Prior to his massive surge in popularity due to his performance inSons of Anarchy, Charlie Hunnam starred inQueer as Folk, a show that was controversial at the time but remains important. Premiering in 2008, Charlie Hunnam led a stackedSons of Anarchycast, portraying Jax Teller, who attempts to move the Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club, Redwood Original (SAMCRO), away from crime as he learns about his late father’s wishes for the club. Jax Teller is a complex character, and Hunnam does some of the best work of his career in the role.
Charlie Hunnam played Jax Teller forall seven seasons ofSons of Anarchy, running from 2008 to 2014. Nearly a decade before taking on the role of Jax Teller, though, Charlie Hunnam starred inQueer as Folk, a two-season British TV series and the most substantial role of his career up to that point. Despite some of his later roles overshadowingQueer as Folk, it’s must-watch queer television and an early look at Hunnam’s talent.
Charlie Hunnam Played Nathan Maloney In Queer As Folk
Following roles in a handful of British TV shows,Charlie Hunnam booked his first lead role in 1999 inQueer as Folk, a series that explores the lives of three gay men living in Manchester’s gay village near Canal Street. He plays Nathan Maloney, a 15-year-old who is new to the gay scene, but his rebel spirit gives him confidence during this new time in his life. Over two decades later,Queer as Folkis still one ofCharlie Hunnam’s best roles, showing that he was capable of being a lead so early on in his career.
Though all three characters are vastly different, each brings something special to the table that elevatesQueer as Folkeven more.
Alongside Charlie Hunnam inQueer as Folk, Aiden Gillen (Game of Thrones) plays successful advertising executive Stuart Alan Jones, and Craig Kelly (Coronation Street) plays Vince Tyler, a supermarket manager. Though all three characters are vastly different, each brings something special to the table that elevatesQueer as Folkeven more, making it an enjoyable series to watch. Despite being the newest of the three leads, Charlie Hunnam holds his own.
Hunnam Shows Glimpses Of Jax Teller In His Queer As Folk Character
Though They Are Different, His Characters Share A Few Similarities
While Charlie Hunnam’s Charlie Maloney inQueer as Folkand Jax Teller inSons of Anarchyseem very different on paper,there are some similarities between them that inform Hunnam’s role as Jax. Both characters find themselves having to navigate a new life that they find themselves in at some point in their respective series. They both come from broken families and find solace in those who aren’t related by blood. Charlie and Jax carry a lot of pain with them, and Hunnam is able to express that with his performances.
Even with some similarities, there are even more differences between the characters. Nathan Maloney is naive and insecure, while Jax Teller is introspective and often calm, trying to toe the line between leadership and his own wants. They strive for different things, but Charlie Hunnam is able to make them both feel incredibly authentic in their own ways, highlighting his range as an actor. They are both some of his best characters for a reason.
Why Queer As Folk Has Been Reassessed As A Classic LGBTQ+ TV Show
Queer As Folk Was Controversial Upon Release
Before its status as an important piece of LGBTQ+ media,Queer as Folkwas met with quite a bit of controversy when it was first released.The reviews were divisive to say the least, with some criticizing the show for not addressing the AIDS epidemic and leaning into queer stereotypes. Others, like theDaily Mail(viaThe Independent), called for censorship of the series altogether.
Queer as Folkinspired two American versions of the series. One ran from 2000-2005, while the other premiered in 2022.
Despite being marred by controversy upon its release,Queer as Folkhas since gone on to become a staple of LGBTQ+ television, often breaking barriers in terms of representation onscreen, especially in terms of gay men in different forms of media. Not only was it an often realistic portrayal of the queer community at the time, it explored its characters with empathy.Queer as Folkis largely considered a staple of LGBTQ+ representation on television now, and for being the first major role of Charlie Hunnam’s career, he was incredibly impressive in it.
Queer as Folk
Cast
Queer as Folk, released in 1999, follows the lives of friends Stuart Jones, Vince Tyler, and newcomer Nathan Maloney as they navigate relationships and self-discovery in Manchester’s vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. The series explores themes of identity, friendship, and the complexities of modern life.
