Non Threatening Boys*: Mark Indelicato On Ugly Betty, Hacks, Gay Superheroes and Tumblr

Mark Indelicato has funny bones. He’s never without a quippy comment, and humour practically oozes from his every word and gesture. That’s what happens when you’ve been a comedian for most of your life – we first saw him on TV 18 years ago, as the lovable, fashion-obsessed Justin Suarez in Ugly Betty. 

Indelicato took on the role aged just 11. It not only showcased his precocious acting chops but also positioned him as a trailblazer for young queer representation on television. Now, he's still making audiences laugh with his portrayal of Damien on HBO's Hacks, a series that continues to break boundaries in its three dimensional depiction of LGBTQ+ characters. But there's so much more to Mark than his on-screen personae.

For the latest edition of our fabulous Substack Non Threatening Boys*, Editorial Fellow Sihaam Naik chatted to him about his early life, his transformative experiences in the entertainment industry, and his thoughts on the evolution of queer representation in media. We also explored his love for fashion – a passion that harks back to the days of Tumblr blogs and DIY creativity – and how it continues to influence his artistic expression today. 

See the full feature on Substack, and subscribe for free here to get it straight to your inbox every other Thursday.