Jump to content

Kurt Hummel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 99.235.218.165 (talk) at 03:40, 9 June 2010 (→Characterization). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Kurt Hummel
File:Kurt Hummel.jpg
Chris Colfer as glee club member Kurt Hummel.
First appearance"Pilot"
Created byRyan Murphy
Brad Falchuk
Ian Brennan
Portrayed byChris Colfer
In-universe information
OccupationHigh school student
FamilyBurt Hummel (father)
Unnamed mother (deceased)

Kurt Hummel is a fictional character from the Fox musical comedy-drama series Glee. The character is portrayed by actor Chris Colfer, and has appeared in Glee from its pilot episode, first broadcast on May 19, 2009. Kurt was developed by Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan. He is a gay male countertenor, who is bullied by the football team, and a member of the Glee club at the fictional William McKinley High School in Lima, Ohio, where the show is set.[1]

Storyline

In the pilot episode, Kurt auditions for the Glee club by performing "Mr. Cellophane" from the musical Chicago.[2] Kurt comes out as gay to Mercedes in "Acafellas",[3] and to his father in the following episode "Preggers".[4] He joins the football team in order to impress his father, and helps McKinley High's failing team to win a game.[4]

Kurt has a high vocal range, and self-identifies as a soprano singer.[5] Due to scheming by members of the Cheerios cheerleading squad, Mercedes developed a small crush on Kurt, unaware that he is gay. Mercedes is hurt when he rejects her, but she quickly recovers and is supportive when he confides his sexuality. After this, the two become especially close friends.[3]

He competes against Rachel for a solo on "Defying Gravity", but intentionally flubs a high F note to save his father from being harassed over his sexuality.[6] Kurt is in love with Finn, and hopes if Finn breaks up with Quinn, he will turn to Kurt for comfort.[7] He is aware that Rachel also has feelings for Finn, and attempts to sabotage her chances with him by giving her a bad makeover.[8] Finn does break up with Quinn, after learning her baby isn't his, but his best friend Puck's. There is no on-screen proof that Finn seeks out Kurt's comfort. And after a hiatus in the season, it is shown that Finn is still not over Quinn. In the episode "Home", it is revealed that Kurt set up his dad and Finn's mom in an attempt to become closer to Finn, but Finn has his own issues over this; he's still not over his father's death. So Kurt sings "A House Is Not a Home" in Glee club in an attempt to change Finn's mind.

Kurt becomes jealous when Finn starts to find common interest with Kurt's father Burt. While Finn comes to accept Burt after a confession about his love for his mother, Kurt remains left out of the new family. He attempts to gain acceptance by mimicking his father, singing Mellencamp's "Pink Houses" in a deep voice. When his plan backfires, he lashes out by singing "Rose's Turn" in the auditorium, unaware that Burt is watching. Burt comforts Kurt, reassuring him that he will love his son just the way he is. Kurt is excited when Burt invites Finn and his mother to move in, but Finn is reluctant to share a room with Kurt. Finn's mother makes him move in. After being bullied by two former football teamates, Finn loses his temper about sharing a room with Kurt. When Finn comes to Kurt's house after school, Kurt shows Finn the newly - decorated room and Finn calls several of the items "faggy". Burt overhears the insult and reprimands Finn and Burt tells Finn that he can no longer live in their home. Later, when Kurt is bullied by the two former football teamates, Finn appears wearing a Lady Gaga costume and defends Kurt.

Casting

In casting Glee, Murphy sought out actors who could identify with the rush of starring in theatrical roles, however Colfer had no previous professional experience, but reminded Ryan of the character Kurt from The Sound of Music, and was cast as Kurt Hummel.[9] He originally auditioned for Artie with the song "Mr Cellophane"; Murphy was so impressed by his performance that the role of Kurt was created for him. In order for this, a character named Rajish was cut from the show for Kurt to enter.[10] Colfer commented on his casting: "I'm so happy to be a part of something that is so new and different and so needed at this time. It's good to have something positive, especially for kids in small towns, like myself, who need a little pick-me-up. It's true: You can be famous — even if there's no money left in the world."[11]

