August 13, 2021
Todd Stephens has finally grown up.
Stephens first appeared on the queer film scene in 1998 writing the queer, coming-of-age story “Edge of Seventeen”. He followed up with his first director “Gypsy 83” on a friendship between a gay teenager and a heterosexual teenager, and with the burlesque comedies “Another Gay Movie” and its sequel.
Now Stephens delves into his most mature and accomplished film to date. “Swan Song” stars actor Udo Kier as Pat, an aging gay hairstylist from Sandusky, Ohio. When Pat learns that one of his favorite clients (Linda Evans) has passed away, he escapes from her retirement home and sets out on foot to do her hair one last time … for her funeral. Michael Urie and Jennifer Coolidge.
We caught up with Stephens just before the theatrical release of “Swan Song” to discuss his career, the film, and the ever-changing landscape for LGBTQ people. “Swan Song” hits theaters August 6 and VOD August 13.
