JAMES TUTTLE OHLALA INTERVIEW
In an effort to give back to those who started the gay rights movement forty years ago, James Tuttle [picture above] is co-chairing this year’s Garden Party to benefit Gay and Lesbian Elder Housing.
James has a little something of Zachary Quinto on't you think !? GLEH is a great organization that provides housing and social services for low-income GLBT seniors and Hollywood’s Triangle Square development is the first such housing model in the world. This year’s Garden Party will take place on Sunday, 11 October at the stunning Windsor Square estate of Dayna Devon and Dr. Brent Moelleken. Tickets are available at GLEH
When not working with charitable causes, James balances his schedule—in true L.A style—between writing and developing film and TV projects, working in a Beverly Hills boutique and spending quality time with his partner, Scott. He occasionally returns to modeling as he did in New York in July in this shoot with superstar photographer Rick Day.
Who is James Tuttle? JT: I like to think of myself as a never-ending, constantly evolving creative being who is in love with life and finally figuring out how it really works.
Where are you from and why did you decide to live in Los Angeles?
JT: I was born in San Antonio, Texas but I’m from an old California family and was brought up in central California and the U.K. Eventually, I ended up at Oxford where I had some wonderful years and learned lots of things that I don’t remember anymore. From there, I went to Paris to work on my D.Phil. (i.e. the Oxford Ph.D.) in history but got swept into the fashion industry instead before a long case of pneumonia convinced me to come stay with my family in California and regroup. L.A. was the last place I ever thought I’d live but, once I was here, I loved it! I wouldn’t mind having a place in London or New York but I think I’ll always call Los Angeles my home.
What turns you on creatively and spiritually?
JT: Creatively, I’m a very visual person and creating a beautiful environment around me is incredibly important. Great books and classic films also inspire me but, unfortunately, my boyfriend doesn’t like black and white movies! Spiritually, I was raised loosely Protestant but found Tibetan Buddhism in my twenties because I felt more comfortable with the idea of letting go of judgment because we are all on our own path and it’s really all unfolding in the best possible way for each of us. I’m now practicing something called the Art of Allowing and it’s opened up my life to so many new possibilities. For many people out there, it might sound like new age bullshit…but if it sounds intriguing, there’s more info at Abraham-Hicks.
If you were a reincarnation of someone what or who would it be?
JT: That’s a great question! I was just told by a very respected Intuitive/Medium that I have been here many times and was specifically a member of a wealthy French family during the 18th century. That made sense because the first time I visited Versailles, I felt like I knew my way around perfectly. Years later, I wrote a fun pilot set in that time period—basically “Dynasty meets Dangerous Liasons”—without having to do any real
research. If I were able to choose where I wanted to reappear in my next incarnation, it would probably be as one of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Those bitches are Ghetto Fabulous!
What do you most value in people?
JT: Compassion. Sincerity. Appreciation.
Why did you choose to volunteer for Gay & Lesbian Elder Housing (GLEH)?
JT: The GLEH has an amazing purpose that many in the gay community, in our incredible capacity for charity, have overlooked before now. Many of our GLBT seniors don’t have traditional families to look after them and are at a loss to find an affordable place to live where they can be free of discrimination. Did you know that many gay and lesbian seniors have to go back “in the closet” for fear of consequences from unsympathetic caregivers? When I heard that members of the generation at the forefront of the gay rights movement were in need, I rose to the challenge. This year’s party is going to be AMAZING!! Get your tickets at www.GLEH.org.
How did the polo theme arise in the shoot with Rick Day?
JT: I had seen images from Rick’s new book, “Players,” and was very inspired by the beauty and masculinity of the pictures of guys in pieces of sporting gear. It occurred to me that taking some of my polo gear, even though I haven’t played in a while, might make the shoot more personal and Rick and his awesome assistant, Steve, loved the idea. A byproduct of the shoot is that it has reignited my conviction to start playing again with a great group of guys here in L.A.! www.RickDayNYC.com
What is your most treasured possession?
JT: Scott doesn’t count as a possession, but I feel very fortunate to have such a great companion on this crazy adventure. My most treasured physical possession would probably be the dilapidated old Louis Vuitton steamer trunk I bought in London. At the time, I thought it would make my move to Paris so much easier. I was wrong.
Do you have any projects coming up?
JT: I’ve just signed on to be a cast member of a new reality series! It’s a very exciting opportunity and a great concept but I can’t say much about it yet. I’m also about to do a small role in a film called “A Fighting Chance” with some great actors and my latest script, a modern thriller influenced by Noel Coward comedies, may go into production within the next year. And, of course, I’ve been working a lot for the GLEH Garden Party on Sunday, 11 October and would love to see everyone there!