Characterization

In an interview with Conan O'Brien, Colfer explained that his character's name is taken from The Sound of Music's Kurt von Trapp (whom he once played in a production of the musical), and the popular German Hummel figurines.[12] On the June 7, 2010 episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, Colfer, in explaining the origination of his character's name, said, "In the audition, Ryan Murphy looked at me and he said, 'Why do I have a feeling you've been in The Sound of Music?' and I said, "Well, I was Kurt in The Sound of Music a long time ago. So the next thing I know the role is called Kurt cause I was in The Sound of Music, and Kurt Hummel because I reminded him of those Hummel figurines with rosy cheeks. So that's why it's called Kurt Hummel." Colfer has explained that Kurt "puts on a very confident, 'I'm better than you' persona, but underneath it all he's the same anxious and scared teen everyone is/was at some point. In later episodes, he goes through an identity crisis, accepting and finding acceptance for who he is. He's a tough guy in designer clothes."[13]

On the show, Kurt performs "Defying Gravity" from Wicked. Murphy selected the song after Colfer relayed a story from his own high school days, whereby his drama teacher refused to let him sing it because of his gender.[10]

Reception

Chris Colfer's performance of "Defying Gravity" was released as a single, available for digital download. Alternative versions, one sung by Michele, and one sung by both Colfer and Michele, were also released. The song charted at number 31 in the United States, 58 in Australia,[14] 38 in Canada and the United Kingdom, and 19 in Ireland.[15] In 2009, Colfer was nominated Best Supporting Actor in a Series, Miniseries or Television Film at the Satellite Awards for his role as Kurt.[16] He and the other series regulars won Favorite New Diverse Ensemble Cast at the Diversity Awards,[17] also winning the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.[18]

References

  1. ^ Kelly, Mike (May 17, 2009). "'Glee' series set in a Lima high school has Toledo connection too". The Blade. The Toledo Times. Retrieved 2009-05-19.
  2. ^ "Episode Recap: Pilot". Fox Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 2009-09-01.
  3. ^ a b John Scott (director), Ryan Murphy (writer), Brad Falchuk (writer), Ian Brennan (writer) (2009-09-16). "Acafellas". Glee. Season 1. Episode 3. Fox. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b Brad Falchuk (writer, director) (2009-09-23). "Preggers". Gleein. Season 1. Episode 4. Fox. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel". Fox.com. Retrieved 04 December 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  6. ^ Ryan Murphy (writer), Paris Barclay (director) (2009-11-11). "Wheels". Glee. Season 1. Episode 9. Fox. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ Brad Falchuk (writer, director) (2009-11-18). "Ballad". Glee. Season 1. Episode 10. Fox. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ Ian Brennan (writer), Bill D'Elia (director) (2009-11-25). "Hairography". Glee. Season 1. Episode 11. Fox. {{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter |episodelink= ignored (|episode-link= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |serieslink= ignored (|series-link= suggested) (help)
  9. ^ Martin, Denise (April 26, 2009). "Video: 'Glee' team rewrites the school musical". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 19, 2009.
  10. ^ a b Kuhn, Sarah (September 3, 2009). "Life Stages". Back Stage. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
  11. ^ Fernandez, Maria Elena (April 26, 2009). "Will TV audiences watch with 'Glee'?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-06-01.
  12. ^ "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien". Retrieved December 03, 2009. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  13. ^ Steinberg, Jamie (May 2009). "Chris Colfer - Pure Glee". Starry Constellation Magazine. Retrieved June 2, 2009.
  14. ^ "The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 30th November 2009" (pdf). Pandora Archive. Retrieved 2009-12-09.
  15. ^ "Glee Cast". acharts.us. Retrieved 25 February 2010.
  16. ^ "2009 14th Annual Satellite Awards™ Nominations". International Press Academy. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
  17. ^ Bryant, Adam (November 1, 2009). "Glee Cast to Receive Award for Diversity". TV Guide. Retrieved 2009-11-02.
  18. ^ "Screen Actors Guild Awards® Nominees and Recipients". Screen Actors Guild Awards. Retrieved 17 December 2009.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kurt_Hummel&oldid=366925569"