Actor John Leguizamo Opens Up about Working with the Late Patrick Swayze in To Wong Foo

https://icaro.icaromediagroup.com/system/images/photos/16197674/original/open-uri20240503-17-efl9e0?1714771948
ICARO Media Group
News
03/05/2024 21h31

In a recent interview on SiriusXM's "Andy Cohen Live," actor John Leguizamo candidly discussed his experiences working with the late Patrick Swayze in the 1995 cult classic, "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar." Leguizamo described Swayze as "neurotic" and "difficult," shedding light on their on-set dynamics.

During the interview, Leguizamo, who is known for his outspoken nature, contradicted host Andy Cohen's suggestion that Swayze had a stellar reputation among his co-stars. Leguizamo stated, "That's different than what I experienced. Rest in peace, I love him. He was just neurotic. And I'm neurotic too, but I don't know, he was just - it was difficult working with him."

The actor, now 63 years old, is no stranger to voicing his opinions. In 2020, he boycotted the Emmys, citing "cultural apartheid," and recently criticized the entertainment industry for casting James Franco as Fidel Castro in an upcoming film project, emphatically stating, "I don't got a problem with Franco, but he ain't Latino!"

Leguizamo's remarks about Swayze's work style stem from their time on the set of "To Wong Foo," where tensions apparently ran high. Leguizamo revealed that the two came dangerously close to physical confrontation, with Leguizamo joking that they were "PMSing at the same time." The actor attributed their clashes to his improvisational acting style, which Swayze struggled to keep up with.

Despite their differences, Leguizamo takes pride in his role as Chi-Chi Rodriguez in "To Wong Foo" and the impact the film has had on the LGBTQ+ community. He shared stories of transgender and LGBTQ+ individuals who approached him, expressing gratitude for his portrayal of Chi-Chi and how it empowered them to come out to their parents. Leguizamo emphasized that he believes art should inspire courage and empathy.

This recent conversation with Cohen isn't the first time Leguizamo has spoken publicly about their on-set differences. In 2018, he recounted a near physical altercation between himself and Swayze, further highlighting the challenges they faced while working together.

"To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar" remains a cherished film in the LGBTQ+ community, resonating with many individuals who found strength and confidence through its characters. Despite the artistic differences between Leguizamo and Swayze, the film continues to inspire and uplift audiences.

The late Patrick Swayze, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 57 in 2009, has left a lasting legacy in Hollywood with his memorable performances. Leguizamo's honest account of their time together on "To Wong Foo" offers a unique perspective on the challenges that can arise on set, reminding us that even in the world of filmmaking, behind-the-scenes dynamics can shape the final product.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

Related