Review: Gay Self-Acceptance and the Magic of Kindness in 'Billy Flanigan: The Happiest Man on Earth'

I love Disney World. Traveling there allows me to experience the idyllic childhood I never had, where moments feel magical.

For 40 years, Billy Flanigan has been a performer at Walt Disney World, "the longest continually contracted performer" in the park's history. When the park shut down for COVID-19, one of the few times it has ever closed, he biked to co-workers' homes and performed a song and dance. Through his "Flanigrams," he hoped to spread cheer.

Written and directed by actor Cullen Douglas, documentary "Billy Flanigan: The Happiest Man on Earth" chronicles the performer's celebrated singing telegrams, long-time career, and coming out as gay. His feature-length directorial debut, Douglas also has Disney connections, having previously worked as an Associate Show Director.

Disney performers discuss how Billy's "small act of kindness" uplifted their mood. Billy biked over 7,000 miles, visiting over 500 people in 16 states, according to press notes. He was featured on "Good Morning America" and People Magazine. It's amazing how such a simple gesture can make such a huge difference.

Since 1982, Billy has performed in numerous Disney shows, including "Finding Nemo – the Musical," "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration," and the "Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue." Current and former Disney World performers effortlessly talk about his endearing generosity and talent.

Comprised of interviews and archival footage, the documentary lacks panache with lackluster audio quality – due to interviews conducted over Zoom, with the only in-person interview being with Billy – and amateurish on-screen text and graphics. Yet whimsical cartoon drawings accompany Billy's stories about his life, evocative of Disney. While rough around the edges stylistically and in production value, the documentary overflows with exuberance and heart.

From a small town in Massachusetts, Billy came from a big family, always "striving for attention." Billy accompanied his dad, whom he describes as "an entertainer and artist trapped in a forklift operator's life," to community theater rehearsals. Billy performed in school theater and chorus. The cruel bullying he endured instilled the value of kindness, as he never wanted anyone to suffer what he went through.

Billy married his wife Karen in 1983 and he worked at Disney World seven days a week, sometimes double shifts. They have four children. Fueled by a "desperate need to be normal," Billy opens up how falling in love with a woman, his happy marriage, and children made him feel "cured," as he was finally "like everybody else."

Billy candidly shares that any time he felt a crush or attraction to men, he shoved his feelings aside and convinced himself he merely wanted their friendship. He brushed aside anytime people assumed he was gay. At 45 years old, he realized or allowed himself to realize "maybe I'm living the wrong life." He courageously came out as gay to his family.

As someone who came out as bisexual later in my 30s, Billy's coming-out story really resonated with me. His candor and vulnerability moved me to tears, yielding a vital lesson: It's never too late to come out.

I wish we learned more about Billy's life after coming out. Although, he might prefer to stay private. Still, it remains powerful that he finally embraced being true to himself.

Amidst a global pandemic, small gestures resonate. The unpolished yet abundantly cheerful documentary "Billy Flanigan: The Happiest Man on Earth" reminds us to cherish joy and savor small moments while showing how art nourishes the soul. It's a testament to the magic of kindness and transformative power of queer self-acceptance.

"Billy Flanigan: The Happiest Man on Earth" is available on demand Friday, October 7, 2022.