Gabriel Basso insists actors are ‘jesters’ meant to entertain people and not give political commentary

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Actor Gabriel Basso shared his disdain for actors engaging in political commentary while appearing on the January 31 episode of the 'Great Company' podcast with Jamie Laing, reported Fox News.

Basso is most popularly known for starring as FBI agent Peter Sutherland in the hit Netflix thriller, 'The Night Agent'. He also played a young JD Vance in the big-screen adaptation of the vice president's memoir, 'Hillbilly Elegy'.

Gabriel Basso argues against actors sharing political opinions

In the podcast, the host asked Gabriel Basso if he enjoyed the fame that came along with him leading a popular Netflix series, to which he replied, "I don't believe that actors should be famous."

He went on to argue that actors are mere entertainers who should not be using their platform to deliver political messages, as it is beyond the scope of their job.

"We're saying words that we're told to say," he said. "We're told how to say them, we're told where to stand. And then we're telling people how to vote?" he added.

"Dude, your job is illegitimate in that way… Like you should be quiet, you should do your job. You should be a jester, entertain people. Then shut the f**k up," he continued.

"We're court jesters. We're entertaining. We're public servants. We're there to perform, to entertain," he added.

"And then all of a sudden, the jester, because he's in the courtroom, starts to be like, ‘I might want to go sit on the throne!' No. You're not supposed to be there. You're doing a very specific job," slammed the 30-year-old.

The same logic applied for government officials as well, he added, stating that they should not be promoting themselves. "You should be representing me… like, what are you doing?" said Basso.

Celebrities utilizing their platform to promote political views is neither new nor receding in any way. Back in 1973, Hollwood legend Marlon Brando refused to accept the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 'The Godfather' in protest against the industry's portrayal of Native Americans.

In May last year, another Hollywood veteran Robert DeNiro appeared outside the courtroom where President Donald Trump was then facing the New York hush money trial and warned people against having him reinstated in the White House.

Internet agrees with Gabriel Basso's opinion that actors should not tell people 'how to vote'

People reacting to Gabriel Basso's comments on the social media X were largely supportive of his views. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.

"Incredible self-awareness that usually gets you blacklisted in Hollywood. Good for him," wrote a user.

"I absolutely love his commentary!! He’s correct, just entertain us!" shared another.

"Stick to acting, nobody cares about your political opinion. Hollywood lecturing the rest of us has gotten old," noted a third.

"I agree, Hollywood keep your opinions to Hollywood," echoed another user.

"He seems to have a clue on this. He gets paid to entertain, and the better he is at entertaining, the more he makes. It's that simple. Stay in your lane," a comment read.

"Gorgeous AF! But yeah, he knows his lane and that's wisdom! My respect, Gabe!" exclaimed one user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.