Gay.com's Full Package: Robert Gant

Contrary to popular belief, we queers aren't attracted just to gym bods and pretty faces. We're looking for it all -- intelligence, charm, heart, style, talent, accessibility and that unexplainable sumthin' sumthin' called the "X-factor" that makes our hearts jump.

From the worlds of entertainment, art, sports, business, politics and other realms we've plucked the very few people who fit these criteria, and we present them to you through our weekly series "The Full Package."

Gant's our man

One of the many guilty pleasures the late, lamented and unapologetically gay soap "Queer As Folk" offered us was the fantasy man of our choice: You wanted the endearingly insecure and earnest "semi-cute" blue-collar boy next door, you got Michael; you wanted the unattainable lean-and-mean bad boy, you got Brian; you wanted the precocious pretty-boy artist, you got Justin; you wanted the unsinkable and fiercely fun-loving bon vivant, you got Emmet.

But let's admit it -- we all have a soft spot for Professor Ben Bruckner, who looked as good in a wife beater on the dance floor of the mythical Babylon as he did bespectacled in front of his lecture hall.

Robert Gant, who played Ben, was drawn to the role because he saw himself in the character. "That's me," he thought when he read the initial breakdown of Ben. Like the studly professor, Gant is a hunk with heart, whose desire to build a family and his passion for positive change within the GLBT community make him beautifully human -- and all the more irresistible.

But in real life Robert is all this and more! Click on to discover what went into the former lawyer's decision to throw himself back into his youthful love of performing, his mission to give voice to the "invisible" in our community, his future in a post-"QAF" world -- and why we consider him "The Full Package."

Robert Gant's Ben: Positively fabulous

"I'm a very spiritual person, and so is Ben, and whatever challenges he faced, he knew he was on a spiritual path."

Robert is no stranger to walking a spiritual -- and somewhat circuitous -- path that lead him back to his passion. As a child performer he was known for doing a soft-shoe routine on a USO tour with the legendary Bob Hope. Although even back then his heart was in singing, dancing and acting, Robert, the son of blue-collar parents, believed that "making a good living" was his goal in life. So he graduated from Georgetown University's prestigious school of law and began practicing as an attorney in the Los Angeles office of Baker & McKenzie, the world's largest law firm. When the office closed a mere four months after he was hired, Robert took his severance package and threw himself back into his true love -- acting.

But his rise, as he says, was not a "meteoric process." He appeared as a guest on shows such as "Friends" and "Caroline in the City" until the prospect of playing Ben on "Queer as Folk" fell into his path.

What drew him to role of the dreamy pos professor? "There was a dearth of real, quality portrayals of people living with HIV, and I saw my role as Ben as an opportunity. Rather than presenting a sense of desperation or a sense of inevitability, I wanted to portray honestly someone who was living a whole, healthy life."

Gay and gray -- great!

He's been honored with awards from the National Stonewall Democrats, the National Lesbian and Gay Task Force and the Human Rights Campaign, to name a few accolades. But he's made his true cause that of low-income housing for the older gay community, as a supporter and spokesman for Senior Action in a Gay Environment (SAGE) and Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH).

Decades away from partaking of the services of these organizations himself, he's admitted quite frankly to his fears of growing "old and alone," and that the cause of gay seniors might be "the least sexy kind of thing to be involved in ... because the community is often not an 'inviting place for gay people as they get older.'" One of his aims is integration. "Younger folks need to wake up to the issue ... it's the one issue we all have in common."

But his message is ultimately hopeful: "[Aging] is not something we have to run from," he's realized over the years. "In fact, it's something we can move toward."

The family guy

Currently single, the 6'1" dazzlingly ripped Robert is open to dating and wants to find "that right guy." His criteria: someone who's "in good shape and who cares for his body, the way I do. I appreciate folks who take good care of themselves. But he has to be smart and spiritually interested, too, and somewhat on a growth path."

And is there a deal-breaker when it comes to dating? "Someone who absolutely has no interest in having kids," he says. "I really, really want to have a family at some point." He goes on to say, "I've had a lot of boyfriends along the way. I'm more interested in finding someone of quality that I can start a family with and start a partnership with."

So, men -- if you happen to run into Robert at your local Pollo Loco (which he admits to frequenting) and you truly think you have a shot, go ahead and approach him. "I'm tired of doing the asking," says Robert. "I just want to be asked out."

Double-oh Gant

He's not one to rest on his "Queer as Folk" laurels. Robert has been on the move since the series ended -- promoting his causes, supporting causes he believes in and making the most of his talents.

What to watch out for: his starring role as a gay "Matthew Bourne-esque" spy on here! TV's "Kiss Me Deadly," debuting May 2; his turn in "Save Me," a movie coming out this summer that takes us into the depths of ex-gay America and in which he stars with fellow out hottie Chad Allen and gay fave Judith Light; and his turn in the Lifetime comedy "Special Delivery"-- the first film project since before "QAF" in which he gets to play a straight romantic lead.

