Sophia Michaels
Even though Luke Macfarlane is known for his roles in Hallmark movies, his experience as a gay man playing straight characters in these films has been challenging. He expressed his discomfort with this situation in interviews and shared his relief when Hallmark reinstated an ad featuring a same-sex kiss. Despite contemplating leaving the network, Macfarlane decided to stay due to limited opportunities elsewhere.
Struggles After Publicly Coming Out as Gay
Luke Macfarlane faced anxiety and uncertainty before publicly coming out in 2008. He revealed that the fear of being outed affected his work, especially during the series “Over There.” After embracing his sexuality, Macfarlane acknowledged the potential risks to his career but prioritized being true to himself, even though he lacked examples of openly gay male movie stars while growing up.
Connecting with His Late Father Through Woodworking
Following his father’s passing, Macfarlane found solace in woodworking, a hobby passed down from his late father. His dad, Dr. Thomas William Robert Macfarlane, encouraged him to be authentic. Despite initial challenges accepting Luke’s sexuality, his father eventually supported him. Through woodworking, they bonded, and now Luke honors his father’s memory by showcasing his creations on social media.
**Luke Macfarlane’s Passion for Woodworking**
Luke Macfarlane reflected on the projects he worked on with his father and how woodworking helps him cherish those moments. He shared that woodworking always brings memories of his father, and the smell of certain woods takes him to different places.
**Challenges of Dyslexia**
Despite having dyslexia, Luke Macfarlane has excelled in his career with a Juilliard education and successful ventures on screen and stage. Dyslexia, a learning disorder, poses challenges for him in reading, especially in an industry that demands memorization of scripts. He has developed unique methods, like listening to audiobooks and using rhythm for memorization, to prepare for his roles.
**Struggles in Getting Desired Roles**
Luke Macfarlane has faced disappointments in his career, including missing out on roles due to scheduling conflicts and not achieving expected success after certain projects. Coming out as gay also impacted his career opportunities, affecting his chances in securing lead roles in mainstream movies.
**”Bros” and Career Highs**
Luke Macfarlane’s first lead role in a studio film, “Bros,” centered on a gay love story, faced challenges at the box office. Despite the movie’s performance, Macfarlane considered being cast in the film a significant achievement. He remains optimistic about future opportunities and aspirations for diverse roles in the industry.
