Fans of “Billy on the Street” and “Difficult People” already know that Billy Eichner is one of the smartest and funniest men in show business, but his role in “The Lion King” will introduce the comedian to a whole new audience.
Eichner voices the meerkat Timon, best friend to constant thorn in his side Pumbaa (Seth Rogen); crooner of such iconic songs as “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” and “Hakuna Matata.” The character was famously originated by openly gay actor Nathan Lane, five years before coming out publicly in The Advocate in 1999.
Eichner, who is also gay, recently spoke to Buzzfeed about taking on a role so defined by another actor.“I’m glad that [director] Jon Favreau kept the tradition of Timon being played by a gay actor, with a certain type of comedic sensibility, alive,” Eichner said.In the original “Lion King,” many people read antagonist Scar (Jeremy Irons
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