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Angus O’Brien: Queer Actor and Activist Poised for Breakout in Netflix’s Marines Drama "Boots"
READ TIME: 17 MIN.
Netflix’s upcoming military drama "Boots" has been generating significant buzz ahead of its October 9, 2025 premiere, and much of that excitement centers around Angus O’Brien, the talented and openly queer actor cast as Thaddeus “Beau” Sterling Hicks. "Boots" is based on Greg Cope White’s memoir, "The Pink Marine," which chronicles White’s real-life experiences as a closeted gay man in the U.S. Marine Corps during the 1990s—a period when open service by LGBTQ+ individuals was strictly prohibited under military policy .
The show follows Cameron Cope, a secretly gay teenager (played by Miles Heizer), who enlists in the Marines alongside his straight best friend. The series promises a nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ history, military culture, and personal identity, featuring a diverse cast and creative team with authentic lived experiences .
Angus O’Brien’s journey to "Boots" is marked by both artistic achievement and a commitment to activism. Prior to this role, O’Brien appeared in projects such as "The Path," "Rise," "Hightown," and "The Kitchen," steadily building a reputation as a performer who brings depth and honesty to his craft . His casting in "Boots" is widely seen as a breakthrough, positioning him at the forefront of a new generation of LGBTQ+ actors reshaping Hollywood narratives.
O’Brien, who has written about his experiences navigating the entertainment industry as a queer person, notably penned an essay for "Teen Vogue" in 2018 reflecting on the personal dynamics of playing a transphobic character while himself being part of the LGBTQ+ community. He wrote, “That my career wasn't a fluke anymore, and that my hard work and training as an openly queer actor was finally paying off” .
His advocacy extends beyond the screen, using his platform to speak on issues of representation, equity, and the unique pressures faced by queer performers. O’Brien’s visibility as both an actor and an activist is a significant aspect of his appeal, resonating with audiences seeking authentic LGBTQ+ stories and role models .
"Boots" stands out for its commitment to depicting the realities faced by LGBTQ+ service members before the repeal of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. The series dramatizes the risks, camaraderie, and internal conflicts of queer Marines living under the threat of exposure and discharge .
The creative team behind "Boots," led by showrunner Andy Parker and executive producer Greg Cope White—the memoir’s author—features a range of LGBTQ+ talent. This intentional inclusivity is mirrored on-screen with multiple queer characters and actors, including O’Brien and Miles Heizer, whose performances anchor the show’s emotional core . The ensemble includes prominent names such as Vera Farmiga, Liam Oh, Cedrick Cooper, Ana Ayora, Dominic Goodman, and Kieron Moore, reflecting the diversity of the real-life military community .
"Boots" was developed by Sony Pictures Television and Act III Productions, with production resuming in March 2024 after delays due to industry strikes and wrapping in August 2024. The show is anticipated not only for its dramatic storytelling but also for its historical significance in LGBTQ+ representation .
The arrival of "Boots" on Netflix is seen as a pivotal moment in the evolution of queer representation in mainstream media. By centering queer characters and real-life experiences in a traditionally hyper-masculine, heteronormative setting, the show challenges stereotypes and offers a nuanced exploration of identity, resilience, and community .
Angus O’Brien’s role as Hicks is expected to resonate with both LGBTQ+ viewers and broader audiences, offering visibility to queer stories that have often been marginalized or erased from military narratives. The significance of O’Brien’s breakout cannot be overstated: as a queer actor, his presence in a high-profile, globally distributed series represents both progress and the ongoing need for authentic storytelling in Hollywood .
As anticipation builds for the premiere, "Boots" is already being celebrated for its boldness, inclusivity, and the promise of elevating new queer voices—chief among them, Angus O’Brien, whose journey from activist-artist to potential breakout star signals a hopeful future for LGBTQ+ representation on screen .
