Owen Thiele Reflects on Queer Friendship and Family Ties in New Season of 'Adults'

Owen Thiele is feeling the pressure as FX's comedy series "Adults" gears up for its second season, which premiered on August 27. With a growing fanbase invested in the lives of its flawed yet relatable characters, the stakes feel higher than ever. Thiele, who plays the charming Anton, expressed his excitement about the show's renewal, admitting that both he and his castmates were anxious during the wait for a decision. "But I feel like now we have a little, tiny, beautiful cult following that hopefully will stick by us and get us that third season," he said.

Gathering at Palma in New York for an Instagram-hosted dinner celebrating the new season, Thiele was surrounded by an impressive group of friends, including Bowen Yang and Molly Gordon, as they enjoyed a lavish Italian feast. The occasion was more than just a celebration; it was also an opportunity for Instagram to showcase its new feature, Instants, which allows users to share spontaneous photos.

As Thiele's career blossoms, he is also featured in Prime Video’s “Overcompensating,” where he portrays George, a character navigating a different facet of queer friendship compared to Anton. Additionally, he is set to star alongside Connor Storrie and Dua Lipa in the upcoming comedy “Peaked.” Thiele is also working on “Off Color,” a semi-autobiographical Amazon comedy that draws from his experiences growing up Black and gay in a predominantly white Jewish family. Notably, Thiele’s family lineage includes his father, music producer Bob Thiele Jr., and his grandfather, the legendary Bob Thiele, known for producing classics like "What a Wonderful World.”

In a candid conversation with Variety, Thiele shared his thoughts on portraying queer relationships, revealing that he finds the character dynamics in both “Adults” and “Overcompensating” resonate deeply with his own life experiences. He noted that while “Overcompensating” explores the discomfort one feels in discovering their identity, “Adults” captures the ease and familiarity of established connections where sexuality is often unmentioned but understood. "I came out in high school, and I was very much looking for somebody who I could relate to in that way," he reflected.

Addressing his lineage in the entertainment industry, Thiele humorously acknowledged being labeled a “nepo grandchild.” He remarked, "Everyone thinks I’m a nepo baby. I don’t think my dad was successful enough for me to be a nepo baby. No, my grandpa — I am." With aspirations to showcase his own voice and perspective in his work, he expressed a mix of readiness and apprehension about the reactions to his projects.

Thiele’s upcoming show, which features Susie Essman as his mother, explores complex family dynamics and codependency in humorous ways. He described working with Essman as a unique experience, highlighting her talent and the familial bond they share in the narrative. His excitement about collaborating with Connor Storrie and Molly Gordon on “Peaked” reflects a long-standing friendship and mutual artistic support.

As Thiele embraces the joys of social media, he is unbothered by the potential for followers to tire of his posts, emphasizing the importance of sharing moments that resonate with him. With a blend of humor and honesty, Thiele continues to navigate his career and relationships in the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment.

Source: variety.com