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Sean Bean Defends Playing Trans Character

Sean Bean Defends Playing Trans Character

He played a character called Tracie in a BBC drama

Sean Bean has defended his decision to play a trans character, but has admitted that it would cause 'uproar' and probably wouldn’t happen today. 

The 62-year-old starred in Accused: Tracie’s Story in 2012, in which he played an English teacher called Simon who had a trans alter ego named Tracie. 

For the role, Bean donned a long blond wig, make-up and fake breasts. 

In recent years there’s been calls for casting directors to choose actors whose identities match the character they’re set to play, but Bean doesn’t think this should always be the case. 

BBC

Speaking to the Guardian, he said: “I come from a generation that started in repertory theatre, playing a different role each week. The aim was to play as many parts as possible. Whereas there’s a tendency now to argue that characters can only be played by someone like them. 

“I think that is restrictive and counterproductive. We risk getting into a situation where drama is dictated more by which boxes are ticked than the story being told. 

“I often think that, if I did Tracie’s Story today, there’d be an uproar. I have a feeling it would be questioned and wouldn’t even be made, but it’s one of the roles I’m proudest of. It seems such a shame if actors can’t play a range of parts.”

His role as Tracie was a stark difference to the usual roles he plays and notably his character didn’t die - because Bean has earned himself a bit of a reputation for being bumped off, having racked up a whopping 25 on screen deaths. 

Alamy

Speaking to the Sun in 2019, the star revealed he’s even turned down roles due to the fact his character will be killed off. 

He said: "I've turned down stuff. I've said, 'They know my character's going to die because I'm in it!'

"I just had to cut that out and start surviving, otherwise it was all a bit predictable.

"I did do one job and they said, 'We're going to kill you', and I was like, 'Oh no!' and then they said, 'Well, can we injure you badly?' and I was like, 'OK, so long as I stay alive this time'.

"I've played a lot of baddies, they were great but they weren't very fulfilling - and I always died."

Featured Image Credit: BBC

Topics: Celebrity, Sean Bean