Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 17, 2001)
24 august 11 .2 0 0 1 onsidering Oregon}s love-hate relationship with California, it would stand to reason that our homegrown aspiring celebrities are similarly torn. Should they abandon the state they love in their quest for fame and fortune? And once they make it big, will these California dreamers ever be able to return? What’s in the water that makes Oregon home to so many future stars? Or is it the gloomy rain that brings out the extreme moods required for life in front of (and behind) a camera lens? Here, Just Out presents the stories of three gay men who have achieved varying degrees of success in show business. We’re sure they soon will have a number of old acquaintances calling to ask for payback on those outstanding debts. C Peter Paige Brian W ayne Peterson J G raigory screenwriter, B ut I ’m a Cheerleader actor, Q ueer as Folk erhaps Lon Mahon should ask for a cut of the grosses from But I'm a Cheerleader. The Oregon Citizens Alliance chairman unknow ingly provided some of the inspiration for the comedy about a lesbian sent away to rehabilitation camp, which was written by Brian Wayne Peterson. The western Montana native came to Salem in 1988 to attend Willamette University. He graduated with a degree in psychology, then went on to earn a masters in screenwriting from University of South ern California. Even though Peterson penned one of last years most prominent gay films, people might be surprised to learn he hardly is living a life of luxury in La-La Land. “I signed the agreement that they warn you never, ever to sign," he says of his Cheerleader contract. Graigory readily admits he’s a study in contradictions: “I’m a gay Republican. I’m a Southern In 1996, he was living on Baptist who went to a Catholic credit cards and making about $150 a school. I was the student body vice week on Portland stages. Today, he is, president for the entire Jesuit school America’s poster queen: a prominent system.” role on the most explicit gay show ever, No wonder the versatile 30-year- Queer as Folk ; a guest appearance on old, who grew up in tiny McMinn the most popular gay show ever, Will & ville, had no problem making the Grace; and, oh yeah, the cover of The transition to Hollyweird. And you’ll Advocate. never guess who gave this guy the confidence to However, Paige is hardly an overnight sensation. In tell himself, “You’re gonna make it after all”— Mr. fact, he’s been trekking across the country in search of Grant himself, Ed Asner. his big break for practically his whole life. About 10 years ago Graigory attended the During his transient childhood he lived in seven American College Theatre Festival, where the tele different states, but he always managed to take center vision actor and producer was delivering the stage. He landed his first role at age 6: playing the keynote address. After the speech, most of the stu Scarecrow in his elementary school production of The dents had questions for Asner about political issues. P Continued on Page 25 production coordinator, The D rew Carey Show hat a crazy few years it’s been for Peter Paige. J W W izard o f O z. Continued on Page 27 Continued on Page 26 FLAMBE QUEER NIGHT @LE H A P P Y MONDAYS 9PM TO 1AM 1101 NW 16TH • 21 & OVER * 503.226.1258 » A .S .H .I. OAHI F o r fa st, f a i r a n d f r i e n d l y service, c o n ta c t 'tf'n 't OCHI #060 CCB #118865 * j 1* j « 'jW k| « |M | vf T p n ’n T iT LtiLiLLUl A good person to know fo r all your insurance needs •AUTO • HOME • RENTERS •LIFE • COMMERCIAL • WORKER’S COMP ( 503 ) 699-0992 TOLL FREE: ( 800 ) 699-0992 The Beebe Insurance A gency has proudly served our community since t 9 8 9 rnnnrnn • Full Structural Inpections • Reinspections • Roof Inspections • Pest & Dry Rot • Loans for Conventional, FHA, VA & HUD Financing • 203K Re-Hab Loans ( 503 ) 307-9180 www.inspecteckwest.com We Help Find Financing Fast Credit Approval Trade-Ins Welcome Credit Problems O K Lucia Gibson 503.720-2747 503.289-5199
