Miriam Margolyes Asks Alexander Skarsgård About His Sexuality: “You’re Not Gay, Are You?”

Miriam Margolyes recently created a memorable moment on The Graham Norton Show when she questioned actor Alexander Skarsgård about his sexuality. During the November 28 episode, the Harry Potter star bluntly asked Skarsgård, “But you’re not gay, are you? Are you?” prompting laughter from the audience.

Skarsgård, who was promoting his upcoming romantic comedy Pillion, responded with a playful “No, not really,” referencing a past humorous encounter with Margolyes. The film features Skarsgård as a biker in a BDSM relationship with a younger man, a role that has sparked interest in how he prepared for the part.

Margolyes expressed admiration for Skarsgård’s performance and curiosity about his research process. She said, “I’ve been enthusiastically gay for a very long time, and I’m always surprised by fellas who come across it later,” highlighting the actor’s challenge of portraying a character from a subculture unfamiliar to him.

The conversation touched on Skarsgård’s approach to his role and his views on sexuality. He told Variety at the Zurich Film Festival that his personal background wasn’t central to the story. According to Skarsgård, what mattered was telling an authentic story about a subculture rarely depicted with such depth.

Key points from the exchange include:

1. Margolyes’ direct questioning during the interview.
2. Skarsgård’s humorous and candid responses.
3. The actor’s emphasis on research and authenticity.
4. His comments about the irrelevance of sexual orientation for this role.

Margolyes also recalled a quirky incident from about 20 years ago involving Skarsgård’s visit to one of her homes. This anecdote added levity and underscored their friendly rapport on screen.

Skarsgård wore a humorous “Hot Buffet ‘Available All Day’ eat as much as you like” t-shirt, adding to the lighthearted atmosphere of the interview. This appearance has renewed discussions about the actor’s sexuality, fueled by his previous comments about being open to relationships with both men and women.

The actor’s stance reflects a broader cultural shift toward understanding sexuality beyond labels. His focus remains on portraying characters with authenticity rather than defining his personal identity publicly. This openness aligns with the evolving representation of LGBTQ+ narratives in film and television.

As discussions continue, Margolyes’ playful yet pointed questioning highlights the ongoing curiosity about celebrity identities and how they inform their art. The exchange on The Graham Norton Show offers insight into the intersection of personal experience, performance, and societal expectations surrounding sexuality.