'Love, Victor' Star Michael Cimino Talks Queer Latinx Rep, Selena, & Kissing Guys | Raffy Ermac

Reporting for PRIDE, I got the chance to interview #MichaelCimino, the lead star of Hulu's new LGBTQ+ high school drama series #LoveVictor-the official sequel to the beloved 2018 coming-of-age film #LoveSimon! We chatted about the show's queer Latinx representation, Pride Month, the lessons the show has for straight parents, what it was like working with 'Love, Simon' OGs Nick Robinson and Keiynan Lonsdale, and we even sang a little bit of Selena!
Subscribe to my channel for more pop culture & entertainment videos! / raffyermac
And if you like what you see, follow me!
Twitter: / byraffy
Instagram: / raffyermac
Facebook: / raffyermac
Tumblr: / byraffy
Twitch: / raffyermac
Read more of my work on PRIDE, here: www.pride.com/...
-----------------------------------
CREDITS
Reporting:
Raffy Ermac
Editing:
Raffy Ermac

[@onlyoncetbj]

literally why is michael so cute

[@levaaaaaan]

Yeah, like literally the cutest tan naturally skinned person I've ever seen. And his voice is just so unique and sweet, like really sweet..

[@joshuahill4427]

Because he's my man 😒

[@tomoe5948]

@@levaaaaaan I just remembered Victor's voice when he tells Simon that Benji was a sweet person in the purest way

[@pratheekmendonca3791]

Everyone is Obsessed with him 💙😍

[@bugs1917]

It's nice to see how we perceives kissing another guy as like if he was just kissing a random stranger rather than it being weird because they are the same gender

[@andersoncarlos1057]

Yes, I noticed that too. He is such a great human being...

[@jonathangough1994]

@@andersoncarlos1057 he is cute

[@jorgestreams5775]

I absolutely love how knowledgeable Michael is about LGBTQ+ people. I truly appreciate how much time he took to educate himself and how he recognizes the importance of his role.

[@penboyasgod6103]

*_and the importance of his paycheck._* Sorry, just had to do that. One tends to "learn more" when he's getting a substantial salary. [Not that there's anything wrong with that.]

[@jamiesasmr08]

Aww I love how he was nervous about the fact that he had never kissed George instead of never kissing a guy🥺🥺

[@CrazySquirrelProductions]

Michael seems to be a nice and genuine guy. Glad he was cast for this series. Watched the entire first season in one night. I'd love to do a role like this - older closeted man coming out type of character.

[@CrazySquirrelProductions]

Thanks for the "likes" everyone. I just want to say that I'm glad that shows like Love Simon and now Love Victor are being made and that the LGBTQ community is being supported. I remember as a kid growing up in the 60s and 70s that coming out meant certain ostracization and alienation. For some, especially teens and young men, it could be a death sentence. As free as the 60s were supposed to be, that era wasn't that "free." At my age, it is kind of too late for all of that but for all of you far younger than I, there is more potential to be true to yourself even though our world is far from perfect. I sure wish I was growing up in this era rather than back in the 60s & 70s. You have a fighting chance. Live YOUR life. The rest, I pray, will fall into place. "I'm here if you need me." Peace. Love, William :-)

[@Maninfsc]

I dont like this casting at all. LGBTQ actors never get leading roles. He couldve sitted this one out. Casting directors look mostly for marketable actors. And unfortunally straight people appeal to a wider audience than lgbtq actors. Matt Bomer is a Golden globe winner but hes not playing major roles in movies, losing the role of superman to Henry Cavill (at the time not really well known). Thinking talent is the main factor in casting is really naive. Think about every major studio film centered in LGBTQ characters. Moonlight, Brokeback mountain, rocketman, bohemian rhapsody, Love Simon, Milk, etc. ALL of them have straight actors as leads. It doesnt even have to be gay roles...how many openly gay actors are you seeing playing lead roles in blockbuster media? How many gay actors are on the Avengers franchise for ex? You can say it doesnt matter but it does. The world of theather and acting is PACKED with LGBTQ individuals. When LGBTQ actors are given lead roles as regularly as straight actors than you can talk about anyone playing whoever.

[@octoberboiy]

Micheal played his role very well. I had no idea he was straight until I looked it up. He really did a good job. Usually straight guys have a hard time with gay stuff so I’m impressed.

[@move_joshua9100]

I loved his role in the show but they never choose gay people to play roles and it’s kinda weird but still loved the show

[@octoberboiy]

@@move_joshua9100 the guy who plays Simon’s boyfriend is gay in real life I think.

[@move_joshua9100]

@@octoberboiy wow

[@thevandesilva3436]

@@octoberboiy yup he is

[@flora2560]

@@octoberboiy And the guy who plays Benji ?

[@princecharmingthemerman]

There’s definitely gonna be a season two. They said they’ve written the first five episodes. They also said since they definitely know this is going to be for Hulu that it’s going to be extremely much more intense. They did say however that they didn’t know when they’d be able to do anything due to the stupid goddamn pandemic

[@samiapple9889]

Michael is literally adorable

[@edwincolon4139]

I loved the show and the characters. I'm a boomer and I wish my world at that time would have been so accepting of the gay lifestyle. For me personally it would have lessen the pain I grew up with hiding and denying my gayness. Kudos to today's youth for showing us boomers today's acceptance of a gay lifestyle.