Acting aside, he's traveling to politically contentious Pennsylvania, where he's going to make the most of his celebrity status and patriotic spirit to be a part of this historic time in political history.

More than the sum of his parts

Even after the end of his role on "QAF" we can't get enough of him. Here's what the media and "regular folk" alike have to say about dreamboat Robert:

"I used to go to these 'QAF' parties that a friend would host and would be bored to tears at times -- until Ben came on the scene. Then I was riveted. His character had that combination of smarts, vulnerability and out-out-and out hunkiness that you wouldn't believe could exist in a real-life person, but every time I read or watch an interview with Gant I realize he really is it.

-- Ted Brado, San Francisco, Calif.

"[Ben] was the gorgeous professor you dreamed about in college. We all had one, but Robert Gant brought this fantasy to life."

-- Michael Weller, Pittsburgh, Pa.

"He's an activist without being overbearing, a muscle guy who's unintimidating, an actor whose talents we've come to appreciate -- but there's more to Robert than any of these qualities. There's something special about him you can't put a finger on. He just gets under your skin."

-- Steve Meyer, Hayward, Calif.

"I'm a lesbian, but each time I've spoken with Robert over the past few years, I've walked away feeling like I want to marry him. He's absolutely sincere, and his genuine commitment to gay and lesbian causes is truly inspiring. He's also funny, intelligent and, despite that face of his, extremely approachable. If only I could find a female version of Robert ..."

--Jenny Stewart, Entertainment Editor, PlanetOut.com/Gay.com

"When I interviewed Robert, we spoke about how he felt a responsibility to the HIV community, and wanted to ensure that only accurate information about the disease was used on the show. He made the extra effort of asking questions of those who knew about HIV/AIDS and made sure to pass the information to the writers.

His commitment to the role and to the community was truly inspiring."

--Richard Kravitz, TV Gay Guide

by Robert Ordona

(Images: Getty, Tony Duran/LimeFoto.com & Michael Medby)

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Comments

[vulcan2411]

how is it possible the good looks won out.homos get with it......talchapoton@yahoo.com

[Tony]

DAMN is all I can say about this very handsome good looking man! Would not mind running into him and I would be very nervous and shy even about asking him out!

[Chris]

Full package? Not really, for one thing, his eyes are not attractive at all.

[Nicolas]

Uh I don't think anyone looks at him and thinks "BRAINS!" unless they're undead.

The bummer part is that anyone can join a gym, eh?

[Marco]

I THINK EVERYONE WANTS HAVE A MAN OR PARTNER WHO HAS MORE THAT A CUTE FACE..HE IS A VERY SAMRT, SENSITIVE AND INTERESTING GUY...

[mixed feelings]

that show has it's good points but overall misrepresents many of us. it focuses on debauchery and the gay hatred for lesbians.

byi many of us sane coupled homos want little do with the group as a whole and have no problem with lesbians... we probably have mix and match tools.

[Jeffrey Korn]

the survey asking what part of Mr Gants being is liked most.... you should have made it with the ability to choose more than one item. its the package deal that makes him most interesting from the INSIDE/OUT.

[Me]

A Dream come true. I wonder if it exists. This article touched on everything and I actually wonder if its real. I accepted the fact that I'll never find someone like me and here I read this. It makes me wonder how much of it was embellished.

[Me]

If he was real I would have married him by now. Like I said I don't think I'll ever find someone that thinks like me and its sad but true that I will grow old alone and die alone.

[splerk]

I feel sorry for YOU GAYS that make one stupid item like "I don't like his eyes" for Gant or for anyone with anything as a deal breaker or you expect someone to think EXACTLY like you, then settle for an eternally lonely existence.
Robert Gant obviously seems a bit more out going then most.
AS far as the full package goes, he is one of the few & far between that comes somewhat close.
And Yes, since this article was about the "Full Package" I bet his is. and we should have had the Full Package option to choose from.

[tom]

He can go out with me anyday :)

[gary]

holy crap he looks as good as he did 10 years ago

must be nice i don't lol

[sketical]

he is sort of hot but he's a gay icon and that in itself is a turnoff

[skeptikal]

no i'm not stupid my P key is touch as hell

[Paul]

I love to date you Robert i always had a thing for you your so dam n sexy ,hot your everything i look for in a guy and a lot more.

[Alex]

we get it... it's okay to date a guy with HIV. I hated that the producers as QAF tried to shove that point down our throats by bringing Ben on the show. We already had a character with HIV/AIDS and instead of giving him a storyline, we watch them write off the real hunk Dr. David to bring in this "masculine, basketball playing, professor who just happens to have HIV".

Can you say "very special episode" in the tradition of Different Strokes and Facts of Life?

[Mitch]

I think Robert Gant was always the sum of the parts. We just didn't know it and from what I gather, neither did he!

[daft]

Why is there no "Nothing" choice in the survey?

