20 Actors Who Refused to Kiss Same-Sex Co-Stars Despite Contract

Actors often have specific boundaries when it comes to filming intimate scenes, ranging from religious objections to personal discomfort. While many navigate these requirements during contract negotiations, some instances involve refusing specific moments after being cast or reading the script. These decisions can lead to script rewrites, the use of body doubles, or even actors leaving a production entirely. The following individuals are known for declining to perform same-sex kissing scenes or exiting roles that required them.

‘Six Degrees of Separation’ (1993)

Will Smith starred as a gay con artist in this drama, a role that was a significant departure from his comedic work. The script required a kissing scene with co-star Anthony Michael Hall, but Smith refused to perform the act shortly before filming. He later revealed that he received advice from Denzel Washington, who warned him that kissing a man on screen could damage his leading man image. Director Fred Schepisi was forced to use a camera trick involving the back of a stand-in’s head to simulate the intimacy.

‘True Blood’ (2008–2014)

Luke Grimes played the character James Kent in the sixth season of this HBO vampire series but abruptly left before the seventh season. Reports surfaced that Grimes was uncomfortable with the writers’ decision to take his character in a bisexual direction, specifically involving a romance with the character Lafayette. Co-star Nelsan Ellis later stated that Grimes quit because he did not want to play a gay part or film same-sex kissing scenes. The role of James was subsequently recast with actor Nathan Parsons for the final season.

‘The Young and the Restless’ (1973–Present)

Soap opera actor Chris Engen, who played Adam Newman, walked off the set and quit the show in 2009. His departure was reportedly due to his refusal to perform a kissing scene with male co-star Yani Gellman as part of a new storyline. Engen expressed unhappiness with the darker direction of his character, which culminated in the same-sex romance plot. The network recast the role with Michael Muhney immediately following Engen’s exit.

Kevin Hart

Comedian Kevin Hart turned down the role of Alpa Chino in the 2008 film ‘Tropic Thunder’ because the script required a flagrant portrayal of a gay character. Hart admitted in interviews that his own insecurities prevented him from diving into the role 100 percent, particularly regarding intimate scenes. He stated that he cared too much about what people would think and felt he could not do the character justice. The role eventually went to Brandon T. Jackson.

‘Philadelphia’ (1993)

Tom Hanks won an Academy Award for his portrayal of a lawyer dying of AIDS in this groundbreaking film. Despite the compassionate nature of the movie, Hanks reportedly refused to film an open-mouth kiss with his on-screen partner, Antonio Banderas. Director Jonathan Demme confirmed that Hanks was uncomfortable with the idea of a graphic kiss. The scene was ultimately filmed as a more chaste embrace to accommodate the actor’s boundaries.

‘Dog Day Afternoon’ (1975)

Al Pacino delivered an iconic performance as a bank robber seeking money for his partner’s gender confirmation surgery. However, Pacino rejected a scripted scene where he was supposed to kiss co-star Chris Sarandon. He argued that the kiss felt exploitative and that the audience already understood the nature of their relationship without needing to see it physically. The scene was rewritten to feature a phone conversation between the two characters instead.

‘Tyson’ (1995)

Michael Jai White starred as heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in this HBO biographical film. The script included a scene where Tyson kisses his trainer, played by Clark Gregg, on the cheek or lips as a sign of affection. White refused to perform the kiss, stating that he wanted to protect his image and felt uncomfortable with the direction. The scene was altered to remove the physical intimacy that White objected to.

Justin Bieber

Pop star Justin Bieber was in talks to star in a film titled ‘Uber Girl’ but reportedly demanded a major script change before signing on. The script featured a scene where his character would engage in a romantic encounter with a male backup dancer. Bieber’s team insisted that the scene be removed entirely as a condition for his participation. The singer ultimately did not take the project, and the film struggled to find footing.

Jessica Simpson

Singer and actress Jessica Simpson was cast in the film ‘Undiscovered’ but faced a conflict regarding a same-sex kiss. Her father and manager, Joe Simpson, reportedly intervened and refused to let her film a scene that required her to kiss another woman. He insisted that the character be rewritten to remove the lesbian storyline to protect her girl-next-door image. The filmmakers complied, and the character’s orientation was changed for the final cut.

