Jonathan Bennett shared an emotional moment reflecting on his groundbreaking role in Hallmark’s upcoming Groomsmen trilogy, where he portrays Danny, a gay “ex-jock with a heart of gold.” The actor, 43, spoke at the PEOPLE and Hallmark countdown to the Sexiest Man Alive event on October 3, expressing pride in how the series challenges stereotypes surrounding LGBTQ+ characters.
The Groomsmen trilogy follows three best friends navigating love and relationships in Greece, Italy, and Bulgaria, featuring characters from diverse backgrounds and sexual orientations. Bennett’s character, a former major league baseball pitcher turned coach, is a departure from typical portrayals of gay men, often confined to clichés such as fashion designers.
“I haven’t seen a gay character that was a baseball player-turned-coach,” Bennett noted. “I think that’s a really interesting point of view to explore, and so doing that was really powerful.” He also highlighted that the trilogy will feature Hallmark’s first same-sex wedding, marking a significant milestone for the network.
Bennett emphasized the importance of portraying men’s friendships as vulnerable and emotionally open, saying, “I don’t think we see a lot of men, whether straight or gay, being vulnerable with each other.” He hopes that by showcasing these themes, the films will inspire audiences to embrace their own emotions and fears.
Reflecting on his journey, Bennett became emotional while recounting his experience watching the film’s first cut. “Ten years ago, I would never dream that I would be starring in a Hallmark movie that’s seen by so many people across middle America,” he said. “I would be playing a gay character, getting married to another man, and having two straight best friends standing behind me, supporting me.”
“This was a very emotional moment,” he continued. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s really cool.’” With the trilogy set to challenge norms and inspire audiences, Bennett is proud to be part of a project that embraces authenticity and representation.
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