The Fosters' Gavin MacIntosh Opens Up About Making TV History With Just One Kiss

The Fosters' Gavin MacIntosh Opens Up About Making TV History With Just One Kiss

Last night’s episode of The Fosters was not only touching, emotional, and honest, but it was a pivotal moment in television.

Actors Hayden Byerly, 14, and Gavin MacIntosh, 15, shared what may have been the youngest same sex kiss on TV ever, but that’s not even what made it so great.

Jude and Connor’s exploration of sexuality is something the show has been navigating for three seasons now.

Still it didn’t feel like a moment of pay-off for the viewers as much as it felt like a moment of relief for these characters struggling with the feelings that so many people do. The scene and story as a whole have been beautifully executed.

We caught up with Gavin right after the episode to get his take on everything, not to mention get the scoop on what’s coming up for #Jonnor.

JustJaredJr.com: How much did you know about the character and where the story was headed when you got the role?

Gavin MacIntosh: I actually tested for the role of Jude, so I knew about the storyline. But the role of Connor was added after the pilot, and I had no idea how Connor would fit into the storyline. I thought he may be more of a friend, a protector of sort. But as the show continued, and our off screen friendship evolved, I think the producers realized we could handle more complex story lines. So that’s where we are today, definitely more complex (laughs).

JJJ: That may have been the youngest same sex kiss on TV ever. What’s it like being a part of such a pivotal plot line?

GM: This story line is important in so many ways. It’s been eye opening about how many kids struggle with feeling “OK” about questioning their sexuality. Teen suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among young people age 10 � 20, and LGB youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than their straight peers. So yes, this plot is pivotal. Just being 13 is difficult enough, going through physical and emotional changes, then if you add in not being sure about if you like boys or girls, and society telling you that you should be a certain way � I can see why so many kids are struggling. Boy/girl crushes at 13 are portrayed a lot on TV, but to represent something different – I am proud of that.


Jude & Connor Kiss on The Fosters

Click inside to read the rest of our interview with Gavin MacIntosh

JustJaredJr.com Interview – Gavin MacIntosh

JJJ: Because so many kids can relate to the story, did you feel any added pressure about getting it just right? Were you nervous?

GM: I was definitely nervous. And yes, I wanted to get the scene right. Bradley Bredeweg and Peter Paige, the show’s creators, they worked with Hayden and I to get the scene and our emotions just right. The subtle things are what makes this plot so important. At 13, any boy or girl kiss, it’s nerve racking! So it was important to show those nervous emotions, and I can definitely say they were real!

JJJ: The response to this episode (and Jonnor in general) has been huge on social media. What kind of reactions have you gotten?

GM: Wow, I think yesterday’s episode broke the Jonnor social media record! Off the chart outpouring of support, love and praise. Definitely most of the support was positive, but with any sort of social change comes controversy, so I saw a few negatives. But considering the positive impact it has on so many, it’s all worth it.

JJJ: What’s it like working with Hayden? It seems like you guys are best friends off set too!

GM: We are best friends off set and it’s great being able to work with him, we have so much fun on set! And I really think (actually I know) our off-screen relationship has helped me with the Connor/Jude emotional scenes. I’ve said it before, but really we don’t have to act like we care about each-other on screen, we really do, and that definitely translates on screen.

JJJ: Judging by the promo for next week, it looks like Jude and Connor get into some trouble! What can you tease about what’s coming up?

GM: Ah yes, we get in bit of trouble! I can’t say much, but I can tell you that the girls might be a bad influence, and being typical teen boys, we just can’t seem to say no. That leads us into a situation that will have consequences. Definitely a plot twist.

JJJ: Lastly, what’s been your favorite Jonnor moment so far, and why?

GM: That’s still the blue nail scene from Season 1, it was the beginning of the relationship of Jude and Connor, that pivotal moment that sealed their special friendship – no words needed.

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Photos: Sierra Prescott
Posted to: Exclusive, Gavin MacIntosh, Hayden Byerly, Television, The Fosters