Owen Thiele Reveals How His White, Jewish Family Inspired His Upcoming Show “Off Color” (Exclusive)

**Owen Thiele to Bring Unique Upbringing to Screen in New Series ‘Off Color’**

Owen Thiele, known for his roles in the acclaimed series ‘Adults’ and ‘Overcompensating,’ is set to take viewers on a personal journey through his upcoming television series titled ‘Off Color.’ The project is currently under development with Amazon and aims to depict Thiele’s experiences growing up as a Black gay child in a White, Jewish family.

At 30 years old, Thiele is not only set to star in the series but will also take on writing and co-producing responsibilities. This venture is particularly meaningful to him, as it allows him to explore and share the narratives of his childhood, which he describes as both “horrifying and thrilling.” He reflects on the process of unearthing memories that he has long suppressed, stating, “It’s truly a therapy session every time I’m writing it, but in a good way. It’s not trauma. It’s more the love I have for my family and friends.”

Born in Houston and adopted shortly after, Thiele is eager to bring his story to life. He emphasises that while the show is categorised as “semi-autobiographical,” much of what will be portrayed is rooted in reality. Though the exact premiere date for ‘Off Color’ remains unannounced, Thiele expresses optimism, saying that each conversation he has about the project brings him one step closer to its release.

The series has already garnered attention with its intriguing logline. It tells the story of a son reluctant to embrace adulthood; a mother who refuses to let him go; and a father who may be hiding from family interactions under the guise of a nap. Thiele shares a humorous insight into the family dynamics, explaining that the characters encapsulate unique traits that reflect his real-life experience, such as a mother reminiscent of a ‘Real Housewives’ personality and a cousin with aspirations of becoming a Rabbi after a party-loving past.

Thiele attributes much of his creative endeavour to the nurturing environment provided by his parents, who he says fostered his artistic tendencies. Despite the unusual circumstances of his upbringing, he recalls a childhood filled with “blind love” from his adoptive family, recalling instances where they encouraged him during his most expressive moments, even when he was dancing on tables. “My parents were filming me and telling me to ‘Hit a sharper move,’” he noted, highlighting their unwavering support.

The actor appreciates that not everyone shares such a fortunate background and acknowledges the uniqueness of his experience. “If I came home and told them the most horrifying things, they’d be like, ‘And we love you still.’ And I know that’s not everyone’s journey and I know I’m so lucky for that,” he stated. This warmth from his family translates into a deeper affection for them as he crafts the screenplay.

As Thiele prepares to unveil ‘Off Color’ to the world, he reflects on the absurdity and hilarity of his family stories, many of which he assures audiences are based in truth. “These stories are so insane that you wouldn’t actually believe that they were real, even though most of them are,” he explained with a chuckle, revealing that comments from his producers about the show’s classification as “semi-autobiographical” are likely intended to temper disbelief.

With his artistic journey still in the early stages, Owen Thiele’s upcoming series promises to be a captivating exploration of identity, family, and the intersection of race and sexuality. As he infuses his narrative with genuine experiences and humour, viewers can look forward to a heartfelt representation of his upbringing in ‘Off Color.’ As he states, his writing process only enhances his love for his family, making this endeavor all the more meaningful as he prepares to take it from page to screen.