Original Blue Ranger David Yost Says That He Left "Power Rangers" Over Gay Insults - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

JamesG · 08-27-2010, 12:07 PM

David Yost, Blue Power Ranger, Says He Quit Show Over Gay Insults
Aug 27, 2010
by Joyce Eng

David Yost, who played the original Blue Power Ranger, says he left "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" because he was harassed for being gay, which nearly drove him to suicide.

In a lengthy video interview with No Pink Spandex, Yost, 41, said he was written off the show in 1996 after he walked off the set one day, fed up with discriminatory remarks.

"The reason that I walked off is that I was called 'f-----' one too many times," Yost said.

"I had just heard that several times while working on the show from creators, producers, writers, directors. ... I, myself, was struggling with who I was and what I was. ...

Basically I just felt like I was continually being told I was not worthy of being where I am because I'm a gay person. And I'm not supposed to be an actor. And I'm not a superhero."

Likening the situation to a "bad marriage," the actor said it was "humiliating" to hear that his co-stars were called in and questioned about his sexuality by producers. He said he knew he could stay for another six months or leave.

"I was kind of worried that I would take my own life, so in order for me to get a handle on what was going on, I needed to leave when I left," Yost said.

After leaving the series, Yost said he had a nervous breakdown, but is now doing better.

He has since ventured into producing, working on such shows as "Temptation Island". He has just completed a film called Degenerate.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Gay-Powe...r-1022231.aspx

Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KelRKIMRDzA
Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj44tt8T7HY
Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmlcuY8bOUk

08-27-2010, 12:07 PM	#1
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,117	Original Blue Ranger David Yost Says That He Left "Power Rangers" Over Gay Insults David Yost, Blue Power Ranger, Says He Quit Show Over Gay Insults Aug 27, 2010 by Joyce Eng David Yost, who played the original Blue Power Ranger, says he left "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" because he was harassed for being gay, which nearly drove him to suicide. In a lengthy video interview with No Pink Spandex, Yost, 41, said he was written off the show in 1996 after he walked off the set one day, fed up with discriminatory remarks. "The reason that I walked off is that I was called 'f-----' one too many times," Yost said. "I had just heard that several times while working on the show from creators, producers, writers, directors. ... I, myself, was struggling with who I was and what I was. ... Basically I just felt like I was continually being told I was not worthy of being where I am because I'm a gay person. And I'm not supposed to be an actor. And I'm not a superhero." Likening the situation to a "bad marriage," the actor said it was "humiliating" to hear that his co-stars were called in and questioned about his sexuality by producers. He said he knew he could stay for another six months or leave. "I was kind of worried that I would take my own life, so in order for me to get a handle on what was going on, I needed to leave when I left," Yost said. After leaving the series, Yost said he had a nervous breakdown, but is now doing better. He has since ventured into producing, working on such shows as "Temptation Island". He has just completed a film called Degenerate. http://www.tvguide.com/News/Gay-Powe...r-1022231.aspx Part 1 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KelRKIMRDzA Part 2 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lj44tt8T7HY Part 3 - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmlcuY8bOUk Attached Images