Luke Macfarlane on Breaking Barriers: From Queer Roles to Developing Hallmark LGBTQ Movies

Actor Luke Macfarlane, known for his authenticity and versatility, has long been a pioneer in Hollywood. Since coming out as gay in 2008 during his stint on the ABC drama “Brothers & Sisters”, he has boldly played powerful queer roles. Now, Macfarlane is making waves again by taking on diverse projects, including a groundbreaking LGBTQ-focused Hallmark Christmas movie.

Breaking Stereotypes in Hollywood

In Apple TV+’s hit series “Platonic”, Macfarlane portrays the straight husband of Rose Byrne’s character, Sylvia. Reflecting on this opportunity, he says, “Quite simply, like most actors—gay or straight—we just need someone to say, ‘I’ll give you a shot.’” He credits director Nicholas Stoller with casting him in a non-queer role, highlighting the industry’s growing strides toward inclusive casting practices.

Macfarlane’s versatility is evident not just in his choice of roles but in his willingness to embrace everything from romantic comedies to emotional dramas. “I love playing gay. I’ll play straight. I’ll do anything. I am very versatile,” he shared, emphasizing his joy in embodying a wide range of characters.

Developing Queer-Led Stories

Expanding his influence beyond acting, Macfarlane is now developing an LGBTQ-focused Christmas film for Hallmark Channel. Known for its lighthearted, family-friendly stories, Hallmark has started incorporating more inclusive narratives into its programming. Macfarlane describes the project as a “long development process” but acknowledges the brand’s commitment to telling stories that resonate with a diverse audience.

“Hallmark is such a staple for heartwarming storytelling,” he explains. “Their brand has never been overtly political. It’s about offering an escape from the challenges of the real world, and queer stories can beautifully align with that. We all have a queer friend, neighbor, or family member—it’s just part of life.”

The Importance of Representation

The introduction of LGBTQ-themed Hallmark movies is particularly relevant in light of increasing political debates surrounding the LGBTQ community. Macfarlane sees these projects as an essential way to offer not just representation but also comfort and positivity. “Queer Hallmark movies invite viewers to see the love and humanity in our stories, without leaning into the divisiveness of politics,” he remarks.

The second season of “Platonic”, which Macfarlane highlights as a lighthearted portrayal of modern friendships, continues to earn critical and audience praise. Season 2, episode 4, lands on Apple TV+ on August 20, marking another example of Macfarlane’s dynamic storytelling capabilities.

Macfarlane’s ongoing dedication to diverse and inclusive storytelling ensures his legacy as not only an actor but also as a creator aiming to expand representation on our screens. As he states, “We’re telling stories that matter and bring people closer together—that’s what art should do.”