Matt Bomer is now firmly embedded in the world of DC animation, having voiced Barry Allen, aka The Flash, in several animated features. His first voice acting role for DC, however, was none other than Superman in the 2013 film “Superman: Unbound.” Speaking in a Comic-Con interview at the time, Bomer said, “It’s intimidating, you know. It’s a character that’s been so influential to me and every kid I’ve ever known. It was a blast to do and a great part to get to cut my teeth on in terms of voice over acting.”

Bomer’s best-known DC role is a mix of voice acting and on-screen performances as Larry Trainor aka Negative Man in “Doom Patrol” (a role he reprised for another live-action DC show, “Titans”). Larry is an Air Force test pilot whose body became fused with a mysterious and highly radioactive spirit during an accident that otherwise would have killed him. He’s left with burns all over his body, and has to wear special bandages at all times to avoid inflicting radiation sickness on the people around him. 

Prior to his accident, Larry was leading a closeted life with his wife and kids while secretly having an affair with an Air Force comrade. Speaking to Digital Spy, Bomer explained that playing a gay character comes with its own challenges. “There’s something about being a gay man, and getting to play a fully realized gay character,” he said. “You’re able to access experiences you’ve had that are very unique to you, but that cost you something to translate onto the screen.”

As far as Bomer is concerned, though, that’s just what it takes to be an actor. “Any performance has to cost you something.”