LIVING THE DREAM
One of The Little Rascals from Full House, former child star Blake McIver is all grown up, gay, a go-go dancer and about to release his first album. Phillip Portman reports.
DNA: When did you come out as gay? How did that go? Blake McIver: Four years ago, after struggling to come to terms with my sexuality for years. It was difficult for me because so many people just assumed I was gay because of the characters I had played on TV and in movies. I had to really search deep inside before finding the courage to say for myself, Yes, this is who I am and I’m happy and proud to share that with others. My friends were unbelievably supportive and I couldn’t have gotten through that time without them. How did you get into go-go dancing? I was out at a club with some friends and looked up at one of the go-go boys who was basically just shifting his weight from foot to foot. I said to my friend, “Is that all it takes? Whatever happened to choreography?” My friend knew one of the promoters who said, “Then show us your moves.” I got up on a box and the rest, as they say, is history. Do people who see you dance recognise you from The Little Rascals or Full House? It has happened. Usually there is a look of confusion, then shock, then horror, and then, if I’m doing my job correctly, they start to blush. Fans of those shows are so wonderful and supportive of me, I couldn’t have asked for a better group to be a part of. Do you ever do private dances? No, I actually haven’t. I think my performance style is better suited for public rather than private arenas. I like to keep the party going and sneak in as many classic steps as possible. What I love about dancing is that it allows me to express my sexuality in a fun, sensual and safe way. A friend once came up to me while dancing and said, “Did you just do some Fosse?” I just smiled. What is your favourite track to dance to? My favorite thing in the world to dance to is my Aretha Franklin Pandora station. Oh wait, you mean at the club not alone in my bedroom? Right. Okay, at the moment that would have to be Lorde’s Royals. Congratulations on your own single Wish I Didn’t Need You. What inspired the video? Thank you so much. The video was inspired by my first relationship with another man.
Usually there is a look of confusion, then shock, then horror, and, if I’m doing my job correctly, they start to blush.
It was such a vulnerable time of discovery and wonder for me, and it was ripped away abruptly. I don’t think anyone ever forgets their first heartbreak. It’s a different sound to what we’d expect from a sexy twentysomething in LA. What’s your album like? That is quite the compliment, thank you for noticing. I’m very inspired by midcentury pop culture, architecture and art. The album is called The Time Manipulator and has a time-travel aesthetic. I am attempting to bring some of my favourite sounds from the past and take them with me into the future. I want to be the Marty McFly of pop music [laughs]! Your shirtless Instagram photos went viral and got a lot of people talking. Did you expect to cause such a big stir? Not at all. I’ve always been a bit of an exhibitionist so when Instagram came out I started having fun and being as cheeky as possible. Back then, I was only followed by close friends. I look at it as another fun outlet for self-expression. I’m at an exciting time in my life and career and having a blast sharing it with all who are interested. Former child stars such as Mayim Bialik (who once starred as Blossom and is now on the hit show, The Big Bang Theory) have returned to successful television shows as adults. If television called you back, would you go? Absolutely, if it were the right role on the right show I would be thrilled to return. Do you have any advice for people who find fame at an early age? The best advice I can give, albeit cliché, is to never lose sight of your original dream. The politics and bureaucracy of fame and publicity can sometimes eclipse an artist’s original passion. I try to take a few quiet minutes everyday to remind myself how lucky I am to have the opportunity to make art. To me that’s living the dream. Are you still friends with any of The Little Rascals or the Olsen twins? I keep up with former cast mates primarily through Twitter and Facebook. Thank goodness for social media or we all would’ve probably lost touch completely. You know, back in the ’90s we had to call each other’s parents on their home phones to chat. Any advice for readers struggling to come out of the closet? Listen to your heart and do what is right for you. There seems to be a lot of pressure in the gay community to come out sooner, as if time spent in the closet is somehow an offensive disservice to your peers. I don’t subscribe to this pressure tactic. Coming out is an intensely personal and often difficult thing. Everyone has their own journey and it’s really not for others to judge. I would have to say that exercising self-compassion is the best way to prepare yourself to make that important and beautiful step.