For years, Ronen Rubinstein played T.K. Strand, the openly gay firefighter at the centre of one of television’s most beloved queer relationships.
Now he is stepping into a very different uniform.
Rubinstein plays Jude Callan in S.W.A.T.: Exiles, the new Starz spinoff that brings a younger, rougher tactical team into the franchise. The series premiered on September 25.
Jude is a tactical officer with a troubled past — a long way from T.K., whose relationship with Carlos became known to fans as Tarlos.
From Tarlos to tactical action
Rubinstein’s new role offers a striking contrast with the character that made him a favourite among queer viewers.
T.K. was a gay firefighter whose story included love, family and recovery.
Jude is a wildcard with a darker history, joining a team of talented outsiders led by Shemar Moore’s Hondo Harrelson.
In a new interview, Rubinstein says he appreciates the chance to play “very badass people” while still giving them emotional depth.
For an openly bisexual actor, that range matters. Queer performers should not have to choose between playing meaningful LGBTQ+ characters and taking on action roles with physical authority.
A new chapter for Ronen Rubinstein
Rubinstein came out as bisexual in 2021, inspired in part by the experience of playing T.K. His portrayal helped make the Tarlos relationship meaningful to viewers who were used to seeing queer characters defined mainly by trauma.
Now his next role is built around danger, conflict and tactical action.
That does not erase T.K. Strand. It shows what comes after a character becomes part of queer television history.
Ronen Rubinstein can be the tender half of a beloved gay romance and a complicated action hero in the same career.
And in real life, he has the support of his wife, actor Jessica Parker Kennedy.
Read the interview at Out.
📷 @ronenrubinstein / Fox / Starz
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