Matt Smith defends playing a gay character in Mapplethorpe

The Crown star Matt Smith has defended his decision to play a homosexual character in his upcoming film. The 36-year-old actor gave his views on the debate over whether LGBTQ+ roles should only be played by LGBTQ+ actors during a session. He said an actor’s sexual orientation should have not any ‘bearing’ on the roles they are offered. Smith next stars as gay photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in Ondi Timoner’s biographical drama Mapplethorpe.