Benito Skinner Grew Up Wishing He Wasn’t Gay. Now It’s His ‘Favorite Thing’ About Himself (Exclusive)

**Benito Skinner Reflects on His Journey to Stardom and Acceptance in ‘Overcompensating’**

Benito Skinner, a multi-talented comedian and the imaginative force behind the Prime Video series ‘Overcompensating’, has opened up about his personal journey towards acceptance and success in the entertainment industry. At the age of 32, Skinner’s evolution is remarkable, transitioning from a young man wishing he weren’t gay to one who celebrates his sexuality as a prominent part of his identity.

Growing up in Boise, Idaho, Skinner attended high school where he played football while secretly nurturing a desire to perform. It was during these formative years that he often found himself wishing on birthday candles that he could be someone else. Despite the struggles of his adolescence, Skinner eventually pursued his passion for acting at Georgetown University, where he not only honed his craft but also developed a social media persona known as “Benny Drama.” His talent for celebrity impersonations and comedic content gradually garnered him a modest following.

By 2016, the aspiring star relocated to New York City, where he felt an exhilarating sense of liberation upon coming out. Skinner recounted this transformative experience, saying, “I just had a flood of creativity because I felt like I could finally be myself. All of these things were dying to get out.” This newfound freedom allowed him to explore his artistic inclinations, which ultimately paved the way for his online success.

Skinner’s breakout moment came in the form of ‘Overcompensating’, his semi-autobiographical series that satirises the poignant trials and amusing tribulations of gay life during college. Now filming its second season, the show has been well-received, marking Skinner’s entry into mainstream entertainment. Reflecting on the anticipation before the show’s release, he admits to feeling surprisingly calm, noting, “If people hated this show, I’d just kind of be like, ‘Oh, I don’t,’” a testament to his self-assuredness in his creative vision.

‘Overcompensating’ quickly captivated audiences, with fans quoting lines from the show just days after its premiere. “I still feel really lucky,” Skinner expressed, underscoring the privilege he feels in sharing his story. The series is not only celebrated for its laugh-out-loud humour but also for its genuine portrayal of emotional depth. The performances of cast members, including Mary Beth Barone as the witty sister Grace and Wally Baram as the nurturing best friend Carmen, enrich the storyline, making it both relatable and compelling.

Skinner attributes the success of the series to its specific and honest narrative that resonates with many. “The queer experience is that,” he explained, highlighting the complexities of growing up gay. “I don’t know any gay person that hasn’t been completely gutted at some point in their coming of age.” In crafting the scripts, Skinner pushed for authenticity, aiming to tackle themes that he felt were essential yet sensitive, without the constraints of worrying about who might see it.

As he reflects on the past decade, Skinner acknowledges the profound changes he has undergone—transitioning from a closeted teenager to an openly gay comedian whose work resonates with many. “I feel so lucky to be gay every day of my life,” he said, illustrating the joy he finds in his identity. He expressed a deep longing for more visibility of gay narratives on television, stating how significant it would have been for him to see people like himself reflected in media during his youth.

Ultimately, Skinner’s pride in his identity shines through, as he proclaims, “My favourite thing about me is that I’m gay. I feel so proud to be gay, and I feel like I had to make a whole show about it.” Through his work and personal journey, Skinner has become a beacon of hope and encouragement for others navigating similar paths, making a substantial mark on the entertainment landscape with both laughter and heartfelt stories.