[@elliesart_]

[@aishasimone06]

The Cutest Man in the world :Michael Cimino He's so beautiful ,inside and out

[@niknak8771]

michael is so sweet and such a genuine guy wow🥺🥺

[@maddiebarker4643]

Love his answer about being nervous to kiss george ❤️ The fact that it didn't have anything to do with george being a guy.

[@rodrigomeneses5672]

He is just perfect

[@Kilathasaurus]

"The devil works hard but the stans work harder" I LOVED THAT ONE LMAO

[@evercossa655]

His smile makes my heart melt 😂

[@dannybribiesca]

He has such a nice and charming smile. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it just works!

[@rodrigoribeiro420]

daniel saying "like" for nine minutes straight

[@lsta8088]

Michael too lol

[@shawnlaib8511]

He's so incredibly charming. He plays the role wonderfully. Thanks for asking great questions, Raffy!

[@raffyermac]

And thank you so much for watching!!

[@saraedenn]

i saw your shera interviews and they were great!!! you just get the best people on your channel 😫

[@raffyermac]

Thank you!!! I'm very lucky!

[@thefigureens8458]

You’re a dope interviewer.

[@raffyermac]

Thank you!!! 😭😭😭

[@donomnivert3333]

Awwwww Michael is so sweeeeeet af!!! I love you Michael!!!!!!!!!!!!! 💗💗💗

[@hugomonitov]

🥰

[@hejasmine]

i just love this man so much

[@AnthonyCayne]

We love you Raffy! Thank you for interviewing our favorite star

[@raffyermac]

Thank you so much for watching! :)

[@der22672]

Have Michael and George done any interviews together? They are two main leads. ❤️❤️

[@onlyoncetbj]

they've done a video for buzzfeed and an ig live! i'm sure there's more content, they don't seem to be shying away from the quarantine interviews

[@matthewkingwill7711]

They did a live on love Victor and hulu's Instagrams a few days ago

[@levaaaaaan]

@@onlyoncetbj is it kind of just both of them or there are other casts as well?

[@levaaaaaan]

@@onlyoncetbj is it kind of just both of them or there are other casts as well?

[@onlyoncetbj]

@@levaaaaaan most of them were in the buzzfeed quiz, and a few of the others have done individual interviews! There's not much content though, I'm hoping there'll be more

[@diego.castrro]

He's so sweet 😩😩

[@__...__...__]

*I can't wait to see this!* 🙌🏻

[@pratheekmendonca3791]

He's Husband Material

[@ScubaSteve3560]

Yes

[@elliesart_]

Which is also the name of a book you should check out ;)

[@AlexSharbono_]

I LOVED this interview

[@musicbysng]

Loved this show!

[@jonathangough1994]

Michael is so cute

[@annaluisadias1103]

This latin representation was so important to me, there aren't a lot of shows with queer latino representation, and I was so happy when i saw that Victor was latino

[@adriiii222]

Bro you asked all the questions we were wondering lol so like thank you 😂♥️

[@icarefor2010]

Who else got excited when they talked about Selena? Lol

[@Daniel.rmendez]

He’s so cute Jesus christtttttttt

[@abrahamalcantara5736]

Buenos días crema que puedan subtitular a español por favor

[@adamG2001]

This is beautiful

[@dulcemeil2023]

Where can I watch this movie

[@anuj638]

it’s a show, it’s on hulu but if you don’t have hulu 123movies should have it

[@gloriaglover591]

Michael😘😘😘your georgeous😍😍😍

[@bobseeger342]

Micheal is beautiful inside as well as out side 💙🤠

[@fdavis1841]

I love this movie

[@nickbrooks7171]

Did he say That in real life he has a gay cousin?!

[@abhikulkarni7089]

Oh Michael I like you victor but now also real person

[@ja2377]

Wait, what nonprofit? I must know more

[@ellalalalalalalalalalalalala]

me too!

[@MrRedacto]

We the Movement LA

[@oscarmontoya1413]

Thanks

[@taylorphinney6711]

💙💙💙I have something in common with Michael we both have a gay cousin I just think that’s really cool.💙💙💙

[@10448315]

Yaaaaaaaaaaaas for QLatinx representation

[@milly2665]

Can i have him for a day please? 🤔😏

[@IceWhite3D]

How old is he?

[@rogve5868]

20

[@carter_cam5532]

🙈52

[@mikaylagalaviz1313]

velix nation waddup

[@ayanaking7033]

IK😭😭😭👁️👄👁️

[@brendomarques8956]

I really wish they have casted an openly gay actor to play Victor

[@levaaaaaan]

Can you recommend someone as openly gay actor to be Victor?

