Morning Man Encore: Skyler Maxon!

Originally posted on November 13, 2014 – not updated. Hunky Skyler Maxon has gotten our attention in his role as a closeted gay athlete named Duke on MTV’s Faking It.

Duke has become romantically involved with Shane (Michael Willett) but is keeping his sexuality under wraps – with his father’s blessing – in order not to lose out on big money athletic endorsements.

Skyler, who appeared in the movie Water For Elephants and guested on Teen Wolf, chatted with The Backlot about his Faking It role.

“I think Duke has seen how comfortable Shane is with himself and being allowed to be who he is around his friends and family and part of that is attractive to Duke. I think that appeals to Duke. It encourages Duke to do the same.”

“People have asked me how is it playing a gay character being a straight uy, but I didn’t look at it that way when I first got the opportunity. I thought of Duke as a person who was going through a lot in his life. It was more of the personal story that drew me to it. Then involving Michael and how he’s really made me feel on set, it’s just great. He’s so easy going. I know we laughed about the first time we had to kiss but he was always making sure that I was comfortable.”