--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The conventional wisdom is that if you…" description: "\"The conventional wisdom is that if you are gay, you cannot play the romantic straight lead in a movie.\" — Ian Mckellen" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d6/ian-mckellen-1396_cannot_the-conventional-wisdom-is-that-if-you-a_923660.jpg" --- # The conventional wisdom is that if you are gay, you cannot… ![“The conventional wisdom is that if you are gay, you cannot play the romantic straight lead in a movie.” quote by Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d6/ian-mckellen-1396_cannot_the-conventional-wisdom-is-that-if-you-a_923660.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d6/ian-mckellen-1396_cannot_the-conventional-wisdom-is-that-if-you-a_923660.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/0d6/ian-mckellen-1396_cannot_the-conventional-wisdom-is-that-if-you-a_923660.jpg) > “The conventional wisdom is that if you are gay, you cannot play the romantic straight lead in a movie.” [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Societal belief limits gay actors from romantic straight leads, reflecting bias in casting decisions. **In simple terms:** People think gay actors can't play straight romantic leads. Key Takeaway Challenge casting stereotypes. Themes diversity representation stereotypes Mood reflective critical Type cultural social When to use this quote - film casting - theatre productions - advertising campaigns Key Concepts gender norms media bias Questions to Reflect On - How does casting affect audience perception? - What steps can industry take to broaden representation? A Different Perspective Bias can be overcome with inclusive casting and audience acceptance. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Actors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/actors/) [Conventional wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/conventional-wisdom/) [Gay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gay/) [Movie](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/movie/) [Play](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/play/) [Romantic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/romantic/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) ## Related quotes > [People sometimes think I'm gay because I once played a gay in a movie. It's funny. 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I think we often set our goals too small and try…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rick-warren/the-world-is-always-changed-by-people-who-don-t-listen-to/) [Rick Warren](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rick-warren/) > [In a corporate context, companies have to try very hard to oppose the enticements of conventional wisdom. They must aim for the leaps, which…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-kao/in-a-corporate-context-companies-have-to-try-very-hard-to-oppose-the/) [John Kao](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-kao/) > [When you're used to being prepared to reject conventional wisdom, it leaves you open to learn more.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mayim-bialik/when-you-re-used-to-being-prepared-to-reject-conventional-wisdom-it/) [Mayim Bialik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mayim-bialik/) > [“Conventional wisdom is not always wrong—but it’s always suspect.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brandon-webb/conventional-wisdom-is-not-always-wrong-but-it-s-always-suspect/) [Brandon Webb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brandon-webb/) > [Conventional wisdom tells us we'll only be happier after a divorce if the marriage itself was a war zone.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ariel-gore/conventional-wisdom-tells-us-we-ll-only-be-happier-after-a-divorce-if/) [Ariel Gore](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ariel-gore/) > [The line that I am urging as today's conventional wisdom is not a denial of consciousness. 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We only do it…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/i-ve-always-longed-for-the-theatre-and-acting-to-be-popular-no-actor/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [It's my impression that I've done every job that I've been asked to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/it-s-my-impression-that-i-ve-done-every-job-that-i-ve-been-asked-to-do/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [I'm fortunate to be famous for two rather imposing characters like Magneto and Gandalf.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/i-m-fortunate-to-be-famous-for-two-rather-imposing-characters-like/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [Tolkien is as good as Dickens at sketching a scene.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/tolkien-is-as-good-as-dickens-at-sketching-a-scene/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [If you are playing King Lear you are the centre of attention anyway. 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I've never heard of it.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/the-lego-movie-i-ve-never-heard-of-it/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [When I appeared in 'Coronation Street,' I lived in Manchester and enjoyed it very much.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/when-i-appeared-in-coronation-street-i-lived-in-manchester-and/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) > [Before acting, I wanted to become a journalist. I also toyed with the idea of being a chef - but that's only when people…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mckellen/before-acting-i-wanted-to-become-a-journalist-i-also-toyed-with-the/) [Ian Mckellen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) [Explore all 247 Ian Mckellen quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mckellen/) ## More Actors quotes > [Women still, when they have breast cancer, go to work; they still lead their lives. They have to. 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