[@imshookt5128]

Adi Nugraha brandon flynn

[@brendomarques8956]

@@imshookt5128 Jaboukie Youngwhite, Brandon Flyn, Antonio Marziale, Connor Jessup, Miles Heizer, Joey Pollari...

[@glynnec2008]

So no straight roles for gay actors either? That seems a bit narrow-minded.

[@brendomarques8956]

@@glynnec2008 would you like to see a white person as Martin Luther King in a movie about his life?? Or that Pose had cis people playing trans?

[@tnnsboy18]

Michael is really cute, great role-playing Victor... BUT he's not even gay, put a gay person as the main lead... tf

[@892965]

That's stereotyping . You see gay actors or actress play straight. You don't have to put someone gay to play the character.

[@tnnsboy18]

@@892965 Thats just racist!

[@892965]

@@tnnsboy18 what's racist? That you rather have a gay actor to play a gay character . Sexuality doesn't have to with this or racism it was a good show and he play well.

[@solar_astra]

@@tnnsboy18 R-racist? How can someone be racist.. talking about a sexuality..

[@jimichim7917]

Racist? Wtf…how tf

[@ioion8614]

If I was the interviewer ........I would ask him if he really appreciate the feelings of love between 2 men ?? Would he really appreciate that a man could find another man "cute" ? or it's just because he was well acting according to the script only?

[@allthebestvideos2287]

H

[@Maninfsc]

You couldve asked him about his view on the importance of representation off camera. Having gay actors on lead roles. Cause this sucks a lot nowadays. Casting directors look mostly for marketable actors. And unfortunally straight people appeal to a wider audience than lgbtq actors. Matt Bomer is a Golden globe winner but hes not playing major roles in movies, losing the role of superman to Henry Cavill (at the time not really well known). Lets think about every major studio film centered in LGBTQ characters. Moonlight, Brokeback mountain, rocketman, bohemian rhapsody, Love Simon, Milk, etc. ALL of them have straight actors as leads. It doesnt even have to be gay roles...how many openly gay actors are you seeing playing lead roles in blockbuster media? How many gay actors are on the Avengers franchise for ex? The world of theather and acting is PACKED with LGBTQ individuals. When LGBTQ actors are given lead roles as regularly as straigh actors than we can talk about anyone playing whoever. Until them im not watching his movie.

[@samanthag1225]

I don't know if you are aware but, legally, casting directors can't ask about an actors sexuality

[@Maninfsc]

@@samanthag1225 who said they ask? People know, they do background checks, rumors fly. Agents for ex know their clients sexualitties before the actor even tells them. No one needs to disclose information before it becomes knowledge, it just does

[@penboyasgod6103]

I can't believe he skipped over at least 2 questions that above all, should have been asked: 1. Have you had or do you have now very close friends who are gay? 2. As you were growing up, were your parents more conservative [read: anti-gay] or more progressive [read: pro-gay] since he implied that his parents were/are religious as well? And a "sub-question" to ask him: Did you _personally/closely_ know of gay kids that had to hide their gayness from their parents/school/public in general?

[@andresvillanueva5421]

He's nice but I wish they'd gotten someone who's actually gay instead.

[@robinwhitemore5409]

Close your eyes and he sounds like the Biebs

[@htxdi3go]

Who?

[@anuj638]

Agustin Martinez micheal

[@ifyoucanttakeitback615]

@Robin Whitemore I was saying the same exact thing! Not really as Victor but in real life he sounds 99% like Bieber ! 😏

[@penboyasgod6103]

OK, but it's distasteful (to say the least) to use the word "queer" and so fucking often. So (my preference), I can't give this a "like.' "Queer" implicates total weirdness and differences from others when being homosexual (and of course, bisexual) isn't all that different *within the person* --- it's just a different sexual preference --- that doesn't make gays all that different in their minds, bodies and becoming the people who they become later in life. Why he didn't use "gay" instead of "queer" is bizarre (to me) when "gay" is so predominant in our vocabulary today.

[@jennycull1061]

Queer is more inclusive. Queer stands for any identity that's not cishet.

[@Pride-zl2ew]

I hated it! Love Victor is an insult to our LGBTQ+ community not only did it have a pathetic attempt of gay romance between its so called gay male characters! It shoved none stop hetero face sucking in almost every episode! This is a mockery of what a real "gay themed" show is! Once again we get nothing but little crumbs of gay romance in media! may i direct you to Will and Grace, The New Normal, Modern Family All proclaimed "gay themed" shows that gave us nothing! nothing! but LGBTQ crumbs And i am appalled that our LGBTQ community is giving it the admiration it does not deserve!

[@Pride-zl2ew]

I hated it! Love Victor is an insult to our LGBTQ+ community not only did it have a pathetic attempt of gay romance between its so called gay male characters! It shoved none stop hetero face sucking in almost every episode! This is a mockery of what a real "gay themed" show is! Once again we get nothing but little crumbs of gay romance in media! may i direct you to Will and Grace, The New Normal, Modern Family All proclaimed "gay themed" shows that gave us nothing! nothing! but LGBTQ crumbs And i am appalled that our LGBTQ community is giving it the admiration it does not deserve!