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'Boots' Star Angus O’Brien: Bringing Queer Authenticity to Netflix’s Military Drama
READ TIME: 21 MIN.
Netflix’s original series Boots has emerged as a landmark in LGBTQ+ representation within mainstream television, set against the backdrop of early 1990s Marine Corps boot camp—an era before the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy reshaped queer life in the U.S. military. Angus O’Brien, who plays the unpredictable recruit Hicks, sat down with Out Magazine to reflect on his role, his experience as an openly gay actor, and what authentic representation means for the community and the entertainment industry at large .
O’Brien describes Hicks as “more than chaos and camouflage,” emphasizing that the character’s outward wildness is a shield for deeper vulnerabilities . In the interview, O’Brien reveals that he drew on personal reference points—his own experiences and goals—to shape Hicks as a three-dimensional person, not just a “troublemaker.” O’Brien was drawn to the project by the strength of the writing and the nuanced depiction of queer life in a hyper-masculine, secretive setting .
He highlights the sense of responsibility he feels as an out actor portraying a queer character in a story about military life before open service was possible, noting that shows like Boots exist because of the progress made by activists and queer people who fought for change .
Boots features a cast with multiple openly queer actors, including O’Brien as Hicks, Miles Heizer as the closeted protagonist Cameron Cope, and Max Parker as Sgt. Sullivan . This casting choice is viewed as a significant step for Hollywood, allowing for the kind of authentic storytelling too often missing in depictions of queer life—especially in historical settings where LGBTQ+ people faced severe repression.
O’Brien’s role as Hicks—in contrast to Heizer’s central protagonist—demonstrates that queer representation is not monolithic. Hicks is described as a “wild card,” both a troublemaker and someone who brings humor and unpredictability to the otherwise intense boot camp setting. O’Brien tells Out Magazine that exploring the contradictions and humanity of Hicks was both a challenge and a privilege, especially in a series that does not shy away from the realities faced by queer individuals before the repeal of discriminatory military policies .
In a related interview, O’Brien reflected that “the amount of progress that's been made because of people like Greg and all these people that have fought to make change so that we could live in a time where there's this show even exists” is deeply meaningful .
One of the standout themes in O’Brien’s interview is the genuine camaraderie between the cast members, particularly his friendship with Miles Heizer, whom he describes as a “soulmate.” O’Brien recounts meeting Heizer on the flight to New Orleans for filming and quickly forming a close bond that extended into their work on set . This off-screen friendship contributed to the sense of “brotherhood” portrayed by the recruits, giving Boots a palpable authenticity and emotional resonance .
O’Brien also discusses his personal journey to sobriety, sharing that the safe and comfortable environment created on set was crucial to his well-being and performance. In his view, the production’s respect for queer identities—both in front of and behind the camera—was a model for the industry, fostering space for open conversations about identity, masculinity, and vulnerability.
Angus O’Brien’s visibility in Boots builds on a career that has consistently intersected with LGBTQ+ advocacy. In a 2018 essay for Teen Vogue, O’Brien wrote about his experience playing a transphobic bully on NBC’s Rise—an uncomfortable but important role, given his identity as a “straight-passing, white, cisgender, gay man” and advocate for greater representation . His nuanced understanding of the responsibilities that come with visibility has cemented him as a rising voice in queer Hollywood.
O’Brien’s previous credits include roles in Hightown and Night Sky, but Boots marks his most prominent appearance to date, amplifying his reach and impact .
Boots arrives at a time when the entertainment industry is grappling with the need for more inclusive casting and storytelling. O’Brien’s perspective, as shared with Out Magazine, reinforces the argument that queer actors should be given opportunities to portray a wide range of experiences—not just those narrowly defined by their sexuality or gender identity. The series’ willingness to cast out actors in both queer and straight roles marks a shift toward authenticity, challenging old archetypes and expanding the scope of LGBTQ+ narratives .
O’Brien expresses optimism for a second season of Boots, hoping to further explore Hicks’s journey and the broader themes of identity, loyalty, and resilience. He sees the show not only as entertainment but also as a platform for dialogue and change, a testament to the power of visibility in media .
Angus O’Brien’s interview with Out Magazine encapsulates the evolving landscape of queer representation in media. His portrayal of Hicks, combined with his personal advocacy and the collaborative spirit of Boots, signals a growing commitment to telling diverse, authentic stories. As audiences and industry leaders continue to demand inclusivity, O’Brien’s work stands as both reflection and catalyst—affirming that visibility matters, both on screen and behind the scenes.
