Even as Truman Capote's Abusive BF (on 'Feud'), Russell Tovey Loves Telling Queer Stories

EDGE: I wanted to ask you about "American Horror Story: NYC" which seemed to fall by the wayside. I thought it had important things to say. And you were great in it.

Russell Tovey: Thank you. I'm really, really proud (of it). That's when I first met Ryan. I had met Joe Mantello already, he directed me in "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" which opened at the start of the pandemic, and we had 8 previews and we shut down.

EDGE: I had tickets for it.

Russell Tovey: Oh my God. Laurie Metcalf was something else. It's the stuff of legends now... "Horror Story" was amazing to play, because it's that period in history I'm fascinated by. Mid-'80s. I was born in '81, but if I could go back and be an adult at anytime it would be in the '80s. As a gay man, it's obviously fucking terrifying, however, when it came to art, music, culture, the '80s was so important. It changed everything. And I really loved what the story was doing. And how we approach "Cruising," the movie.

And how it brought in elements of "Angels in America" and elements of Larry Kramer and "The Normal Heart" All of the touchstone movies about that period in history... I don't think enough people saw it, but I get messages every day, on social media, saying, 'I just watched "American Horror Story" and I loved it." I'm really proud of it. There are lots of shows I've done that I'm so proud of that not enough people saw.

EDGE & Russell Tovey: "Looking!"

Russell Tovey: It's been 10 years now and we want to bring it back. We all want it to come back. We all loved it... Short-lived, but a huge impact. And now a whole new generation is discovering it, and it matters. These stories are stories that I connect to and want to keep telling – the ones that matter that I wanted to see when I was younger. That's what I'm drawn to. These characters that are flawed and damaged and nuanced and just want to be loved. And don't know how to ask for it. They behave appallingly, most of the time regrettably, but are not able to stop themselves.

EDGE: I spoke with Andrew (Haigh) recently and he talked how "Looking" deserved more life.

Russell Tovey: I have every hope that it will get more life. In the words Prior Walter: "More life." I don't know why Lauren Weedman, who played Doris, isn't the biggest actress in the world right now. I'm obsessed with her. Murray, Groff, Raúl, everybody's gone off and told incredible stories. You could bring us all back. I would jump at the chance to go back to it.

EDGE: I feel that way about "Years and Years," too.

Russell Tovey: Aw, thank you. Again, what an amazing show that just connected... And people still discovering it. And that was written pre-pandemic. Russell T Davies is a prophet. Before the Ukraine War, before all these things – he's the smartest man and the loveliest man. And that was a job that was full of love... Playing Daniel was just one of the highlights of my career so far.

EDGE: What role would you say has been the most fulfilling to date?

Russell Tovey: There's many. You mentioned "Years and Years." I did a movie called "The Pass," which was a stage play upstairs at the Royal Court Theatre. And then we made an independent film. It's about a soccer player over three periods of his life, set in three hotel suites. Another character who was fucked by his sexuality and being in the public eye. I was so proud of that. And it was most fulfilling because I knew this guy back to front. The amount of research and the amount of the depth that he inhabited inside me was so – that sounds quite sexual, sorry – but the way he was under my skin was so intense...When people say they've seen "The Pass" that's amazing. I love "Horror Story," too.

I think just getting to tell these stories. I don't take it for granted. I take it seriously and I care... I want to connect with people... I feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to tell stories.

This interview has been edited for content, clarity and length.

"FEUD: Capote Vs. the Swans" airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on FX, next day on Hulu.