While promoting a new drama delving into the tragic story of Jean Charles de Menezes, openly gay actor Russell Tovey has said he went against advice on keeping his sexuality a secret at the start of his career.
Broadcast to mark 20 years since the 7/7 bombings in London, the series, which airs on Disney+, stars Russell and Emily Mortimer and tells the story of de Menezes, who was tragically misidentified as one of the failed bombers. In a harrowing case of mistaken identity, de Menezes was fatally shot seven times in the head at point-blank range by officers.
Russell, who plays a key role as gay deputy assistant commissioner Brian Paddick, shared his thoughts on the project: “I was shocked that 2025 will mark 20 years since the event – it’s gone incredibly quickly,” he reflects. “It doesn’t feel like it was that long ago, but I knew there had been a lot of misinformation at the time.”
The actor, who is openly gay, felt a personal connection to his character: “He’s someone I’ve looked up to. I was happy he was someone within the community with good morals,” Russell says.
He also discusses his own experiences being gay in the spotlight: “I came out very early in my career and was advised along the way not to consider it, but I went against that advice. I feel a real connection to Brian. I understand what it means to be gay in the public eye and what people can write about you.”
Four-part drama Suspect: The Shooting Of Jean Charles De Menezes is on Disney + and stars Russell Tovey, Conleth Hill, Max Beesley, Laura Aikman, Daniel Mays and Emily Mortimer.
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