Jeffrey ⁞⁞ Queer Classics

The 1995 romantic comedy Jeffrey followed the title character, a thirty-something struggling actor working as a waiter in New York, where he makes the decision to become celibate in the face of the AIDS crisis, which has him rethinking his desire for love and intimacy. His decision is immediately complicated when he crosses paths with the handsome Steve (Michael T. Weiss). As sparks fly between Jeffrey (Steven Weber) and Steve, Jeffrey is encouraged by his close friend, fashion designer Sterling (Patrick Stewart) and Sterling's HIV-positive stage actor partner Darius (Bryan Batt) not to cut off his heart out of fear. Based on a play, the comedy employs several fantasy elements, including characters breaking the fourth wall and speaking directly to the audience. Jeffrey also finds himself bombarded with random advice from all corners of New York City, all challenging him to overcome his fear and live a full life. But just as Jeffrey accepts Steve's offer of a date, things hit a major snag with Steve revealing to Jeffrey that he is HIV-positive.

This causes Jeffrey to put a stop to their potential romance, upsetting Steve and Jeffrey's friends. Jeffrey's journey to reconcile his heart with his fear leads him to varying outside opinions, from his own parents to a self-help guru (Sigourney Weaver) to an aggressively gay priest (Nathan Lane). As Darius' health begins to decline, Jeffrey finds it even harder to grapple with the notion of love in the face of possible death, despite Sterling's insistence. Jeffrey learns that Steve has moved on to a new relationship with Sean (Michael Duvert). He makes plans to leave New York when Darius dies. Jeffrey tries to comfort Sterling, who lashes out at Jeffrey and his decision to give up and move back to his small town. A divine encounter with Darius helps Jeffrey see the value of taking a chance on love, leading him back to Steve, who reveals that Sean broke up with him because he could sense his heart was set on someone else. Jeffrey makes a grand gesture of love, leading the two men to finally connect.

Queer Classic Film Facts:

Jeffrey was written by Paul Rudnick, who also created the original stage play that the film is based on. Rudnick struggled to get the original play produced due it being pitched as an AIDS-based comedy but initial performances in a tiny New York theater sold out, leading to notoriety and a commercial run in the city. The stage play won several award. Christopher Ashley directed both the stage play and the film. The film was finally released on Blu-ray in 2019.
Out actor Bryan Batt made his feature film debut in Jeffrey. Like his character Darius, Batt was primarily a stage performer, though he would go on to find his most famous role on television, playing closeted art director Salvatore Romano on the hit series Mad Men. Batt was the only cast member from the original stage play to reprise their role in the film.
Jeffrey was the first lead film role for straight actor Steven Weber. It would not be his last role on a queer-themed project, as he would later appear on series like 13 Reasons Why, Brothers & Sisters, Will & Grace, lent his voice to the animated series The Bravest Knight, and played father to deaf gay lead Michael on the series This Close.
For veteran actor Sir Patrick Stewart, Jeffrey was his first feature film after wrapping his seven-year starring role on Star Trek: The Next Generation and its first film Star Trek: Generations. Stewart has shared a lifelong friendship with out actor, and fellow Brit, Sir Ian McKellen.
Though he was not out at the time, Nathan Lane played gay priest Father Dan in this film. He would play a gay lead character in his next feature film, The Birdcage. Lane's co-star in that film, Christine Baranski, also appears in Jeffrey.
Known more as a stage director, Tony Award winner Christopher Ashley made his movie directorial debut with Jeffrey. He would later direct the filmed production of Come from Away which streamed on AppleTV+, and the filmed production of the stage musical Diana for Netflix.
Writer Paul Rudnick would later pen another queer film, the 1997 comedy In & Out. Jeffrey was Rudnick's fourth film script after Sister Act, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, and Addams Family Values, which would also feature Nathan Lane.
The film features cameos from several queer performers including Victor Garber, Peter Bartlett, and Camryn Manheim.
Though she appears in just one scene of the film, Sigourney Weaver was third-billed on promotional materials for the film, to help bring the project more attention for distribution.
Film icon Olympia Dukakis is featured in a cameo, playing Mrs. Marcangelo, a woman who crosses paths with Jeffrey & Steve at a Pride parade, openly supporting her trans daughter Angelique (Gregory Jbara). Dukakis was known as a vocal advocate for LGBT rights, including same-sex marriage. Dukakis played a trans character herself with her iconic role as Anna Madrigal in the Tales of the City franchise.