Connor Storrie, Hudson Williams, “Heated Rivalry”
Jacob Tierney, the creator of the critically acclaimed HBO Max queer sports drama Heated Rivalry, publicly intervened to protect the privacy of his lead actors, Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie, after being questioned about their real-life sexual orientations.
Tierney, 46, was speaking with LGBTQ+ publication Xtra in an interview published on November 28 when the discussion pivoted to the offscreen lives of Williams and Storrie, who portray the fan-favorite gay couple at the center of the series.
The creator, known for his commitment to authentic storytelling, swiftly shut down the line of questioning. He stated that the actors’ personal relationships were irrelevant when weighed against the dedication they showed to their professional roles.
“I don’t think there’s any reason to get into that stuff,” Tierney told the magazine when asked about the significance of Williams and Storrie’s sexualities to their performance.
Instead of focusing on their private lives, Tierney pointed to the “enthusiasm and willingness” both actors brought to the set, highlighting their talent as the most crucial factor in the show’s success.
The show, which follows the high-stakes romance between two rival professional hockey players, has become a breakout hit for HBO Max.
