To us, he’s forever holding the man, but Ryan Corr is back in another emotional story of mateship. This time In Limbo!
Tell us about your character In Limbo
Ryan Corr: Charlie’s a divorced chippie who’s now working as a crane driver. His best friend Nate (Bob Morley) has recently died, so we find Charlie trying to deal with his emotions. However, he does this by pushing things in front of himself as a distraction, rather than investigating how he really feels. What I like about the series is that it’s about the pursuit of trying to find answers and Charlie does discover things about himself. So, in a lovely way even in death, Nate guides and helps Charlie. I love the fact that Nate is only a manifestation that Charlie needs to keep moving forward. He’s not ready to let him go and is navigating losing him.
Do you think many will relate to this?
Everyone who’s experienced loss directly or indirectly, not necessarily from suicide but generally, can attach themselves to a part of Charlie’s grieving process. It’s about banding together, community and how relationships can help us move forward. It’s much more about life and how to live it than about death.
Ryan Corr as Charlie and Bob Morley as Nate in In Limbo
And the topic of mental health and the conversations we need to have
Yes, particularly amongst young men. I know for men, the ratio of suicide in Australia is between twenty and thirty years of age which is quite off the chart. In Limbo was originally developed on the back of the Jennifer Cummins documentary Man Up, which is about mental health and suicide within trade sites. I think that talking about mental health in non-precarious space, makes the conversation feel open and safer, and that’s what the show aims to do. I hope it gives an example of how you can talk about your inner world and lean on your family and loved ones. In Limbo doesn’t necessarily have the answers but it demonstrates how to move forward if something like this happens.
“I’ve been lucky to have more insight into the queer community than most men my age.”
Coming out is a difficult process for gay men. Has anyone ever come out to you?
Yeah, members of my family have come out to me. I’ve been lucky to have more insight into the queer community than most men my age. At drama school I had friends who exposed and brought me into the LGBTIQ+ community and what it meant. I was at all the Mardi Gras’ throughout my time at university and then with Holding the Man, we dealt with a huge influx of mental health ideas. I know that mental health can very much be an issue in the queer community, and the suicide rates are much higher.
Ryan Corr as Charlie and Bob Morley as Nate in In Limbo
Holding the Man is quite significant to the gay community. Can you tell us about your experience in making it?
It was the most incredible experience of my life and I’ve never felt more supported by a community of people than I had, during the making of that film. I went into it a bit self-conscious feeling like it was a case of “Okay heterosexual white boy from fucking Packed to the Rafters! What are you going to do with one of the most important texts in Australian literature?” But I was very much put at ease by our director Neil Armfield, screenwriter Tommy Murphy and my co-star Craig Stott. I was overwhelmed by the amount of support I got from people who knew the boys to the community at large. Everyone was on board, and I felt immensely supported in telling that story. Everyone reached out to say, “How can we help you to make this story as pure as possible,” because it affected so many and meant so much to them.
“I know that mental health can very much be an issue in the queer community.”
How does it feel looking back on it a decade later?
I think what’s now interesting ten years on, is the industry. It’s a different time now and I’m not sure if I’d be cast as Tim, with how things are going on politically here, where the requirements of casting have changed somewhat. It would have been a real shame not to have personally made that film and to have had that experience. I value it because it’s something we’re all very proud of. It’s one of the most profound experiences of all our lives.
Ryan Corr
Your career has covered some impressive roles. Has there been a particular ‘pinch yourself’ moment?
Yeah, particularly with things like House of the Dragon, where you’ll walk on set and think, “Wow, look at the size and scale of this!” Then there are the times I’ve worked with Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe and meeting Cate Blanchett. I remind myself of their presence and absorb them. But I’d say that by far, the most important to me was Holding the Man – without a doubt. So much love went into that production. It was about what the story means to the community and the world. I pinch myself more in those times than being impressed by giant set pieces. The bravery of the character and the protentional to move people is a lot more overwhelming than a fiery cauldron.
“I’ve never felt more supported by a community of people than I had, during the making of Holding the Man.”
Have you had any wild nights out with your gay mates?
So many! I recently went with my manager to RuPaul’s Drag Race and afterparty which included a night out. But back in drama school, it was every second weekend! No one did Mardi Gras like NIDA! They were incredible experiences. Kevin Jackson who taught there was a dear friend of mine, and so renowned in the gay community. He was my absolute mentor, and I wouldn’t feel I’d quite done material with a stamp until I had spoken with him about it. He once won the Mr Australian Drummer (Leather) title! When he was a young man, Kevin came to Sydney as an actor and helped a huge amount of young gay men by providing a home for them. He did that for every community in his life. He created a world for people to feel safe. What a giant of a man!
Ryan Corr as Charlie in In Limbo
Who else has inspired you in the world of theatre?
Cate Blanchette and Hugo Weaving. I’ll never forget seeing Riflemind, which Philip Seymour Hoffman directed at the Sydney Theatre Company. Hugo sat on a big green chair stage left and was so close I could see his pulse through his shirt! I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Cate has the same effect, as does Joel Edgerton. As theatre actors, it’s a profound and pure communication with the audience without anything in between. It can be quite thrilling.
What celebrity would you turn gay for?
Sam Rockwell, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Tom Hardy and Daniel Day Lewis. Daniel Day Lewis and I could whittle some wood together! He has so much presence. It’s few times that I’ve witnessed people on a stage like Hugo Weaving who have so much energy that you feel you could reach out and touch them. I think that’s generally an attractive thing in people. That kind of manifestation of electricity is what Daniel Day Lewis has. It’s almost supernatural!
What’s your irresistible burn-the-floor song?
I enjoy dancing and find it quite liberating, but I’m also getting older and like a quiet night on the couch with soft cheese with red wine! I do love high-energy music and at home I mix 125 RPM tracks. I’m a big fan of Lo Fi Hip Hop and obsessed with Anything by Caribou which are progressive tech house.
Ryan Corr
Who’s your music diva?
Kylie Minogue. I’ll always remember my dad (Goalball Coach Peter Corr) being at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Paralympic Games and seeing the live performance of Kylie wearing gold shorts. As a young man, I was thinking she was a goddess in real life. She was amazing. I love Spinning Around. It’s so iconic!
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Follow your inner moonlight; don’t hide the madness,” by Allen Ginsberg.
How about a grooming tip?
I’m very much into my cool Nineties Hip Hop, so I like the plush baggier look and every couple of weeks I’ll make a trip to the barber. There’s something lovely about not having to do your own beard and I love the peppermint oil.
What’s been your best on-set wardrobe malfunction?
I’ve blown the arse out of my pants a few times crouching down! I’m sure I’ve also dropped a nut or two when wearing those ridiculous boxer shorts in sex scenes. Those kinds of boxers that you’d only see in The Simpsons! (Laughing) Sometimes when your leg’s up, something drops, and everyone gets a bit more than they bargained for! Then there’s the number of cock socks I’ve worn on sets. It’s a beige-coloured bag where you drop your nuts into the bottom and your wang in the top, and then tie the whole thing up to look like a Ken doll! It’s like being duct-taped and I’ve had a few malfunctions with that too!
Are you a briefs, boxer briefs or free-balling man?
I spend a fair amount of time in boardshorts in the ocean, so I’m a free-balling man then, but otherwise, I’m Y-fronted boxer briefs. I like to be taught, but I don’t like to be cut off!
In Limbo can be streamed on ABC iview
Follow Ryan’s Instagram @rycorr
If you or anyone you know is in need of help, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636
