In the manly world of race car driving, Hurley Haywood is a household name.
The American racing legend made his way to fame through his 5 victories at 24 hours of Daytona, 3 victories at Le Mans, and countless other wins at other circuits and races. In the 70’s Haywood was infamous for the victories he accomplished with his racing buddy, Peter Gregg. Haywood was not only envied by competitors on the track, but by every young bachelor in America. Haywood’s dashing looks, macho career, and sexy success made every woman in America swoon over Hurley Haywood. The world of professional race car driving in the 70’s had cameras on Haywood constantly. Fans knew everything there was to know about Haywood, except for the fact that he was gay.
Haywood’s success constantly overshadowed his personal life. Haywood drove the track in his signature Porches, was sponsored by Penthouse, and had a woman on his arm at almost every win. His rocky relationship with Peter Gregg ranged from a bromance so strong, it was rumored to be more than just a friendship, to months of silence due to jealousy of success. After the death of Peter Gregg, Haywood addresses the truth about their relationship and the horrors of suicide. Haywood’s now husband, Steve, speaks about the sad truth of living life behind the scenes of the legendary Hurley Haywood. Haywood’s worries about upsetting his fan base kept Steve and Haywood’s relationship silent for years. Although Hurley was never deliberately secretive about his sexuality, it was something he did not intentionally promote as apart of his image. Steve watched all of Haywood’s victories in secret behind a picket fence just as many gay men in the 70s lived, hiding on the outside.
Hurley’s story is beautiful and empowering. It strikes an emotional connection with long time fans of Hurley, the LGBTQ community, and those who have been affected by mental health issues. Executive producer, Patrick Dempsey, and Director, Derek Dodge, put together the story of Haywood’s emotional and secretive personal life outside of the race track. After 5 years of work, the film perfectly captures the overwhelming struggles Haywood was facing at a prime time in his career. The documentary Hurley speaks to Hurley and friends about what it was like living a role that seemed like the antithesis of the typical gay man. Hurley comes out publicly for the first time about his sexuality and his true self after years of living in the spotlight.
The Knockturnal had the opportunity to speak with Patrick Dempsey, Hurley Haywood and Derek Dodge. Check out these exclusive interviews below!
PATRICK DEMPSEY (EXECUTIVE PRODUCER)
The Knockturnal: How did you hear of Haywood’s story and what made you want to produce it?
Patrick Dempsy: Well I’ve been around Hurley racing so I’ve always wanted to know about him as a driver, and there was rumors about his personal life and stuff like that. It wasn’t until about 2014 that Derek Dodge the director was working with me at the mall doing some social media and approached me and asked “Would you be interested in supporting us if I did a documentary on Hurley,” so that’s when we really starting working on this project. It’s been 5 years.
The Knockturnal: Why do you think it was important for Hurley to be a documentary as opposed to a Biopic?
Patrick Dempsy: Because it was something that Hurley wanted to do and something that he wanted to express. I wanted to be there for him and support him in that.
HURLEY HAYWOOD
The Knockturnal: This is a story you haven’t been able to share for many years. How does it feel having it out in the world now?
Hurley Haywood: Well, it’s a lot of relief. What makes me happy is the reaction of so many people out there. It has all been really positive. There are some topics it talks about that are very sensitive. Suicide rates in the United States are out of control but if we can get the conversation going about mental health issues, that’s great. The LGBT community as well, and it can give a positive spin on what a gay man can do.
The Knockturnal: When asked to do the documentary, did you have any hesitation in filming it?
Hurley Haywood: I would be lying if I said i didn’t have hesitation. I’m a pretty private person, and I’ve been private my whole entire racing career. But, the young man (spoken about in the film Hurley) that came to my office for an interview stopped me about halfway during the interview and said “I’m gay, I’ve been bullied my whole entire life. Everyday I wake up and I think about committing suicide.” So, we talked about it. I gave him a couple of organizations to go to in the area and then about 2 years later a lady called me who turned out to be his mother. She said, “I just want you to know that whatever you told my son saved his life.” So I said to myself, if my voice is strong enough to change the path of one kid, maybe I can change the path of two kids, or one hundred kids. So that’s the reason I decided, now is the time.
DEREK DODGE (DIRECTOR)
The Knockturnal: What was it like working with Patrick Dempsey and Hurley Haywood?”
Derek Dodge: Well Hurley is a sweetheart. Actually, Patrick is a sweetheart too. Hurley and I became really close and we have been making this film for almost 5 years so I feel like he’s a really close friend now. Patrick is a really big fan of Hurleys and is really tied to the sport so it was a natural connection to bring him into the project and it has been kismet. Everyone works well together.
The Knockturnal: What part of the film are you most excited for others to see?
Derek Dodge: I’m really excited for people to see Hurley as a person, as opposed to a racing driver. If you’re a fan of Hurley and you’re a fan of the sport, you know everything about him. You know the races he’s won, you know the cars he’s driven, but you’ve never seen his personal life like this. You’ve never seen the different side of him under the helmet and i’m excited for people to see the film and think “wow, I know him better now.”
The Knockturnal: What’s something that you’ve learned from Hurleys story?
Derek Dodge: Hurley is truly himself. He’s a little shy, he’s sort of introverted the way that I am but he’s just not bashfully who he is and he’s really driven by that and I really admire that of him. He’s not confused about who he is as a person.
The Knockturnal: What was your favorite part about directing?
Derek Dodge: My favorite part about directing the film was getting to was live vicariously through him. Being at the races, and experiencing that world that I would have never experienced on my own. Without having Patrick or Hurley or making the film, I would have never had those experiences because I’m not a racing driver.
Available on Digital and On Demand on March 26th.