Barrett Foa, beloved by audiences from his long-running role as Eric Beale on NCIS: Los Angeles, is now making history—and he’s doing it with style and pride.
In a heartfelt and celebratory Instagram post, Foa opened up about the significance of playing the first gay First Gentleman of the United States on Netflix’s buzzworthy series The Residence.
“It’s been an honor to portray the first gay First Gentleman of the United States of America on television,” Foa wrote, playfully asking his followers, “Does that make me FGFGOTUS?” along with a rainbow flag emoji and a wink.
Beyond humor, his message underscores a powerful sentiment: representation matters more than ever.
He expressed deep gratitude towards the show’s creator, Paul William Davies, for crafting a diverse universe where all identities are represented without question or commentary—where individuals simply “exist” authentically, without needing to justify their presence.
Foa also extended thanks to his co-star, Paul Fitzgerald, for not only portraying the perfect presidential partner but also forging what he calls a “fabulously fierce friendship.”
+Related: ‘The Residence’ Welcomes TV’s First Gay POTUS
Reflecting on the deeper meaning of his role, Foa shared an insightful quote from his recent interview with The Daily Beast, stating, “It took me years to figure out that I can let myself be me—however that might manifest. And here I have this role that I can bring my whole self to and not have to hide any shades of me. It’s really lovely living your truth.”
He further acknowledged the role that safety and inclusivity play in living openly, thanking Shondaland and Netflix for championing a workplace where diversity is genuinely celebrated.
Adding an intriguing personal note, Foa gave a special shout-out to Chasten Buttigieg, husband of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, whose autobiography deeply informed his portrayal of First Gentleman Elliot Morgan.
“Your autobiography was enlightening research into the character of Elliott Morgan,” wrote Foa, humorously concluding, “And may you be a more decisive FGOTUS than poor Elliott.”
This groundbreaking role is not just a professional milestone for Foa, but a meaningful statement about visibility, acceptance, and the authenticity of LGBTQ+ narratives in mainstream entertainment.
With Foa’s portrayal resonating with audiences worldwide, his historic performance on The Residence has firmly established him not only as a cherished actor but also as a powerful advocate for authentic storytelling and representation.
+Related: Pete Buttigieg Prioritizes Kids & Husband Chasten Over Politics