game of “Truth or Dare” exposes their hidden pasts and unspoken feelings. The tension grows further when a person unexpectedly crashes at the party.
In 1970, its first film adaptation was made, and it starred the same ensemble cast from the original play. For the 2020 movie version, none of the cast are new to the source material. The same actors who took roles in the critically-acclaimed revival play will reprise their characters for the new adaptation.
The Boys In The Band Cast:
Jim Parsons as Michael
Parsons plays Michael, a screenwriter whose apartment is regularly used as a gathering place for his friends. He struggles with overspending and has a drinking problem.
To date, Parson is best known for his performance as Sheldon Cooper on popular sitcom The Big Bang Theory. He played the character from 2007-2019, winning four Emmys in the process. He recently appeared in a main role on Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series Hollywood.
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Zachary Quinto as Harold
Quinto returns as Harold, whose birthday is being celebrated during the film. At first, he appears to be more at peace with his identity and disadvantages. However, his vulnerability will be tested after sharing insults with Michael ] over his age and Jewish heritage.
Quinto is well-known for playing Spock in the recent run of Star Trek movies. His other notable appearances include antagonist Sylar on popular sci-fi show Heroes and a recurring role on 24. Recently, he has starred in a horror series titled NOS4A2.
Image credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
Matt Bomer as Donald
Previously romantically involved with Michael, Donald (Bomer) still maintains a very close relationship with him, although only as friends. They often prevent each other from connecting with new people. He works as a house-cleaner in Eastern Long Island.
Bomer has had supporting roles in movies including In Time, Magic Mike and The Nice Guys. He was also previously nominated for an Emmy for his role in the film, The Normal Heart. He recently appeared in the fifth season of American Horror Story and in the third series of The Sinner.
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Andrew Rannels as Larry
Rannels portrays Larry, a commercial artist who is currently in a two-year long relationship with Hank. Although long, the relationship is threatened to be torn apart due to Larry’s inexcusable casual affairs.
Rannels famous works include his broadway productions of Hairspray, Hamilton, Hedwig and the Angry Inch and Jersey Boys. He also received two Tony nominations for his performances in The Book of Mormon and Falsettos.
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Charlie Carver as Cowboy
A sex worker who is introduced as a birthday gift for Harold, he (Carver) finds himself involved amidst the drama at the party. Initially coming across as naïve, it soon becomes apparent that he also has ways of looking at the world.
Carver first found fame in playing Porter Scavo on Desperate Housewives. Since then, he has acquired notable roles on shows such as The Leftovers and Teen Wolf. He recently starred as a part of the main cast for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest prequel, Ratched.
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Robin de Jesus as Emory
De Jesus plays Emory, a decorator and is one of the most vocal members of the group. He often finds himself on the end of abuse not just because of his sexuality, but because of his Latinx heritage.
De Jesús most prominent roles come from Broadway. He was nominated for a Tony Award on three separate occasions, including for his role in The Boys in the Band. He also appeared in Wicked and Rent, and will have a role in Lin Manuel Miranda’s directorial debut, Tick, Tick…Boom!.
Image credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
Michael Benjamin Washington as Bernard
A librarian, Bernard (Washington) is incredibly thoughtful and comes across as fair-minded and honest. He faces the challenge of navigating both the world of his white friends and the Black community of New York – each sphere having their own prejudices.
On screen, Washington has appeared on 30 Rock, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and most recently in Ratched. On Broadway, he played roles for Fires in the Mirror, La Cage Aux Folles and Mamma Mia!.
Image credit: Ron Adar / Shutterstock.com
Tuc Watkins as Hank
Watkins plays Hank, a teacher who left his wife and children to start a relationship with Larry. Hank disagrees with Larry’s desire for an open relationship. He was mistakenly taken as a straight man by Alan when he first arrives at the party.
Watkins is best known for his roles as David Vickers on One Life to Live and Bob Hunter on Desperate Housewives. Other appearances have included It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Parks and Recreation, and Black Monday.
Image credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com
Brian Hutchison as Alan
Alan (Hutchison) is the old college roommate of Michael who turns up at the party unaware of his friend’s sexuality. Now a married father and a lawyer, Alan is appalled but intrigued by what he comes to witness unravelling at the party.
Hutchison appeared on shows such as Blue Bloods, Madam Secretary, Chicago Med, Jessica Jones, Elementary, and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. His recent appearances include The Sinner, FBI: Most Wanted and Lisey’s Story.
The Boys In The Band Trailer
The film will hit Netflix on September 30, 2020 so you don’t have to wait long to check out your favorite cast member.