Gay drama teacher who inspired NBC’s Rise says “for me, 'straight-washing' the character was never an issue, because he is not based on me”

The Advocate

Josh Radnor plays a straight drama teacher named Lou Mazzuchelli on the NBC drama series that is inspired by real-life gay drama teacher Lou Volpe. But Volpe, the producers and NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt — who is gay — want to make it clear that although Volpe’s memoir inspired the series, Rise is not a direct adaptation of his book. Thus the “Lou” character that Radnor is playing is a completely original character, even though he shares the same name as Volpe. “As an artist, I respect their vision for the show," says Volpe. That’s why executive producer Jason Katims received a “Created by” credit on the series, instead of a “Developed by” credit.