Last month Showtime's new hit series Nurse Jackie debut to record-breaking numbers. Part of the series' success and much of its gay following is probably due to the gay character named Mo-Mo, played to perfection by Haaz Sleiman and described as "the only gay character of Middle Eastern descent currently on the air and one of the few to have ever been portrayed on television." The Lebanese-born actor talks to Brandon Voss at The Advocate about his role.
On representing the gay community "respectfully":
It’s definitely my responsibility not to stereotype any character, but especially a gay character because of the misperceptions people still have about gays. I really struggled in the beginning with the character because I was trying to find balance and be as authentic as possible, but the way I finally saw it is that he’s just a guy. Even though he’s gay and Muslim, which is a really interesting combination, that doesn’t define him. It’s just a part of who he is.
On being "butch" compared to the other male nurse Thor:
Initially, I didn’t want Mo-Mo to be at all effeminate. I really wanted to focus on his qualities as a person rather than the physical. The director who directed the pilot was leaning more toward the effeminate without even realizing he was doing it, but I didn’t like that, and the writers and the producers were on my side. In terms of Thor, I think the actor himself is very similar to the character, so there is a sense of authenticity there in terms of physicality.
The actor also gives the inside scoop on how he perfected this line: "If I had to choose between George Clooney’s cock and this cup of coffee, I’d say coffee."
Haaz shot to fame as flirtatious muscle boy "Tyson" in Maurice Jamal's The Ski Trip. Although he has been identified by several on-screen gay roles, Haaz Sleiman finally comes out ... as straight ... in the interview and says he doesn't mind the speculation. "It’s not something that would bother me if it did. It’s all about doing good work, and the stuff that comes with it afterward, it is all fun"
Pilot episode of Nurse Jackie is free at iTunes.
Jackie's Strength [The Advocate]
Thanks BOUTRIE
You May Enjoy ...
Sleiman to Play Gay Muslim in New Series [R20]
Haaz Sleiman Flaunts It [R20]
very cool
makes it even sadder that so many gay actors feel that they have to pass as hets rather than be equally cool about being gay in real life...rather they depict het or gay chracters...
peace
ab
Posted by: alicia banks | 16 June 2009 at 16:34
Haaz Sleiman STRAIGHT?
Yea, you keep telling yourself that Haaz.
Posted by: Tandio | 16 June 2009 at 16:37
nice interview. i just always assumed he was a gay but that must mean he is a very good actor. oh and nurse jackie is freakin' fabulous.
Posted by: Shemar | 16 June 2009 at 18:01
"Although he has been identified by several on-screen gay roles, Haaz Sleiman finally comes out ... as straight ... in the interview and says he doesn't mind the speculation."
REALLY? Haaz Sleiman is "straight"? What kind of fckery is this?
Rod you need to check this and I will give you some sources
Posted by: Chris Cruz | 16 June 2009 at 19:01
I love the show Nurse Jackie and think Edie and Haaz are the standouts. His character is multi layered and not your average run of the mill gay BFF.
As far as him being straight or gay, never really thought of it.
Posted by: Rockaway Beach | 16 June 2009 at 20:50
I can't believe you didn't mention his great role in the oscar nominated film, The Visitor.
This was only about Haaz Sleiman's current role in Nurse Jackie. If you look at the two or three other posts under "You May Enjoy", those discussed The Visitor. Check 'em out. -RM
Posted by: Trey | 17 June 2009 at 00:11
Haaz is about as straight as my nappy ass fro...that's straight! womp! womp! oop! oop!
he needs to STOP.PLAYING...his tea is ALL OVER the place, from NYC to DC to LA and BACK.AGAIN
Ms. Haaz LIVES for the gay clubs...what str8 man does that? oh yeah, NO HAAZ.
Yes, he is playing a very multi-layered character, but I have to believe it's one that is given LIFE by someone is "family"...just saying.
Nurse Jackie is the business!
Haaz, his closet case issues and his cutting his coworker down in the article (what DO you mean that Thor's portrayal is accurate because of who the person playing him is like in real life? so that actor is feminine aka GAY? Haaz--girl STOP...Thor isn't the ONLY gay on the show...you do the math)...IS.NOT.THE.BUSINESS
Posted by: ShadeTea | 17 June 2009 at 00:53
--->Yes, he is playing a very multi-layered character, but I have to believe it's one that is given LIFE by someone is "family"...just saying.
LOL @ Miss Shade Tea. Baby, I live for your comments. You are a hoot and a holla.
Ans Cajiva that was too funny, lol
Posted by: GRANT | 17 June 2009 at 01:44
I can still fantasize.
Haaz is my baby daddy fantasy!
When he feels comfortable to come over to our side, I'll be waiting with no panties on.
Posted by: Distant Lover | 17 June 2009 at 07:46
Um . . . you might want to ask Emanuel Xavier, his co-star in "The Ski Trip", exactly how straight Haaz is.
Posted by: Rick | 17 June 2009 at 08:40
Haaz is a real nice treat to add to an already good show....Im gonna have to go with y'all on the get down thing lol
Posted by: RealManzDream | 18 June 2009 at 14:07
My GAWD he is so sexy! I don't care what he is in real life...its none of my business even if he is gay and chooses to publicly say he isn't. That won't stop me from fantasizing about him while watching Nurse Jackie.
Posted by: Ron | 20 June 2009 at 13:21
HE IS THE REASON I WATCH NURSE JACKIE.
SHOULD BE CALLED NUSRE MO MO!
LOVE HIS WORK, AND HIS EYES!
Posted by: RICHARD | 30 June 2009 at 10:10