Actor Sean Penn, who famously portrayed gay activist Harvey Milk in a 2008 film, lamented that he would not be chosen for the role today due to Hollywood's 'timid and artless' policy that does not cast straight actors to play gay characters. In a wide-ranging interview with the New York Times, Penn reflected on his role as the lead character in the acclaimed film, 'Milk,' which detailed the life of the first openly gay man elected as a public official in California.
No. It could not happen in a time like this,' he told the Times. 'It’s a time of tremendous overreach. It’s a timid and artless policy toward the human imagination.' Since 'Milk,' Penn said he 'went 15 years miserable on sets.' ''Milk' was the last time I had a good time,' he remarked. The debate over whether a heterosexual actor should be cast for gay roles has divided Hollywood stars.