This story originally appeared on Out.
One thing about Orville Peck? He always keeps it real... even when he breaks the internet.
Last month, the handsome singer made history as the first gay singer to ever grace the cover of Playgirl. In the alluring photos, Peck strips down to just a pair of white briefs, a singlet, and even fully nude in the very sexy spread.
Although the photos went viral on social media, this wasn't the first time Peck showed plenty of skin on a magazine cover. Back in 2024, Peck left very little to the imagination by riding a horse bareback for Paper. At the Out100 event later that year, the singer exclusively told Out that his mother was 'gagged' over the sexy photos.
"You know who was really gagged? My mother. Everyone was very proud. It was really fun to do. It was crazy. I was walking around set essentially completely naked. It was a wild experience, for sure," Peck tells Out.
Since his mother was taken aback over his steamy Paper spread, inquiring minds would love to know if she had a similar reaction of his revealing photo shoot with Playgirl.
"I think she's desensitized at this point! I don't even think she bats an eye any longer. I got an album singing about cocaine! My poor mother. I don't think anything could shock that woman at this point!"
Peck is certainly opening plenty of doors for more queer singers and entertainers to star in major campaigns. The country crooner didn't even initially realize he was making history when he decided to pose for Playgirl.
"I found that out after the fact! Those achievements don't feed my ego, but I am happy that it hopefully means that I'm not the last. It's the same spirit as a cast member in Street Fighter. I'm the only openly gay man in that cast. I think it means something! I think that's important."
The Playgirl cover dropped at the perfect time as Peck recently released his fourth studio album, Mule, and just made his major motion picture debut as Vega in the new action movie Street Fighter.
"The production team encouraged the gay codedness and queer codedness of Vega. They wanted me to explore that and bring it out without any censoring or pretending. It was a very special environment to be in. I hope that means there will be more openly queer actors roles in these fighting and action films, for sure."
It's no secret that LGBTQ+ audiences love to watch a gay villain, but they're not typically portrayed in major superhero films. Peck is grateful that he was able to bring an authentic queer portrayal to honor the legacy of Vega.
"I don't take it lightly. I also don't want to take too much credit for this. The willingness of other people whether they are queer people or allies behind the scenes helped me get involved with these things. It's sad that we have to talk about it that way. It should not be an issue, but thank God other people in the world who also believe that. They're wanting different types of people to tell their stories. I feel very lucky to work with people who appreciate me."
There's no denying Peck's impactful queer mark he's putting in pop culture. By opening doors for gay people to star in action movies, express their emotions in country music, or even strip down for an iconic magazine, Peck is creating a legacy that's inspiring many in the LGBTQ+ community.
"The older I get and the longer I make art, I just know the truth of the matter is that we're all hurt people in some way. We all carry some kind of baggage, trauma, and hurt of our own. We're all trying to get through this life as authentically and happily as we can. I will say, just accept that part of you. Give yourself some grace! We're all messed up in some way. Move with some compassion for others and for yourself."
Congratulations on a milestone year, Orville! The full Playgirl spread can be found here and fans can watch the trailer for Street Fighter below. It's playing in theaters now.
