Jan 5
Matt Rogers Brings Queer Joy to 1970s High Society in 'Palm Royale' Season 2
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
Matt Rogers, known for co-hosting the podcast "Las Culturistas" with Bowen Yang and roles in "Fire Island" and "Overcompensating", joins the cast of "Palm Royale" season 2 on Apple TV+ as Bruce, a handsome and openly gay man at the Tops Motel. Rogers describes Bruce as "a very handsome and horny gay man who wears his heart on his sleeve," hell-bent on pursuing Rock Hudson while seeking love without shame. This character fits Rogers' pattern of playing vibrant, desire-driven gay men, adding to his repertoire of memorable queer portrayals.
Set in 1970 Palm Beach, "Palm Royale" explores high society through Maxine Dellacorte , who seeks refuge at the Tops Motel, run by Bruce. Rogers highlights the era's significance for the LGBTQ+ community: "I think it's a really interesting examination and display of where our community was in 1970. It shows a vibrant, queer community before the AIDS crisis. This is showing queer joy at a time when we don't think about it as being joyful." He notes the characters as "a bunch of sluts," reflecting unapologetic sexuality, and admits, "I have a feeling that I would have been a lot like Bruce."
Rogers' experience working with Wiig stands out as a career highlight. He calls it "Matt Rogers and Kristen Wiig let off the leash," promising physical comedy, drag elements, and chaos as Bruce and Maxine bond over ambitions for desire and power. Influenced by Wiig's "Saturday Night Live" sketches and films like "Bridesmaids", Rogers shares her love for "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City", fostering off-screen friendship. "She’s limitlessly talented, incredibly kind, and also amazing to talk Housewives with," he said.
The cast includes returnees like Allison Janney and new additions such as Ricky Martin, John Stamos, and Patty LuPone. Rogers recalls his awe at Martin: "In real life, you’re like, ‘That’s Ricky Martin.’ He’s such a star." Season 2 is "bigger and bolder," with "high jinks" episodes airing around Christmas Eve.
The show's attention to 1960s-70s detail immersed Rogers. He experienced his first period hair, makeup, and costumes, including "hoochie shorts and a tank top" after precise fittings. "Once I realized the type of clothing I was going to be wearing in the show, I was like, 'Ah, I know this guy. I might have been this guy in 1969,'" Rogers shared, crediting the team's research. Even cars matched shirts, enhancing character authenticity.
From an LGBTQ+ perspective, "Palm Royale" contrasts pastel perfection with societal flaws, unpacking the American dream's cost. Rogers reflects: "Mo money, mo problems... true happiness will evade you if you think that you're going to get everything you want from status or wealth... the true humanity and the true connection is in a person's heart." This resonates with queer audiences, showing pre-crisis joy amid striving for acceptance. Rogers feels "things have really fallen into place," embracing his vibe.
Rogers' role advances positive gay representation, building on his holiday album "The Spirit of Christmas" and podcast success. Palm Royale streams now, inviting viewers to a "theme park" of comedy and heart. Through Bruce, the series affirms diverse LGBTQ+ experiences in historical context, emphasizing joy, love, and resilience.
