Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 08/01/2024.
When Daniel Franzese played Damian in Tina Fey’s classic "Mean Girls" 16 years ago, little did he know this this character would still be celebrated today. However, portraying one of film history’s most iconic gay best friends and delivering some of pop culture’s most recognized lines did result in some personal setbacks. According to Franzese, he hit Hollywood’s “gay glass ceiling,” which left him unable to do anything but play gay.
Back then, LGBTQ character were often depicted as broad stereotypes meant to provoke laughs with their stereotypical sass. Since Franzese refused to go backwards and take on roles that were considered regressive, he was unemployed for several years. Unusual for Hollywood, he stuck to his guns instead of capitalizing on his notoriety.
Fortunately, the glass ceiling did break and, Franzese was offered the type of role he was holding out for—Eddie in HBO’s Looking. Franzese has also gone on to create several live comedy and stand-up performances and recently started a podcast called Yass Jesus! with former televangelist Azariah Southworth where they explore what it means to be a Christ loving member of the LGBTQ community in these divided times.
Daniel Franzese is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Breaking Through the Gay Glass Ceiling. The estimated speaking fee range to book Daniel Franzese for your event is available upon request. Daniel Franzese generally travels from Los Angeles, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Geena Rocero, Wilson Cruz, Chris Mosier, Sophie Santos and Jason Collins. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Daniel Franzese for an upcoming live or virtual event.
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.