STAGE TUBE: Bryan Batt Speaks Out Against Newsweek Article

Theatre and television star Bryan Batt recently spoke out against an article in Newsweek by author Ramin Setoodeh, claiming gay actors are unable to successfully portray straight roles. A number of actors have spoken out against the article, which specifically notes Sean Hayes' performance in PROMISES, PROMISES as an example.

Bryan Batt (actor, designer, civic activist) portrays "Salvatore Romano" on AMC's critically acclaimed dramatic series MAD MEN by the multi Emmy award winning writer/ producer, Matthew Wiener. The hit series has been awarded 6 Emmys, 3 Golden Globes, the Screen Actors Guild, as well as the Peabody award.

As a Broadway veteran, his leading and principal roles include: 2005 revival of LA CAGE AUX FOLLES, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL, SUNSET BLVD, SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER, THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, STARLIGHT EXPRESS, and CATS. Off Broadway: Forbidden Broadway(Drama Desk Nomination). Theatrically, Bryan is most proud of originating the role of DARIUS in both the N.Y. and L.A (Drama Logue Award) productions as well as the film adaptation of Paul Rudnick's ground breaking comedy JEFFREY.

Bryan and his partner of 20 years, Tom Cianfichi, are the nationally recognized creative forces behind HAZELNUT, a fine gift and home accessories shop in his home town of New Orleans. HAZELNUT has been featured in the NEW YORK TIMES, HOUSE BEAUTIFUL, IN STYLE, TRADITIONAL HOME, SOUTHERN ACCENTS and more.

Mr. Batt, a civic activist, champions many causes including Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, Habitat For Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank, the Human Rights Campaign (Equality Award), the SPCA, The Preservation Resource Center, The Point Foundation, N.O. AIDS Task Force (board member, Humanitas Award), and Le Petit Theatre du Vieux Carre (board member and interim Artistic Director).

Bryan lives tri-coastally, splitting his time between New Orleans, New York, and Los Angeles.