"I like to think of myself as more than a head of hair or a set of looks. It's demeaning. Yes, in some ways you could argue I've been employed for a look I have. But there's a sexism that happens towards men. At some point during photo shoots when I'm asked to strip down, I felt that. If I felt I was being employed just for my looks, I'd stop acting."Kit Harington from Game of Thrones. While he never got naked on "Thrones," he's making up for it in London's West End with Dr. Faustusand you can see what he's been hiding on BillyMasters.com .
The sad saga of Richard Simmons continues. Days ago, Simmons' housekeeper noted that her boss was "acting strangely." She called 911 to report "bizarre behavior," and paramedics were dispatched from the LA Fire Department. They determined he should be brought to the hospital for further evaluation. Reportedly, he was released the next day and returned home. Shortly thereafter, a string of posts appeared on his Twitter account regarding disjointed subjects like the killing of gorilla Harambe or the release of some new emojis. Stay tuned...
The story of Christian rocker Trey Pearson is an interesting one. He's the lead singer of the Columbus-based band Everyday Sunday, which he founded in 1997. He's also married to a woman and has two kids. But he always felt something wasn't right. And as time went on, less and less was right. His relationship with his wife was strained and a proposed tour with his band was abruptly cancelled. Trey tried to make ends meet by driving for Uber. During one of his trips, he met a writer and just began telling his story. That's how it all started. "I never wanted to be gay. I was scared of what God would think and what all of these people I loved would think about me," he wrote in his coming out letter. As a result of his revelation, he's getting a flurry of attentionand a gig! Everyday Sunday will be headlining Columbus Pride on Friday, June 17.
Bette Midler is doing her due diligence in preparing the role of Dolly Levi. While she has watched virtually every filmed performance of Hello, Dolly at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, she also went to the horse's mouth by visiting Carol Channing. Now, THAT'S how you do your research. The fact that Channing won the Tony for "Dolly" over Streisand in Funny Girl, only to have Babs snap up the film version of "Dolly" adds to the circuitous nature of life in the theater ( to say nothing of Bette doing her remake of Gypsy 23 years ago ).
Streisand has just been added to the list of presenters for the upcoming Tony Awards. I'm sure the fact that she has a tour and CD coming out is just happenstance. What surprised me is that this will be Streisand's first appearance at the awards since she won her Tony in 1970. I'm sure many you are wondering what on Earth did Babs do to win a Tony Award in 1970. She's only done two shows on BroadwayI Can Get It For You Wholesale in 1962 and Funny Girl in 1964. And she lost both of those Tonys. In 1970, the Tony committee came up with some fakakta award called "Star of the Decade"an award never given out before or since. They probably did it to ensure Barbra would show up. Maybe they're giving her something else this year"Star of the Century!"
One production that didn't get many Tony nods was Disaster: The Musical. While that disappointment led to its premature shuttering, it meant that Seth Rudetsky would be available to perform in Provincetown this summer. He will be returning for his sixth year at the PTown Art House for a season filled with fabulous folk from the world of Broadway. Seth is hosting concerts with Vanessa Williams, Megan Hilty, Judy Kuhn, Matthew Morrison, Gavin Creel, Audra McDonald and Will Swenson. The Art House will also present people like Steve Grand, Judy Gold, Marilyn Maye, Jinkx Monsoon, and our pals Varla Jean Merman and Well-Strung. You can get all the specific dates and deets at PTownArtHouse.com .
It was just announced that more than 100 props from the film Dirty Grandpa are being auctioned. When the film came out, we were flooded with photos of Zac Efron in that bumblebee jock strap ( and a few inches of what was underneath popped up on BillyMasters.com ). So we were intrigued when we saw Lot #99: Jason Kelly's Stunt Hornet Jock Strap ( Jason Kelly was the name of Zac's character ). Here is how the item is described: "A wardrobe tag reading 'Stunt Jason w/Hornet' is included. The item shows minor wear and dirt stains from storage after filming, but remains in good condition." You know what that means? With scientific technology advancing, you might be able to get some DNA out of those stains and grow your very own Zac Efronor, at the very least, his stunt double! Either way, count me in!
Nyle DiMarco is reading my column. Either that or it's just a coincidence that he suddenly addressed his romantic status days after I wrote about it. Whatever the reason, he wants the world to know he is "VERY single." He's also still sexually fluid, which means he's opening the door ( so to speak ) for both guys and dolls. But, he's not in any hurry: "A relationship is not a priority of mine but, you know, I'm hoping soon enough!" You know what that means? He wants to have sex with as many people as possible. And good for him!
Our "Ask Billy" question comes from Cody in New Mexico: "You haven't mentioned HAWT Broadway star Nick Adams in a while. What is he up to? And does he have a boyfriend?"
Last weekend, Nick performed a special Pride concert with the Boston Gay Men's Chorus. ( He went to school at the Boston Conservatory of Music. ) Next up is a San Francisco show at Feinstein's at The Nikko on June 10-11. As to his romantic status, he is in a relationship with Kyle Brown, who he met during his time in Priscilla. ( Kyle was in the ensemble. ) When Nick was cast in the national tour of Wicked as Fiyero, Kyle was his understudy. Kyle is currently in An American in Paris and, it must be said, gives Nick a run for his money in the physique departmentas you'll see from the photos on BillyMasters.com .
When the understudy has snagged the leading man ( to say nothing of his part ), it's definitely time to end yet another column. Between news about the Tonys and Provincetown, it's clear that summer is around the corner. Of course, it's always hot on www.BillyMasters.com, the site that knows no season. If you have a question for me, send it along to Billy@BillyMasters.com, and I promise to get back to you before we get our hands on Zac's stinger! So, until next time, remember: One man's filth is another man's bible.