Ames McNamara is famous for playing Mark in The Conners, which recently wrapped its fifth season. “Today is a great day to get back on Instagram — the season finale of The Conners! I just wanted to thank everyone for another wonderful season, especially our awesome WRITERS who make it all happen!” Ames posted on Instagram.
Ames McNamara is a male; he plays a gay, gender-nonconforming character in The Conners
Ames McNamara is a male. He plays a gender-nonconforming character who occasionally wears female clothing. Ames said on Good Morning America that playing Mark hasn’t changed him:
“I’m still Ames to [my friends], it hasn’t really changed. I personally don’t wear girls’ clothes, but I respect anyone who does. I believe that everyone should express themselves however that may be.”
Sara Gilbert, the show’s executive producer, said she based Mark on real kids in her life. “He’s based on a few kids in my life that are boys who dress in more traditionally feminine clothing,” Gilbert told Entertainment Weekly. “He just likes wearing that kind of clothing and that’s where he is at this point in his life.”
Mark eventually comes out as gay. Ames told I Am the Maven that he appreciates the representation in The Conners and the conversations sparked by his character. The actor said:
“I think that’s one of the great parts about playing Mark is that you can see someone who’s coming to terms with himself and who he is, as he’s growing up and how his family have really been super supportive of him, and how they’re trying to navigate it, as well.”
