Ryan Phillippe Reflects on Groundbreaking Gay Teen Role on Daytime TV

Ryan Phillippe reflects on his groundbreaking role as Billy Douglas, the first gay teenager on daytime television, which he portrayed on "One Life to Live" in the early 1990s. At 17, Phillippe was initially scared and faced discouragement from those close to him due to the societal attitudes of the time. However, the role became a profound experience for him as he witnessed the immediate positive response from viewers, including fan mail from teens and parents who felt represented or found a way to connect with their LGBTQ children. Phillippe acknowledges that the experience helped him mature and understand the importance of representation in media. Despite the challenges, the role left a lasting impact on him and audiences alike, marking a significant moment in television history. He continues to appreciate the value of connection, now acting alongside his son in the series "Motorheads."