Television has made great strides in recent years when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation, but there’s still much progress to be made. In the CBS dramedy So Help Me Todd, actor Matthew Wilkas is breaking stereotypes and challenging the labels often associated with queer characters. Playing the role of Lawrence, the brother of Skylar Astin’s Todd, Wilkas offers a nuanced portrayal of a gay character that defies expectations.
In this article, we’ll dive into how So Help Me Todd challenges queer stereotypes, Wilkas’ thoughts on the importance of diverse representation, and why his portrayal of Lawrence is so significant for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Role of Lawrence in So Help Me Todd: A Fresh Take on Queer Representation
So Help Me Todd is a refreshing CBS dramedy that blends humor and drama in a way that hasn’t been seen before. It follows Todd (played by Skylar Astin), a private investigator who is working to mend his relationship with his mother, who happens to be a no-nonsense attorney. Lawrence, played by Matthew Wilkas, is Todd’s supportive and charismatic brother who just happens to be gay. But what makes Lawrence’s character stand out is that he’s not defined solely by his sexual orientation.
In many TV shows, gay characters are often pigeonholed into specific roles or are written in a way that emphasizes stereotypes. However, So Help Me Todd presents Lawrence as a fully-realized individual with his own personality, interests, and goals. He isn’t the “token gay character” – he’s a well-rounded person who just happens to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.
By allowing Lawrence to exist as more than just a stereotype, So Help Me Todd takes a significant step forward in offering a more realistic and relatable portrayal of queer individuals on television. Lawrence is charming, supportive, and a loving husband to his partner, Chet. There’s no emphasis on his sexuality being the defining trait of his character. Instead, his personal relationships, both familial and romantic, take center stage.
Breaking Queer Stereotypes: Matthew Wilkas on His Character
Matthew Wilkas is known for his past roles in projects such as Gayby and The Queens of the World, but his portrayal of Lawrence in So Help Me Todd is unique because of how it subverts typical queer stereotypes. In an interview, Wilkas discussed how he approaches playing Lawrence and the importance of breaking away from the traditional portrayals of gay characters on screen.
“One of the most important things for me was making sure that Lawrence wasn’t defined by his sexuality,” Wilkas said. “We’ve seen a lot of portrayals of gay characters who are either over-the-top or defined by their sexual orientation, and that’s not always the reality for people. I wanted Lawrence to be someone who just happened to be gay, but who was also a complex individual with real struggles and relationships beyond his sexuality.”
This approach helps create a character who feels authentic and not forced into a mold. It reflects the reality for many LGBTQ+ individuals, who are more than their sexual identity. Lawrence’s personal life, his relationships with his brother Todd, and his husband Chet are explored in ways that humanize him and make him feel like a natural part of the show’s world.
Representation Matters: Why Diversity in Media is Important
The impact of So Help Me Todd in terms of queer representation is more than just about Lawrence as a character. It’s about the message it sends to viewers – particularly to those who identify as LGBTQ+. When we see more nuanced and varied portrayals of queer individuals, it helps to break down harmful stereotypes and promotes a greater understanding of the LGBTQ+ community.
Matthew Wilkas shared his thoughts on this issue, emphasizing the importance of seeing diverse LGBTQ+ characters on television.
“There’s still a lack of visibility for queer characters in mainstream media, and what’s more, when there are queer characters, they’re often portrayed in limiting ways. We’re more than just the funny best friend or the tragic figure. We’re complex human beings with rich, multi-dimensional lives. That’s what I want to show through Lawrence,” Wilkas explained.
By offering a character like Lawrence, who is not defined by stereotypes but is simply an individual living his life, So Help Me Todd provides viewers with a refreshing change. It shows that LGBTQ+ characters can be integral to the story without being tokenized or reduced to one-dimensional roles. This kind of representation matters not only for LGBTQ+ viewers but for all audiences, as it helps normalize diverse identities in mainstream media.
The Importance of Visibility for LGBTQ+ Audiences
For LGBTQ+ viewers, seeing themselves represented on screen can be incredibly powerful. It allows them to feel seen, heard, and validated. It’s important to acknowledge that for many years, queer characters were either invisible or relegated to minor roles with stereotypical portrayals. Shows like So Help Me Todd, which feature queer characters as real, complex people, are helping to change the narrative.
Matthew Wilkas’ role as Lawrence offers LGBTQ+ viewers the opportunity to see someone they can relate to, who is not only in a loving relationship but is also navigating his own life challenges and supporting his family. It sends a message that queer people can be part of all kinds of stories – from comedy to drama, family dynamics to professional success.
“When I watch the show, I want people to see Lawrence and say, ‘That’s someone I could be friends with, that’s someone I can relate to.’ He’s not just the gay character – he’s an individual who happens to be gay, and that’s the most important thing for me,” Wilkas said.
Matthew Wilkas and LGBTQ+ Representation in Hollywood
Hollywood has made great strides in recent years when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation, but there is still a long way to go. While we’ve seen more queer characters in mainstream shows and films, it’s essential that these portrayals continue to evolve beyond stereotypes. Matthew Wilkas’ role in So Help Me Todd is part of this evolution, offering audiences a more rounded, realistic depiction of gay characters.
Wilkas believes that visibility and diversity are key to creating lasting change in the entertainment industry. “We need more queer characters in all kinds of stories – not just ones that are focused on their sexual orientation but ones that showcase the full spectrum of the human experience,” he said.
As the industry continues to evolve, actors like Wilkas are helping to pave the way for more inclusive and diverse storytelling, ensuring that all types of queer characters find their place in the spotlight.
Conclusion: So Help Me Todd is Changing the Game for LGBTQ+ Representation
In So Help Me Todd, Matthew Wilkas is doing important work by bringing a fresh and nuanced portrayal of a gay character to television. Through his role as Lawrence, he helps to break down the stereotypical portrayals of queer individuals that have often been seen in mainstream media. By presenting Lawrence as a complex and fully-realized character, So Help Me Todd sends a powerful message about the importance of diverse and authentic representation.
With more shows like this pushing the boundaries of queer representation, the future of LGBTQ+ characters in mainstream media is bright. It’s a sign that television can, and should, reflect the diversity of the world we live in – one where all identities are seen, heard, and respected.
