'Looking' Star Daniel Franzese Discusses HIV-Positive Character, Being Completely Naked On Screen

'Looking' Star Daniel Franzese Discusses HIV-Positive Character, Being Completely Naked On Screen
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SANTA MONICA, CA - DECEMBER 09: Daniel Franzese arrives at the IFTA Special Screening of 'Where The Day Takes You' at Aero Theatre on December 9, 2010 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/WireImage)

It’s been a decade since actor Daniel Franzese made a huge splash as Damian, the straight-talking, possibly gay teen character in the widely-adored comedy Mean Girls. In the years since he appeared on numerous TV series including The Comeback and in smaller films, such as the horror remake I Spit On Your Grave, but avoided any repeats of Damian and especially refused any roles he deemed “gay stereotypes.” Last summer, as many media outlets acknowledged the impact Mean Girls had on a generation of fans, Franzese decided to come out publicly by writing an open letter to Damian, in which he acknowledged having played the Hollywood game, had lied about his sexual orientation and wished he’d had someone like his character to inspire him to live more honestly.

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