Actor Kerr Smith discusses in a new memoir how becoming involved with “Dawson’s Creek” and playing Jack McPhee—who later comes out as gay—led to public hostility and personal discomfort. He describes an adjustment period after the show creators changed his character, as well as feeling isolated as he learned what was coming next for Jack.
Across coverage, outlets emphasize different parts of Smith’s account. PinkNews highlights the harm he says he faced, including graffiti and homophobic slurs tied to backlash after a gay kiss. The Guardian focuses on the filmmaking process, saying Smith recalls filming “US TV’s first gay kiss,” and also addresses the homophobia he encountered while playing a gay character in the 1990s. Variety also spotlights Smith’s feelings of isolation, referencing his memoir “I Don’t Want to Wait,” which is released Tuesday, Nov. 10.
ComingSoon.net frames the story around anti-gay protesters making Smith’s years on the show “miserable,” focusing on the public reaction he says he did not anticipate. While details vary by outlet, all coverage centers on Smith’s reflections on the backlash and emotional impact surrounding the show’s landmark gay storyline.
