Out Spotlight XII- Valentine's Edition

Quick, can you name the top box office draw of 1930? No? Well, probably the reason for that is because it's William Haines, the first out gay actor who bucked the Hollywood system and he is largely forgotten today. Haines appeared in films such as Brown of Harvard, The Midnight Express, and Sally, Irene, and Mary. Haines was one of the few actors to successfully transition from silent films to talkies. His forte was as a comic actor, usually playing an affable rogue who takes nothing seriously until there is a tragedy that wises him up. Then he gets the girl.

William Haines' problem was that he was an open homosexual. Since 1926, Haines had lived openly as a couple with Jimmy Shields, who was his stand-in for one of his films. Studios kept Haines' sexual orientation from the press, but Haines was known to make comments that alluded to it and also brought Shields with him to premieres. In 1933, Haines was arrested when he picked up a sailor in LA. MGM head Louis B. Mayer gave him an ultimatum, make a "lavender marriage" and give up Shields, or Haines was out. Haines chose Shields and they were ultimately together for 50 years. Mayer terminated Haines' contract and he acted in a few films after that, but could not keep his career going.

In 1930, Shields and Haines had bought an antique store and both were interested in interior design. When Haines' career foundered, the men turned to this occupation full-time. Their business was a huge success and they found themselves with many Hollywood folks as clients. They are credited with single-handedly creating the California Style. The men moved to Malibu after they were accused by a neighbor of propositioning his son and beaten. Many famous folks came to the couple's aid and urged them to report the attack to the police, including Joan Crawford, Claudette Colbert, George Burns, Gracie Allen, Kay Francis, Charles Boyer, and Marion Davies. The men did not report the incident and settled into Malibu, and they are largely credited with making Malibu fashionable.

The couple lived together and Haines never returned to films, despite his friend Gloria Swanson extending him a personal invitation to be in the film Sunset Boulevard in 1950. Joan Crawford described them as, "the happiest married couple in Hollywood." And they remained so until Haines' death from lung cancer in 1973. Six months later, Shields, probably suffering from Alzheimer's, put on Haines' pajamas, took an overdose of pills, and got into their bed to die. His suicide note read, "It's no good without Billy." They are buried side by side.

The interior design business that Haines and Shields built continues to this day. Check out their amazing interiors at their website- http://www.williamhaines.com/. For more on William Haines, check out this book- Wisecracker, The Life and Times of William Haines, Hollywood's First Openly Gay Star, by William J. Mann, written in 1998.

Billy and Jimmy Forever!















William Haines in 1928. Haines once said, "Design is an opinion, not a profession."









Haines and Shields in later years. The only photo I could find of them as a couple!

Ring My Bell

Some pics of Austy with the Ring through the years-

Austin: Exposed

Jake has said he has no trouble getting naked, but it's Austin who seems to be the one going for it in front of the camera. Obviously no stranger being topless, he spent the majority of his time before Hollywood clad only in trunks.

But looking over his credits, you find Austin shirtless in most roles, and HBO well that must be a hell of a deal, because he's gone the full monty on The Box twice.


Many times during a casting call, they ask guys to take their shirts off, to show their build and torso. All that core training must do a body good, cause Austin gets the part and off goes the shirt. You wonder if there are clauses in his contract. And you thought Matthew McConaughey worked topless. What is it about boys from Austin?

Even his first movie, Durango Kids has Austin without his shirt, tv pilots, short lived shows, guest shots, independent movies, even Disney parented productions! The boy has no shame! But sadly there is one movie he didn't lose his shirt. The Day After Tomorrow. Although you never know what happened behind the scenes.

Pictures: Austin Media, Austin Nichol Fan, Austin Nichols Journal, others

Ringing in the New Year

Happy New Year! It is Year 4706 also know as the Year of the Rat. Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors.

But enough of rats. Let's talk about monkeys. Two to be exact.

People born in the Year of the Monkey are the erratic geniuses of the cycle. Clever, skillful, and flexible, they are remarkably inventive and original and can solve the most difficult problems with ease. There are few fields in which Monkey people wouldn't be successful but they have a disconcerting habit of being too agreeable. They want to do things now, and if they cannot get started immediately, they become discouraged and sometimes leave their projects. Although good at making decisions, they tend to look down on others. Having common sense, Monkey people have a deep desire for knowledge and have excellent memories. Monkey people are strong willed but their anger cools quickly.

