Hudson Williams, star of the hit sports drama “Heated Rivalry,” had some kind words for the real-life hockey player who was inspired by the series to come out.
In mid-January, Jesse Kortuem shared on Facebook that the show resonated with him as an athlete who grew up hiding his sexuality for fear of what his teammates and others would think.
“As a young teenager, I carried a weight that did not seem to fit into that world, and I lived in a constant state of dichotomy. I loved the game, but I lived with a persistent fear,” he wrote, in part. “I wondered how I could be gay and still play such a tough and masculine sport.”
Growing up in Minnesota with three older brothers, he never thought it would be possible as a professional hockey player to come out in the 2000s. During a recent event with the Cutting Edges Hockey Club, he wrote that he finally felt “peace” on the rink and wanted to share his story.
His post went viral and caught the attention of many, including “The Drew Barrymore Show.” In a clip shared Jan. 21 on the show’s social media, Kortuem was invited to sit down and share his story with host Drew Barrymore before he got a surprise message from Williams.
“I just wanted to say thank you for watching our show and sharing your kind words you had for it,” the actor said via video message. Williams added that it means a lot that the show could play a “small part in a positive thing about your life.”
Williams, who portrays NHL hockey player Shane in the series, also thanked Kortuem for his bravery “and sounding like a really cool guy.”
After the message aired, a shocked Kortuem said, “Wow, that’s incredible…I’m overwhelmed.”
The athlete, who did not play for the NHL but played defenseman and center in multiple other leagues, said that the show’s fifth episode really inspired him.
While the series centers on Shane and rival player-turned romantic partner Ilya (Connor Storrie), there is also a storyline that includes closeted player Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) falling for Kip (Robbie G.K.), an employee he meets at a smoothie shop.
Episode 5, when Scott Hunter called Kip onto the ice, Kortuem said, changed everything for him.
“The fans are cheering, they kiss and the announcer says, ‘That’s great for Scott Hunter,’” Kortuem said. “And we finally have these magical moments in sports and we finally have these magical moments in stories like this. It’s such a positive reflection of what our society can be.”
He added that he hopes he can lend his voice to those kids that “are hurting to be themselves.”
When Barrymore asked Kortuem if he thinks one day another person will be inspired by his story, Kortuem replied, “I didn’t realize that one story could spark a conversation, could encourage others to finally find the strength to be themselves.”
He shared that one person already revealed to him that his post gave them the courage to have a conversation with their family “and they accepted me,” he said the person told him.
Kortuem said that after receiving the message, he called his sister-in-law and told her, “‘This is what it’s about.’”
“It’s about giving that kid hope that doesn’t think he can go on any longer,” he said. “It’s about giving that kid who’s playing hockey in Fargo right now, where his teammates might be bullying him, or that collegiate athlete that thinks that they can’t be gay and play this sport. This is what this is all about.”
This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:
