Cole Escola is once again making the internet their personal stage, and this time, they’re doing it with the ultimate queer flex: portraying a straight man so accurately it’s almost terrifying.
The non-binary comedian, known for their razor-sharp wit and scene-stealing stage presence, dropped by The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to chat about their hit Broadway play OH, MARY!—a gloriously twisted reimagining of Mary Todd Lincoln as a boozy, cabaret-obsessed trainwreck. But while the show is drawing packed houses at the Lyceum Theatre, it was Escola’s impromptu impression of a “straight guy” that stole the late-night spotlight.
“I’m dying to play a straight guy,” Escola teased, practically daring the world to cast them in the role. And when Colbert prompted them to deliver the goods, Escola transformed into a version of masculinity so familiar—and so absurd—it could’ve walked straight out of a dive bar or a fantasy football league group chat.
“Enunciating is gay”
In a matter of seconds, Escola launched into a perfectly calibrated performance: gruff voice, incoherent speech, and a little mansplaining about eggs. “The key is, you have to keep in your mind that enunciating is gay… so you have to be, like, really scared, to, like, enunciate. Basically, the worst thing for a straight guy… is being understood,” they explained.
From there, the routine spiraled hilariously into territory involving trucks and shoulder injuries, and Colbert—clearly thrilled—tried his own garbled, testosterone-heavy impression: “You guys catch the highlights?”
The clip has since gone nuclear on TikTok, crossing the one million views mark and inspiring hundreds of comments. One top commenter quipped, “This reminds me of The Birdcage when Robin Williams and Nathan Lane were trying to learn to act straight.” Another viewer, probably new to Escola, declared: “I don’t know this person but I love them.” Same.
Queer comedy, viral power
Escola’s comedic genius lies in their ability to subvert expectations while reclaiming space. Their viral moment isn’t just funny—it’s a savvy takedown of the rigid performance that is heterosexual masculinity. It’s also a masterclass in how queer performers can challenge norms while making you laugh so hard you spit out your drink.
In a media world still dominated by painfully straight narratives, Escola’s straight-guy satire is a glitter-drenched reminder of what LGBTQ+ artists bring to the table: insight, originality, and the guts to turn toxic masculinity into a punchline. We’re not just laughing at the absurdity—they’re showing us how ridiculous it’s always been.
If you’re lucky enough to be in New York, OH, MARY! is running until June 28. But if not, don’t worry—the gays are keeping receipts, clips, and Colbert’s jaw-dropped reaction forever.