Those born in 1980 have metal as their element. They are determined, self-reliant and forceful. They enjoy the good life and all it has to offer -- luxury, comfort and freedom, especially. They're like a reclusive film star: They want the acclaim, but also want to be left alone. They create their own success, building their desired destiny with single-minded focus. Others look up to them in awe of your commanding, confident presence. Metal Monkeys are determined and ambitious and as a result, they’re often successful. Metal Monkeys are loyal to both their employers and their partners.

And for the monkeys during the year of the rat? "The Monkey, of the 12 signs, is the one most likely to have the best year. Fortune smiles upon you with your big Rat friend in charge."

Every day is a new start. So here's to ringing in a great year ahead.

Boogie Shoes

Everything's better when you dance. Just ask Jake.


Everybody report to the dance floor.
Get Up People Up!
Yes that means you. You in the back.

Oh yeah, leaaannn.....lean to the left
and baaaack....back to the right.
Yeah you got it.

Now check out these moves.
Can you handle it ?
I mean can you handle it?

Oh yeah, oh yeah got you it.
But are you ready for this.
Check it.

Just dance it out.

My Big Fat Super Tuesday

What happens when you combine Mardi Gras and the biggest primary voting day for the Presidential campaign in the United State? My Big Fat Super Tuesday.

Mardi Gras the last hurrah celebration before the beginning of the 40 days of Lent, is celebrated all over the world, but Mardi Gras in New Orleans is synonymous with many. Parades, parties and the pursuit of beads is the agenda. Food, (beignets, perhaps?), drink (definitely some Hurricanes), and song (Jazz and Zydeco), combined and stirred into a bacchanal orgy of indulgence. Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler! Yes beads are thrown to everyone, but tradition has become that those who flash get the most beads. And it's not just for the ladies. Hmmm Jake is his Jarhead dance gear shaking that moneymaker could bring home the beady bling baby. But what would the boy named after a good time libation be doing? After spending many many years in Louisiana half dressed and on the lakes, he knows exactly what to do Pinch the Tail and Suck the Head. Come on now, you know that's how you eat crawfish. ; )

But what is so Super today? 24 states in the U.S will be voting today in Presidential primaries.The theory to many in political circles is winner take all from today. The Mardi Gras approach capturing the Democrat or Republican nomination. Because after tomorrow the field will be narrow down even more, and some cases might be determined as the official "yet to be officially nominated" candidate for President of the United States. And this year is historical because for the first time either a woman or African American will be the official Democratic nominee for President of the United States.

And the guys? Jake and his family have always been politically active in helping people get out to vote and support of the Democratic party. But this year it is Austin who popped up first showing his support for Barack Obama in the Yes We Can video. Back as brunette and looking fine and very dandy. Fingers crossed that we get to see more of him out campaigning for Obama. Jake has yet to disclose who he is campaigning for, perhaps waiting for the Democratic candidate to be chosen.

You Tube: Yes We Can(Barack Obama campaign)

But it is important for anyone in the US to participate in the process of choosing our leadership. If there is a primary in your state and you are a registered voter get out and vote and participate! If you have not registered to vote, make sure that you do before the Presidential election in November. You have a opportunity to make a difference for yourself, for others, and for the world in that one name you choice. There is power in voting.

Pictures: IHJ and Austin Media

On the rocks

Brothers, scheduled to have wrapped January 30th, is extended and filming until February 12th. With a pushed up December 8th release, Jim Sheridan will very busy editing over the next few months.

Today the shoot is taking place The Ice Rink at Los Alamos Canyons. Does this mean Jake on skates? Doubtful there's a lot of Ice Capades for the Toby fighting the Taliban. The gear alone would be a little tough for a double axle. (see Brother's Taliban below) Jake seems a little more aerodynamic, but the hood might be a bit of a problem though in a spin.

With the December release Jake will be busy doing PR late summer and fall for the release with a big push in November. It may be the first sitdown for Jake and interesting to see what will be on and off limits for discussion.



All kidding aside. Work during this time can be a positive thing. Not easy to do, but it is a chance to push away everything going on off the set and totally immerse himself in his role. A brief break and respite for a moment.