Recently, Out Magazine’ celebrated their 30th anniversary.
Former editor Jeffrey Epstein—a different one!—commented he enjoyed the story “The Rock Goes Gay!” adding Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was “one of the nicest, smartest humans I have ever interviewed.”
Epstein tweeted:
"To celebrate @outmagazine’s 30th anniversary, I pulled out a few of my favorite cover stories I wrote during my time as an editor… (in no particular order)"
"@TheRock / Dwayne Johnson - For the film “Be Cool.” One of the nicest, smartest humans I have ever interviewed."
"Met at a downtown NYC restaurant. Just him. No entourage. A class act."
Johnson tweeted a reponse:
"Jeff, thanks man so much for these very kind words."
"I always say, 'it’s nice to be important, but more important to be nice'."
"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*ck off'."
"Nicely of course 😊"
As the movie—the lamentably mediocre Be Cool (2005)—has virtually vanished into pop-culture obscurity, many people were surprised to hear Johnson had been “gay-for-pay,” and he didn’t let naysayers talk him out of the role.
In Be Cool, Johnson plays a gay man wannabe-movie-star who happens to be the bodyguard for the main rival of John Travolta’s lead, a music producer. The film was a sequel to the far more successful film Get Shorty.
Be Cool is not a recommendable film, as evidenced by its trailer, and only cursory attempts are made to offset the many stereotypes Johnson’s and many others' characters embodies.
See for yourself:
After his tweet, people appreciated Johnson's attitude in the past and now:
Perfect example of being nice to everyone! (whether you're famous or not). Love how humble the guy was and is now 💪💪😎
— jpegaccountant (@jpegaccountant) July 31, 2022
now that’s a reaction of a man that’s got his ego in total control 👍🏻💪🏻
and look at your career now 👀✨🚀
i dont have to say it but ..you ROCK
— #Robbiehadjenietgedachthe! (@OldbBlazzurk) August 2, 2022
Others commented ignoring the advice of Hollywood influencers has served Johnson well in other areas:
Are those the same masterminds who told you keeping a big physique would limit your roles and box-office potential?
— GoodFellas book right’chere (@goodfellasbook) July 31, 2022
As a fan of yours in WWE, ‘Be Cool’ was the point I knew you were going to make it big in movies. Gay or not, the commitment to making that character real was an eye opener.
— Nathan Patrech (@ACOPNate) August 1, 2022
