Harvey Fierstein's original creation Arnold Beckoff may not be as recognizable as Tom Hanks' Andrew Beckett, Tim Curry's Frank-N-Furter, or any number of other gay characters from other mainstream films... and that's a damn shame because the character, which originated as a Broadway play of the same name (written by Fierstein), is an absolute treasure. Living in Brooklyn years before the AIDS epidemic and before things became unnecessarily PC across the board, Arnold is a witty and successful Jewish drag queen performing under the name Virginia Hamm who goes through several trials by fire through various stages of his life, including having a relationship with a closeted bisexual, frequent clashes with his traditional mother (played by the legendary Anne Bancroft), and finding love with a young Matthew Broderick, only to lose him tragically due to a hate crime, all before becoming a single parent to an adopted, mouthy teen. In a brilliant monologue that can only be described as a tour-de-force, Arnold makes it clear that he has worked long and hard to make sure he never needs to rely on anyone for anything other than love and respect, and makes the tough decision to inform his mother that if she can't give him those two things, she has no place in his life. It's a powerful message about self-respect and self-love that Arnold makes, as he finally chooses to love himself over allowing those he loves the most to cause him any more harm. With everyone looking for acceptance from the world at large and seeking love from others, Arnold reminds us that we need to love, respect, and accept ourselves first before anyone else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOsH_pbfOV8 Did you enjoy our countdown? Do you feel other gay/bi male characters should have made the list? Let us know in the comments below!
Tommy Bobby Watanabe is an aspiring American novelist, stage actor, playwright, former LGBT rights activist, and has three years of independent professional wrestling experience and has been a big fan since 1998. An avid horror movie buff and comic book aficionado, TBW is honored to be featured on WhatCulture with some of the Internet's most talented writers and looks to spread his own knowledge and wit to WhatCulture's loyal readers.
