John Leguizamo is reflecting on the risks his To Wong Foo 1995 film cast insights co-stars Patrick Swayze and Wesley Snipes took by stepping into drag roles for the 1995 comedy To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
The film follows three New York City drag performers embarking on a road trip to Los Angeles. However, their journey takes an unexpected turn when they become stranded in a small town after a heated altercation with a local sheriff.
In a recent conversation with Entertainment Weekly (March 21), Leguizamo, now 64, described the film as “incredibly daring.” He emphasized that it was groundbreaking because at the time, major Hollywood stars rarely took on such roles.
“It was a game-changer,” Leguizamo noted. “Big-name actors wouldn’t usually take these parts because it could jeopardize their careers. But Wesley Snipes was at his peak as an action star, and Patrick Swayze was ruling the romance genre. It was a fearless move for both of them, and a beautiful one. As for me, I was still an up-and-comer, so I had less at stake.”
To Wong Foo 1995 Film Cast Insights: On-Set Tensions & Camaraderie
To Wong Foo 1995 Film Cast Insights: Although To Wong Foo received mixed reviews upon its release, critics widely praised the performances of its lead trio. Both Swayze and Leguizamo even earned Golden Globe nominations in 1996 for their roles.
Leguizamo has previously opened up about the tensions he and Swayze faced while filming. Their contrasting acting styles sometimes clashed, with Swayze becoming frustrated with Leguizamo’s improvisational approach.
“Wesley and I connected—we had that shared experience as actors of color, and we got each other,” he said in a past interview with Andy Cohen. “But Swayze? He was more structured. He’d get irritated when I ad-libbed and ask if I was really going to say something like that. And I’d just tell him, ‘This is how I work, man.’”
Now, nearly three decades after its 1995 premiere, Leguizamo believes To Wong Foo remains relevant. He sees the film as a celebration of acceptance and dignity—messages that continue to hold weight today.
“This movie was about inclusion, about respecting others, about honoring transgender people and the LGBTQ+ community,” he said. “There’s so much unnecessary hostility against transgender people right now, and it’s absurd. People act like this is some huge issue, but transgender athletes make up a tiny fraction of the population. Why not just let people live their lives with dignity?”
With its enduring message of love and acceptance, To Wong Foo remains a cultural touchstone. As discussions about representation in Hollywood continue, Leguizamo hopes its message will inspire future generations.
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Source:www.people.com
