Stage Actor Erik Liberman to Appear in Tide's Upcoming TV Commercial

Erik Liberman, who will originate the role of "Clopin" in Paper Mill Playhouse's upcoming production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, is making history as one-half of the first gay couple selling Tide in TV commercials.

"I'm very proud to be featured in these spots," says Liberman, who currently appears with Laura Osnes, Ryan Silverman and Marc Kudisch in the workshop of Somewhere in Time. "When you consider the number of gay children being bullied and even attempting suicide in this country, it is vital that the public be exposed to depictions of loving couples of all kinds. In the process, hopefully we can help overturn the terror and shame promulgated by homophobia."

30- and 15-second versions of the spots are currently airing in Canada, and have received over 200,000 YouTube hits collectively - not to mention international media coverage.