Out in Film: Robert Gant

Thanks to his memorable role as everyone's dream husband Ben Bruckner on the landmark Queer as Folk, Robert Gant has become one of the most prominent -- and desirable -- out gay actors in Hollywood. Put it this way: He could have just as easily been profiled in the Cinematic Crush section here at Movie Dearest.

Gant actually started his professional life in Los Angeles as a lawyer, but show biz couldn't keep him away. He started with memorable guest spots on some of the gay friendliest shows on television, including Ellen, My So-Called Life, Melrose Place and Friends. (In the latter, he and fellow future QAF-er Matt Battaglia both vied for a fickle Phoebe's affections.)

A recurring role on Caroline in the City led to a permanent one on Popular as an eccentric school principal; all that law school must lend Gant a scholarly air, as he was next cast as Professor Bruckner in QAF's second season. Gant's Ben was linked romantically with Hal Sparks' Michael, and their characters faced such challenging storylines as Ben's HIV+ status, gay marriage and adoption.

In the "real world", Gant is an advocate for several gay elder groups, and has his own production company (with actor Chad Allen and producer Christopher Racster), which is dedicated to producing positive gay-themed projects in film and television. Their first feature, Save Me, was a hit at OutFest and should be hitting theaters soon.

After QAF ended, Gant has guest starred on such other TV series as The Closer and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and he also starred as the title character in the hysterical satirical short, Billy's Dad is a Fudge-Packer (available to watch in full at Planet Out).

And speaking of videos, it sure is nice to know that I'm not the only one who has a thing for Bobby Gant.

See more pictures of Robert Gant in The Back Room (NSFW).