[TorontoDrew]

I was very fortunate to get to work with Robert on QAF during the four years he was with the series. I will never forget getting to meet him during a break in filming during the first episode of Season 4. He was as genuinely excited to be part of the series as I was (and QAF was my first TV experience). I found him to be an engaging man as well as passionate for his work. I always enjoyed his performances live and knowing he was putting everything into portraying Ben. I'm glad he's gone on to other successful roles and to champion the causes he has. And I greatly admire and respect his courage to come out during QAF.

[TJ]

I met him at a Queer as Folk DVD signing. In person, he isn't all that. Very Short, dumpy, kind of homely and not very interesting to chat with. I don't get the interest in him one bit. Next!

On paper (gotta love a good publicist) and very, very , very touched up photos he looks awesome, but in person....bleh!

[Stephen Anderson]

I cannot believe I read the words "wife beater" in this article. How disappointing.

[michael47]

he's great lookin' but I prefer a hairy chest....still good to look at though.

[Chris]

Are you kidding me? Wow. How is it that a guy like this (not that I have had the privelage of knowing his off screen personality) Is having an article like this produced. Seriously, If his off screen charm and likeable quailties remotely resemble his QAF character I find it hard to believe he isn't single. Hanging at home or rock climbing with his partner at this moment.

Perhaps his standards are a little high. If that is the case it is nice to know we are not as endangered as I thought we were.

At the risk of referencing the glass half empty, maybe we should all, as heartfelt, sucessful gay men decided to quit acting like twinks and grow a set. Man how could you guys have missed this one?

To the ex's...eat your heart out.

[abdrewpinsker]

I love my hairy chest

[wallame albuquerque rocha]

voce e lindo

[gayproudmen]

i love Robert Gant, he can date me anytime, love and kiss Robert

[mauro95]

buenisimo

[robert-roch lheureux]

lorsque je l ai vu la premiere fois dans une serie televisé .je l ai trouvé tres charmeur car il montrait un coté gay qui s approche que moi je vois un gay. normal ni strait ni gay.normal hihihi

[JPKairos]

Wow. All I can say is it would nice to have lunch with him some day, about physics, philosophy and physicality.

[jason]

I am searching a boy friends from US or Europe or in canada, I am filipino man , 28 years old, can you help me to find a man to be my partner in my life?

[kokorapi]

u r a good looking guy

[andrewpinsker]

i am gay too

[andrewpinsker]

i love Robert Gant

[Peter]

It is not only personality that counts, or how a person looks like from the outside. I rather be with someone who is intelligent (with brains), then with someone who is a dummy and don't know anything, etc. Yes, I have to admit he has a very attractive body, I personally love to see a man who has a beautiful, worked out body, like Robert Gant.

[NYC_Sat]

Yes, Robert Gant is one tasty treat. He has great eyes and an insane chest and a sexy, sensitive voice. But what makes him insanely hot to me is his intelligence and charm and the fact that he's dying to have kids, take me right now ! WOOF !

Without that, he'd just be another hot gay dude, dime a dozen in our community....And if I saw him in person, or Luke Macfarlane, I would totally ask them out, totally fearlessly. You never know unless you try...

[demy osorio]

i like robert gant

[TI_DZUNG]

HI !

[eijai]

saya suka gay melayu yang paling best di kuala lumpur.............apa kata di blue boy atau part sex yang paling best punya di kuala lumpur juga

[anuj xavier]

hi...Robert u hv n aswam personality. i m in search of a hot n handsome gay partner wd u help me. if yes thn snd some hot pics of hot guys at my mail. keep enjoying....

[Frederick Brenckmann]

Hey there you are truly a hottie in my books I'd love to meet you sometime Something about you thatjust makes me want to smile !!!
brenckmann@hotmail.com
Call me if your ever in Vancouver British Columbia You wont be dissapointed ..... Freddy B... OuT

[JC]

wow! Robert! keep up the good wook, you are something we are all our proud of and makes us proud to be as well!

[memelas]

pues q digo para mi es el hombre perfecto y daria lo q fuera por solo conocerlo y sobre todo tenerlo emn mi cama no es cierto es un lindo ho,mvre y creo q como todos nos encanta un hombre q piense asi bueno ni modo solo es un sueño es todo bay

[Dan]

How can I contact Robert Gant about an idea for a script?

Dan
dwainer39@hotmail.com

[jose castillo]

my jose you have a great body very cute .and someday will meet soon .i will be in newyork very

[mike]

Im super gay !!

[paul]

fuck me good !!!

[james]

i like big cocks ! im an asshole

[Deusabscondidum]

Ben Bruckner is quite possibly the most perfect man ever. I was pleasantly surprised, however, to hear of what a wonderful man Robert Gant is as well. I've heard only one or two things, which seem to spring from jealousy.

I hear he's done a lot of awesome work for the queer elderly. That makes me feel a whole lot better about life, honestly.