It seems that when it comes to questions of sexuality in film roles, actors need a certain fortitude and confidence to pull off the role convincingly. That is precisely Kevin Hart’s argument when he’s been approached to do scenes that involve same-gender intimacy. Whilst he seemed okay with the kiss with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the comedy Central Intelligence (let’s be real here, it’s THE ROCK!), this was a one-off. The well-known comedian refused the role of Alpa Chino (a closeted gay rapper) in the film Tropic Thunder due to his own beliefs about the character, labeling him “real flagrant.” Fair enough!
Whilst the comedian/actor has huge respect for the LGBTI community, he confessed that he wasn’t totally confident in playing those particular types of roles. In an interview, Hart expressed his hesitation about playing gay characters, saying that his insecurities might affect his performance. He has also said that thinking about people’s opinions when it comes to that might prevent him from diving into that 100%.
Vanessa Hudgens Refused to Kiss James Franco in “Spring Breakers”
It seems that Franco isn’t having much luck with the ladies on the screen! Former High School Musical star Vanessa Hudgens may have taken on a role that saw her graduate from high school and enters the world of debauchery, but there seemed to be some strings attached! The film was a rude shock compared to her Disney days, including scenes where Hudgens got up close and personal with Franco and an eye-opening scene of a pow-wow in a swimming pool!
Spring Breakers just wasn’t the right fit for Hudgens, who spoke about her experience with Franco at the time: “It was very nerve-racking for me. I told my agent I never want to do it again.” Now we can only speculate the reasons why Hudgens was so averse to kissing Franco, but the following quote says it all. "I'd rather kiss a girl again than kiss Franco again!" Ouchy!
Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder Post Break-Up Refused to Kiss on “The Vampire Diaries”
Now, if this isn’t #breakupgoals, we don’t know what is. The ex-lovers and Vampire Diaries stars Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder are well known for their passionate exchanges over the years – both on the series and in real life! Despite breaking up, the pair are reportedly still friends. Nina is reportedly even friends with his now-wife, Nikki Reed. (Vampires and vampires, eh?)
Despite the steamy scenes between the pair on the show – pretty sure every teenage girl and/or mom got a little jealous of their on-screen chemistry – after Somerhalder’s engagement to Reed, the set became a no-kissing zone. RIP Delena. During interviews post-shooting and when the two were dating (who can forget that passionate kiss in season six?) Somerhalder revealed how the Georgian weather was certainly not an aphrodisiac. At Paleyfest, Somerhalder retold the story that the weather was so icy his jaw froze, and Nina had icicles in her hair!
Herizen Guardiola Wasn't Into Kissing Justice Smith on "The Get Down"
Netflix series The Get Down was Herizen F. Guardiola’s first major screen role. Set in the heart of the disco era, the funky series looked at the highs and lows of the rise to fame and the impoverished and disadvantaged African American community in the Bronx. Naturally, there were bound to be a few intimate moments in a series that follows the lives of a young couple. Created by Australian director extraordinaire Baz Luhrmann, the story is narrated by Justice Smith, her love interest in the series. Guardiola recalled how Luhrman would tell her to put the scripts away and Herizen to just simply kiss her co-star to show some intimacy. She did not want to, saying that she just did not feel comfortable kissing people she did not know.
What would’ve been Herizen’s first taste of acting out love scenes? It seems she got things pretty good with an understanding co-star like Justice Smith. The actor, who’s just released his new film with Ryan Reynolds, Detective Pikachu, was a lot cooler with the whole situation than Guardiola, saying that he didn’t realize how weird it was until she made it weird. Poor Justice Smith! We’re sure that Guardiola’s changed her mind about the whole kissing thing now, but hey, if she wants to join some fellow actors and add a “no-kissing” clause to her contract, then all power to her!
Kimberly McCullough Didn't Want To Lock Lips With An Older Man on "General Hospital"
Sure, everyone’s had a crush on someone slightly older than them. Teenagers go crazy over boy bands and the like. But there is a point where it becomes, well, just a bit inappropriate. At least actresses these days feel well within their rights – at the time Kimberly McCullough was on General Hospital, and it may have been slightly awkward between the co-stars. The star, only aged fourteen at the time, was asked to kiss a twenty-two-year-old actor. While some teens these days might feel they’re fully ready to share a kiss with a hunky actor, it just isn’t right.
Where her parents were is what we’re asking now! Whilst McCullough complained to her producer, she was still made to do the scene. For a fourteen-year-old, we’re impressed that she stood her ground and compromised with a kiss on the cheek! You go, girl.