Post by Helen on May 21, 2004 19:34:23 GMT
GATELY GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
The Mirror
May 21, 2004,
PAUL MARTIN
STEPHEN Gately is moving to Hollywood this summer in an attempt to become a big-screen movie star.
The gay Boyzone star, pictured below right, has booked acting lessons and wants to land high-profile screen tests before he comes home.
The 28-year-old made a huge impact in the West End last year when he starred in musical Joseph. But he first caught the acting bug in 1991 when he appeared as an extra in The Commitments.
A source said: "He's been talking to Keith Duffy about acting because he has made it big in Corrie.
"Stephen has had a few doors opened to him in America through his time on the stage in Joseph.
"He has lined up an agent and is going to get top acting lessons from some of the guys who worked with Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell and Brad Pitt.
"He's taking it really seriously and there is already a lot of interest in him over there."
Gately is the latest Irish singer to turn his attention to acting. Over the past three years Sam Mumba, Ronan Keating and Keith Duffy have had roles on TV and in the movies.
Ronan is acting in a new gang land film this summer, Mumba starred in Steven Spielberg flop The Time Machine and Duffy is a firm favourite with Coronation Street viewers.
Gately, who will set up home in Los Angeles with his husband Andrew Cowles, recently said: "I have a big interest in acting and it's something I'm studying.
"Being in Joseph was an amazing experience because it combined both singing and acting. I'd like to get more lessons and see what happens.
"Ideally, I'd like to get a part in a movie within the next couple of years."
The source close to Gately added: "Going to Hollywood will help him meet some of the important people in the business."
IRISH DAILY MIRROR COMMENT: BOYZ ON A ROLE
FORMER Boyzone star Stephen Gately has one ambition - to make it in Hollywood.
No matter what they tell you, Ireland is right behind you Stephen.
Anything to stop him making a solo chart comeback.
