by Frank Gaimari

If you’ve seen Another Gay Movie, you’ve witnessed Jonah Blechman’s incredible talent. His portrayal of Nico is not just acting, it’s a masterclass in comedy. Nico is bold, outrageous, and delightfully over-the-top, yet Jonah’s performance brings an irresistible charm to the character. Every line, glance, and wild antic is delivered precisely, leaving you no choice but to laugh and fall in love with him. Jonah brought something unique and unforgettable to that role, turning Nico into one of the most iconic and celebrated characters in LGBTQ+ cinema.

Jonah’s brilliance extends far beyond his hilarious and outrageous roles. He has a rare knack for tackling serious, layered characters with unparalleled depth. A great example is his performance in This Boy’s Life, where he plays a teenager in a poignant coming-of-age story. His portrayal is raw, heartfelt, and profoundly moving, proving his extraordinary versatility as an actor.

Moreover, This Boy’s Life allowed Jonah to work alongside two acting legends, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Sharing intense scenes with DiCaprio—including a fight and a kiss—Jonah showcased his dynamic and fearless nature as an artist. Standing toe-to-toe with two of Hollywood’s greatest names, Jonah delivered a compelling and memorable performance, showing that his talent knows no bounds.

But Jonah’s artistry doesn’t stop there. In addition to acting, he is a dedicated producer committed to spotlighting LGBTQ+ stories. Through his work, he’s helping to ensure these narratives take their rightful place in mainstream media, pushing for greater representation and authenticity in storytelling.

When I contacted Jonah, I wasn’t sure what to expect. However, he effortlessly exceeded my expectations. Jonah was kind, gracious, and witty, making the entire experience delightful. I’m excited to share our edited conversation, which shows his thoughtful insights and sharp humor.

Frank Gaimari: How did being openly gay influence your career choices, especially in the early days of your acting career?

Jonah Blechman: I wasn’t out at the beginning. I started dancing when I was three and doing community theater and commercials when I was eight. So, I was acting long before I was sexual or had any sexual identity.

My first film where I played a queer character was This Boy’s Life, but at that time, we weren’t saying he was a gay character. I thought of him as effeminate, even though I kiss Leo DiCaprio in the film.

FG: Were there any challenges you faced as a queer actor in Hollywood, and how did you overcome them?

JB: A moment that stands out in my career was when I was invited to audition for Francis Ford Coppola’s classic film, On the Road. However, my agent advised me against it because the role was for a queer character. I was told to stay away from LGBTQ characters because they didn’t want me to be limited in my opportunities by being typecast. I ended up turning down a lot of work. It wasn’t until I landed the role of Hedwig on the national tour that I was willing to say yes to being out, no matter what was in front of me. I wanted to do the work I am here to do.

I have played many other characters outside of LGBTQ in film and TV, opposite Toby Maguire, Anne Margaret, and Nick Offerman.

FG: Tell us about your experience playing Nico in Another Gay Movie and what drew you to the role.

JB: When my manager approached me about Another Gay Movie, I initially hesitated to take on the project. I had never worked in comedy before, and I found the concept crude, which led to many strong opinions on my part. However, the idea lingered in my mind, and it troubled me how much it affected me. I enjoy taking on challenges in my work, so I decided to reflect on my feelings about the project and ultimately chose to pursue it. I even took on the role of executive producer for the film.

Here’s a funny bit of behind-the-scenes trivia—I was initially drawn to Michael Carbonaro’s character, Andy, while Michael wanted to take on Nico. With the guidance of Todd Stephens, the director, we figured out which roles best suited us.

Stepping into Nico’s shoes was daunting at first. It scared me because it was such a femme character, but once I worked with the director, and he helped me to calibrate to that level, it was an extraordinary liberating experience. It’s incredible to know how much joy and laughter Nico continues to bring to audiences.

FG: What was it like revisiting Nico’s character for Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild?

JB: There was a different cast this time. The others from the first film couldn’t continue. Their agents wouldn’t let them. That all happened in the three weeks before we filmed. So, it changed the movie in a big way.

But it ended up being an incredible experience. I got to direct and choreograph the Golden Showers musical number. It was a thrilling challenge, and I’m immensely proud of the energy it brought to the film. And I got to showcase my singing and dancing.

FG: How do you think LGBTQ+ representation in media has evolved since you started your career?

JB: It’s been three decades since I first played a queer character. There weren’t queer teenage characters represented in film and TV at the time. LGBTQ+ acceptance has grown considerably, and we’re now seeing the nuance of different representations—more genuine and multi-dimensional queer characters. Thank God for that.

FG: Do you have a funny story from filming Another Gay Sequel: Gays Gone Wild?

JB: Absolutely! One of the funniest moments was during the filming of the Golden Showers musical number. We shot it in a functioning bathhouse in Ft. Lauderdale, adding authenticity. The funniest part was that the bathhouse remained open during filming. As I sang and danced, men in towels wandered by, looking utterly baffled about what they had just stumbled upon! It was surreal and unforgettable.

FG: Are there any queer roles or stories you’d like to tackle in the future?

JB: Queer or not queer, I’m interested in stories of depth, humanity, humor, and drama across the board. To tell stories with an impact on this world. Whether this is spotlighting difficult subject matter or bringing humor and light.

I’m an actor. I happen to be queer, but there is so much more to me and all of us. I want to develop roles and characters that showcase our complexity and humanity.

FG: What advice would you give young LGBTQ+ actors trying to break into the industry?

JB: If the opportunities you want don’t come, create them and amplify your voice. Surround yourself with a supportive, creative community, and always remember that your sexuality is just one part of your story.

FG: What projects or causes are you passionate about outside of acting?

JB: I’m passionate about challenging religious organizations that promote exclusion or hatred toward the queer community. Everyone deserves to feel connected to their spirituality or faith without being alienated for who they are.

With over thirty years of experience in the industry, Jonah Blechman continues to inspire, entertain, and advocate for a more inclusive world. Whether you’ve followed him from the beginning or just discovered his work, his contributions to film and LGBTQ+ storytelling are undoubtedly worth celebrating.

Frank Gaimari is an author, film reviewer, and actor. He lives in Seattle, Washington, with his husband and two golden retrievers.