Samuel L. Jackson

Samuel L. Jackson has been vocal about his boundaries regarding on-screen intimacy with men. In a 2013 interview, he stated that while he is willing to take on difficult roles, he would never cross-dress or kiss another man for a part. This stance influenced his career choices, leading him to avoid scripts that would require such scenes. Rumors also circulated that changes were made to the film ‘Cell’ to avoid a faithful adaptation of a relationship from the source novel.

Mark Wahlberg

Mark Wahlberg was one of several high-profile actors approached by director Ang Lee for the lead roles in ‘Brokeback Mountain’. Wahlberg revealed that he read fifteen pages of the script and was “creeped out” by the graphic nature of the intimate scenes. He ultimately turned down the role because he did not want to perform the sexual acts required by the story. Wahlberg later stated he had no regrets about passing on the Academy Award-winning film.

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt was another A-list star who was offered a lead role in the romantic drama ‘Brokeback Mountain’. Director Gus Van Sant, who was originally attached to the project, confirmed that he approached Pitt to play one of the cowboys. Pitt declined the offer, reportedly due to the controversial nature of the material and the requirement for same-sex romantic scenes. His refusal contributed to the difficulty the production faced in securing a cast.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Before Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal were cast, Leonardo DiCaprio was considered for one of the main parts in ‘Brokeback Mountain’. Like his peers, DiCaprio turned down the opportunity to star in the film. Producer Diana Ossana confirmed that several young leading men rejected the project for various reasons related to the subject matter. DiCaprio’s decision was part of a broader hesitation among Hollywood’s top male stars at the time.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon was offered the role of Ennis Del Mar in ‘Brokeback Mountain’ but decided to pass on the project. He explained that he had just filmed ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’ and ‘All the Pretty Horses’ and did not want to be typecast by doing another gay movie or cowboy movie consecutively. Damon later admitted that he regretted missing the opportunity to work with the director but stood by his reasoning regarding his career trajectory at that moment.

Ryan Phillippe

Ryan Phillippe was also on the shortlist of actors pursued for the adaptation of the Annie Proulx short story. Despite being a rising star at the time, Phillippe joined the list of actors who said no to the project. The reluctance of these actors highlighted the stigma that still existed in Hollywood regarding leading men playing gay characters in the early 2000s. The role eventually went to actors willing to embrace the challenging material.

Eddie Murphy

Comedy legend Eddie Murphy once expressed interest in playing Little Richard in a biopic but had specific conditions. He stated in interviews that he would not perform any scenes involving homosexual acts or kissing another man. Murphy emphasized that while he admired the musician, he could not bring himself to act out those aspects of his life. This refusal to engage with the subject matter prevented him from pursuing the role further.

Kirk Cameron

Actor Kirk Cameron, known for his role in ‘Growing Pains’, famously instituted a strict policy regarding on-screen kissing after becoming a born-again Christian. He refuses to kiss any woman who is not his wife, Chelsea Noble, regardless of the role or context. This blanket ban extends to same-sex co-stars as well, ensuring he never performs intimate scenes with men. Productions like ‘Fireproof’ had to use his wife as a body double in silhouette to adhere to his contract.

Neal McDonough

Neal McDonough is another actor who staunchly refuses to perform kissing scenes due to his religious faith and devotion to his wife. He was famously fired from the TV series ‘Scoundrels’ for refusing to film heated romantic scenes. His policy is a non-negotiable part of his contract for every project he takes. This rule naturally encompasses a refusal to kiss co-stars of any gender.

Candace Cameron Bure

Following in her brother Kirk Cameron’s footsteps, Candace Cameron Bure also maintains strict boundaries regarding on-screen intimacy. She has stated that she will not film kissing scenes that make her uncomfortable or disrespect her marriage. While she stars in many romance movies, the physical affection is kept very limited. Her contracts reflect these moral boundaries, precluding any possibility of same-sex intimate scenes.

Denzel Washington

While Denzel Washington has not played a gay character himself, he played a pivotal role in the refusal of same-sex kisses by others. He famously advised Will Smith during the filming of ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ not to kiss a man, telling him it would harm his career. Washington himself refused to kiss Julia Roberts in ‘The Pelican Brief’ to avoid alienating his core audience. His influence and personal stance on maintaining a specific screen image have impacted how intimacy is handled in his and his peers’ films.

Tell us in the comments which of these casting decisions surprised you the most.