Ryan Phillippe is revisiting the role that launched his career and broke barriers in television history.
At just 17 years old, Phillippe portrayed Billy Douglas on One Life to Live from 1992 to 1993, marking the first openly gay teenage character on daytime television.
In a recent interview with People, Phillippe admitted to initial fears about taking on the role during a time when LGBTQ+ representation was scarce and often stigmatized.
“I was so young that there were elements of me that were afraid because it was such a different time,” he shared.
Despite concerns from those around him, Phillippe found the experience to be profoundly impactful.
“As that job progressed, I realized how important it was to some people,” he said, noting the immediate and heartfelt responses from viewers who felt seen and represented for the first time.
Phillippe received letters from teens expressing gratitude for the visibility and from parents who found a new way to connect with their LGBTQ+ children.
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The storyline, crafted by head writer Michael Malone, tackled issues of homophobia, acceptance, and the AIDS crisis, culminating in a powerful moment where Billy comes out to his father during a church service featuring the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
While the role was groundbreaking, it also brought challenges for Phillippe, who faced backlash from his conservative upbringing.
In a 2020 interview on KFC Radio, he revealed that he was shunned at his Baptist high school for portraying a gay character, highlighting the societal tensions of the early ’90s.
Despite the adversity, Phillippe remains proud of his contribution to LGBTQ+ representation on television.
He credits the role with helping him mature and understand the significance of visibility in media.
Now 50, Phillippe continues to act and recently starred alongside his son Deacon in the Amazon Prime series Motorheads, finding joy in sharing his passion with his family.
Reflecting on his career, Phillippe considers his portrayal of Billy Douglas as a defining moment that not only shaped his path but also paved the way for more inclusive storytelling in television.
“It was such a different time, but I very much matured through having had that experience and seeing the impact that … ,” he concluded.
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