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Jesse Tyler Ferguson is looking back at the groundbreaking role that helped shape his career, and LGBTQ+ representation on television. On a recent episode of his podcast Dinners On Me, the actor opened up about what it meant to portray Mitchell Pritchett on ABCs Modern Family for 11 seasons, and the responsibility he felt to authentically represent a gay character in the primetime spotlight.Ferguson, 49, explained that the timing of his role closely paralleled his real-life advocacy for marriage equality. As marriage rights were gaining momentum in the U.S., Modern Family was helping normalize the image of two gay men raising a child on national television.Socially, things lined up, Ferguson said. I was in the trenches fighting for marriage equality, and I felt so lucky to be part of a pop culture touchstone that was part of that same fight.Holding the Weight of RepresentationFerguson didnt take the opportunity lightly. He admitted that he felt an immense amount of pressurenot just from Hollywood, but from the LGBTQ+ community itself.I felt a responsibility when I was given a role like the one I had on Modern Family to get it right and to do it with care and precision, he said. In the early seasons, we were really put on a pedestal. We were the gay couple on network television. There was this unspoken expectation to represent the community perfectly.But the actor said that kind of pressure could feel overwhelming, especially when opinions clashed about what perfect even meant.Public Displays, Private BattlesFerguson recalled one early episode that stirred criticism among LGBTQ+ viewers. His character, Mitchell, was uncomfortable showing affection to his partner, Cameron, in public. Some fans were outraged, demanding to know why the couple wasnt allowed to kiss like their straight counterparts on the show.What those critics may have missed, Ferguson said, was the emotional truth behind the moment. It wasnt about avoiding affectionit was about telling a deeper story, he explained. Mitchells discomfort came from childhood trauma, from being teased, from growing up in a world where being gay wasnt safe. Thats why it resonated. Thats what made it real.Still, the backlash was tough to navigate. I had to tune out the noise, Ferguson said. There were people who wanted me to portray the character correctlywhatever that meant. But I wanted to bring nuance, to show layers and vulnerability.A Mirror, Not a MonolithAs the show grew in popularity, so did the debate about how it portrayed gay relationships. Ferguson revealed that the loudest criticism often came from within the LGBTQ+ community itself.I heard people say, Thats not how I see a gay couple, or Hes too stereotypical, Ferguson shared. But I never claimed to represent everyone. I was playing someone I knewme.He described Mitchell as a shade of who I was, adding with a laugh, If it was stereotypical, I guess Im guilty as charged. I was basically playing myself.That authenticity, Ferguson believes, is what gave the character staying power, and helped millions of viewers, queer and otherwise, feel seen.The Unexpected Armor of VisibilityInterestingly, Ferguson said the shows success offered him a layer of unexpected protection. There was a time when Id get heckled in public, or people would say things under their breath, he said. After Modern Family, that kind of faded. People saw me as part of something they loved. It gave me a coat of armor.But even with that protection, he admits the journey wasnt always easy. The desire to please everyoneaudiences, critics, the LGBTQ+ community, often left him feeling stuck.There was no way to satisfy both camps. You had one group wanting perfection, and another wanting truth. I tried to bring both, but it wasnt always possible.A Lasting LegacyModern Family ended in 2020, but Fergusons portrayal of Mitchell Pritchett remains a cultural touchstone. Alongside Eric Stonestreets Cameron Tucker, the couple offered mainstream audiences a vision of queer love, parenting, and partnership that was rarely shown with such consistency and heart.It wasnt perfect, but it was real. And for Ferguson, thats what mattered most.Theres always going to be criticism, he said. But if even one kid saw Mitchell and thought, That could be me, then I did my job.Source

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Benito Skinner, better known as Benny Drama, is adding another gig to his already stacked summer. The comedian and actor has teamed up with Heineken to front its new 0.0 Reasons, 0.0 Judgment campaign, launched alongside the return of Heinekens non-alcoholic L0VE.L0VE cans.The campaign, which coincides with the U.S. Open, promotes moderation and inclusion in social settings. For Skinner, its about creating space where people can sip, laugh, and celebrate without pressure.A Match Made in Benny HeavenSkinner may be riding high from his hit podcast Ride with Mary Beth Barone and his role on Prime Videos Overcompensating, but he still found time to bring his humor and flair to Heinekens latest push. The brand tapped him not only for his star power but also for his ability to make audiences feel seen.Im not a day drinker, Skinner admitted when talking about why Heineken 0.0 fits his lifestyle. I want the taste, but I dont want to fall asleep in the middle of the afternoon. This way, I still get the vibe without the crash.Bennys U.S. Open Survival KitWhen asked what hes bringing to the tennis tournament, Skinner didnt hold back. His essentials include a cold Heineken 0.0, sunscreen, sunglasses, gum, a travel-sized fragrance, and, in true Benny fashion, about 12 lip balms.Hes also riding for something more personal: bestie dates. Im taking Mary Beth [Barone] to The Open, he shared. We work together all the time, but its special to have those little play dates outside of work. Thats what Im riding for: intimate, fun moments with your best friend.Style, Humor, and Zero JudgmentThe campaign also gives fans a glimpse into Skinners ever-playful sense of style. Recently, hes been racking up vintage finds on Grailed, including distressed Abercrombie jeans and a Polo Sport cutoff that, according to a friend, gave him Masshole energy.Even his glam reflects the effortless Benny vibe. For Heinekens Grand Central shoot, makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes kept his look light with a touch of powder, proving that even in the summer heat, Bennys shine comes from personality, not sweat.Cheers to a New Kind of SummerFor Heineken, the collaboration underscores a growing movement toward moderation and choice in social spaces. By enlisting Skinner, the brand leans into humor and a message that resonates far beyond the tennis courts: enjoy the moment, no judgment needed.With Heineken 0.0 on hand and Benny Drama at the helm, this years U.S. Open isnt just about the matches, its about making space for good times and balance.Source

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