Elliot Page recently discussed how his life has been since coming out as trans, and how focused he is on the joy he experiences in accepting his truth and happiness.
The actor, who made his debut in the 2005 thriller Hard Candy before going on to international acclaim in the comedy blockbuster Juno, announced his transition in December 2020. On Tuesday’s Late Night with Seth Meyers, he highlighted his journey since the transition, along with how his character in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy also transforms in the upcoming third season.
Elliot Page was deeply involved in the process of developing the character he plays, Vanya/Viktor. He also talked about how the show creator Steve Blackman was supportive, and how they worked with trans author and journalist Thomas Page McBee for the show.
“When we first talked about it, he seemed really excited about incorporating it into the show. And an incredible writer, journalist, author, Thomas Page McBee, who I met doing a miniseries called Tales of the City. He was the first trans man to box in Madison Square Garden. So, Thomas came on board and helped out.”
Page spoke about his change and, in particular, the response he received from people closest to him, which he described as overwhelmingly supportive. In terms of some of the negative criticism he’s received, mostly from people he’s never met — he’s trying not to get hung up on it.
“What I want to focus on right now, and has been so extraordinary, is the degree of joy that I feel, the degree of presence that I feel. I feel a way that I really never thought possible for a long, long time. That’s really what I’m focusing on and embracing the most.”
After transitioning, he has been able to connect with the world and his profession as an actor in new and different ways.
“I think it’s made me better in so many facets. As a person, as a friend, and in relationships. It’s improved my life drastically, and I hope that people who do have an issue with me could try and hear that and embrace that on some level.”
The Umbrella Academy fans will be able to see Page as Viktor on Netflix from June 22.
