Okay, so Bobbi Salvör Menuez, you know, the actor who just popped up as Paigyn in Taylor Sheridan’s latest big deal, Landman? They finally spilled the beans about playing a nonbinary character. And honestly, it’s about time someone did, because you just know that role was gonna get folks talking. Like, really talking, probably yelling in the comments sections of the internet.

“Hot-Button Topic,” Huh? You Don’t Say.

Menuez, who’s 32 and uses they/them pronouns, was introduced back in January. And let’s be real, stepping into a role like Paigyn on a Taylor Sheridan show – a guy whose audience is, shall we say, diverse in their political leanings – that takes some guts. Not gonna lie, I was wondering how long it’d be before someone from the cast had to weigh in on the inevitable backlash. Or, you know, just the discussion.

And Bobbi totally gets it. They told Deadline, and I’m paraphrasing a bit here, that they knew this show’s impact meant there’d be “a lot of different responses from all sides of the spectrum.” Which, yeah, no kidding. They went on to say, “if you look at American politics, obviously this is a hot-button topic.” You think? I mean, it’s not exactly a quiet little indie film, is it? This is Paramount+, Taylor Sheridan. This is big. Really big.

The thing is, Menuez sounds pretty pragmatic about the whole thing. They mentioned “the pros and cons of the job” and how they knew there’d be “a lot of different responses.” And then the kicker: “for me, I don’t really look at the comments section. I don’t really look at the reviews.”

The Sheridan Effect: Why This Matters

Look, Taylor Sheridan is a powerhouse. The guy basically owns a whole chunk of TV real estate now, especially over at Paramount+. From Yellowstone to 1883 to Mayor of Kingstown – his shows are gritty, often polarizing, and they pull in a massive audience. A really, really loyal audience. So, introducing a nonbinary character, especially one that sounds like it might be integral to the plot, on a show called Landman (which is all about the rough-and-tumble oil industry, by the way) – that’s not just casting; it’s a statement. Or at least, it’s going to be perceived as one by a lot of folks.

And you just know that a segment of that audience, the one that maybe isn’t too keen on, let’s say, modern social discourse, is gonna have some feelings. Strong feelings. So, for Bobbi to step up and take this on? That’s a brave move in today’s cultural climate, where everyone’s got an opinion and a keyboard.

Ignoring the Haters: Is It Possible?

So, Bobbi says they don’t look at the comments or reviews. My first thought? Good for them. Seriously. Because if you’re an actor, especially one playing a character that’s even mildly controversial, diving into that cesspool is a fast track to therapy. Or, like, just a really bad day. Every day.

But also, I have to wonder, is it really possible to completely tune it out? When you know your work is out there, making waves, sparking debates – when it’s tied to something as deeply personal as gender identity, which Menuez themselves identifies with – can you truly just ignore it all? I mean, maybe. Maybe you build a really thick skin. Or you have a killer publicist who screens everything. Or maybe, just maybe, they really do have that zen-like ability to just do the work and let the chips fall where they may.

“Knowing the impact of this show, I just knew there would be a lot of different responses from all sides of the spectrum, and if you look at American politics, obviously this is a hot-button topic.”

The Actor’s Job: Authenticity Above All Else

Menuez finished their thought to Deadline by saying, “As the actor, my job is to show up, do what I need to do to perform this character in a way that feels aut-” (the quote cuts off, but we can assume “authentic” was coming). And you know what? That’s the heart of it, isn’t it? As an actor, your primary responsibility is to the character. To embody them truthfully. And for a nonbinary actor to play a nonbinary character? That just brings an extra layer of lived experience and, well, authenticity to the screen.

It’s not just about hitting your marks and remembering your lines. It’s about bringing a soul to the role. And when that role represents a community that’s often misunderstood, misrepresented, or just plain invisible in mainstream media, that authenticity becomes even more crucial. It means something. It means a lot to a lot of people who finally get to see themselves reflected, even if it’s on a gritty oil-rig drama.

What This Actually Means

Here’s the thing: we live in a time where art and politics are just completely intertwined. You can’t put a character on screen, especially one touching on identity, without it being seen through some kind of political lens. It’s just how it is right now. And for Bobbi Salvör Menuez to acknowledge that upfront, to say, “Yeah, I know this is gonna stir the pot,” but then to double down on their job being about authentic performance? That’s not just being a good actor; it’s being a stand-up human.

It means they’re not shying away from the potential flak. They’re embracing the challenge, understanding the impact, and, hopefully, doing some real good by bringing a nuanced, human portrayal of a nonbinary person to a massive audience that might not otherwise encounter such a character. And you know what? That’s pretty cool, if I’m being honest. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the biggest statements are made not by shouting, but by simply doing your job with integrity, even when the world outside is going absolutely bonkers…