Rising star Harry Cook discusses coming out, homophobia

Rising star Harry Cook came out in a YouTube video last December, just days after Tom Daley released his own “coming out” video, and has since moved from Australia to LA to further his hotly-tipped acting career. I gave him a call to find out more about his forthcoming film Drown, a powerful drama which tackles homophobia head-on, as well as his views on coming out and LGBT rights generally.

First of all, can you tell me a little bit about Drown – and when those of us in the UK catch it?
“Yeah! Drown is a movie about a group of surf lifesavers in a small town in Australia who brutally attack the new lifesaver for being openly gay. It’s a story about homophobia and pack mentality and the overall decision people who witness homophobia have – which is to stand by and let it happen, or to stand up and do something. My character has that decision. It’s a really intense movie but one that will definitely get people talking.”

As a gay actor, did you feel conflicted about taking on the role of a straight man involved in the physical attack of a gay man?
“Definitely! It was a difficult decision because on the one hand I really loved the script and everything it stood for in terms of exposing homophobia. But playing a somewhat homophobic straight character was a difficult choice for me, because I wasn’t sure how hard it would be in the moment, filming some of the scenes. I’m glad I got to play the character that I got to play, though, and I’m really proud of the film.”

Have you ever been a victim of homophobic bullying yourself – and if so, what would your advice be to those experiencing it?
“Through school I was bullied, not for being gay because back in school I kept quiet. But I was bullied at school nonetheless. It’s not fun. Anyone who is experiencing any form of bullying or homophobia, you should know that there is help. Tell someone about it. Report it and know that it will be OK.”

It feels like there’s buzz building around your performance in Drown. Are you feeling it?
“Thank you! It’s exciting! I’d love for the film as a whole to get the recognition it deserves. A film like this hasn’t been made as yet – it’s a raw, horrific look at the lengths homophobia can go, and how everyone has a part to play in it. Bystanders don’t get let off the hook.”

Ian Thorpe, a huge name in Australian sport, recently came out during a TV interview – how has the reaction been over there in his home country?
“I’m living in LA now so I don’t know the full extent of the response back home, but I’ve heard mixed things. Some people are incredibly proud and grateful that he did it and others – I heard that most of the backlash has come from the gay community surprisingly – have been quite nasty about it, which I find ironic.”

What do you mean exactly?
“People in the public eye can have a huge impact on gay rights when they are open about themselves and their sexuality. So to shut people down and say ‘we already knew’ or ‘why is this necessary?’ is ridiculous. It is completely necessary for public figures to be open about themselves. LGBTQ rights have come a long way, but we are nowhere near where we should be in this day and age. So I reckon everyone should be as supportive as possible.”

Did you experience anything like this when you came out?
“It’s interesting to me that a huge part of the backlash when someone comes out is coming from within the gay community. When I came out the only nasty responses I got were from the gay community. The majority of responses I got were kind, but when there was a nasty comment it came from someone who was openly gay basically saying I should shut up and that no one cares. It’s sad because in order for gay rights to go forward we all should kinda be on the same team supporting each other, don’t you think?”

You came out on YouTube last December – and you actually released your “coming out” video shortly after Tom Daley’s. Was your decision to come out inspired by his at all?
“I actually had the video saved on my laptop for probably about two months before I decided to post it. When Tom Daley came out and I saw the support from everyone, it pushed me that little bit more forward into going through with it. It’s a scary thing, but I don’t regret it for a second. I couldn’t be happier.”

Recently, actor Luke Grimes reportedly left US vampire drama True Blood because he didn’t want to play a gay character, and was apparently worried about being typecast in gay roles in the future. Do you think when we have gay actors such as Matt Bomer and Zachary Quinto experiencing huge success, that playing gay roles can still negatively affect an actor’s career?
“I think it’s silly to not take work because the character is gay. As actors, our job is to play different people from all walks of life. I think it’s kind of lame to turn down any work for a reason like that. It would be like saying ‘Oh I won’t take work in Finding Nemo because I’m not a fish and I’m worried I will be typecast as a fish’. I think it’s silly.”

In Australia, the current Abbot government is publicly against same-sex marriage. How does it feel to come from a country run by a government that denies you the right to embrace who you are in this way?
“It makes me so mad! It’s really disappointing when Australia’s history has a path of discrimination and it’s as if they have learnt nothing over the years. Hate is hate; discrimination is discrimination, regardless of who is being targeted. So yeah it’s really disappointing. I have been in a loving relationship with my partner Liam Davis for nearly four years and would love to get married back home. It’s not really fair to say that the sanctity of marriage would be ruined. Straight people aren’t exactly doing a bang up job of it. It’s not like we are asking for any special privileges. Just the same rights as everyone else.”

You say you’re currently living in LA, and the US is obviously known for having vocal critics of the LGBT community. How have you found the experience of living there as a gay man?
“So far, I’ve found it perfectly fine. I will say it’s nice being in a country where the government is pushing for equality. Back in Australia it feels very unappealing knowing that the people running the country are basically against you.”

I know you met up with Jesse Tyler Ferguson recently. Modern Family has received criticism from some people in the gay community, who think argue that the show is furthering the stereotype of “campy” gay men – what would you say to those critics?
“Yeah, Jesse and his husband are really, really nice guys. As for the critics, I don’t really know what to say. I think a balance is a good thing. Having camp gay characters and not so camp gay characters on screen will hopefully show the world that gay people are exactly the same as everyone else, regardless of who we choose to love. We are just as boring and normal as straight people. Just a bit better at dressing ourselves. Ha! Just kidding!”

Since coming out, you must receive a lot of male attention on social media. Have you ever had any truly weird messages or comments?
“Yeah there are some strange people out there on the internet. I don’t know about the ‘weirdest’ but there’s been a few!”

Finally, if you could work with anyone in the industry, who would it be?
“Meryl Streep!”

Drown is due for release later this year. You can follow Harry on Twitter here.