Silence of the Lambs Star Addresses Transphobia Accusations

The actor who played Buffalo Bill opens up about the film's legacy 35 years later.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Thirty-five years after the release of the Oscar-winning film The Silence of the Lambs, the actor who played the character of Buffalo Bill, Ted Levine, has addressed the longstanding accusations of transphobia against the film. Levine acknowledged that certain aspects of the film and his portrayal do not hold up well today, and he has gained a greater understanding of transgender issues over the years. While he did not intend to play Buffalo Bill as gay or transgender, Levine recognizes the harmful stereotypes the character has perpetuated. The film's producer, Edward Saxon, also expressed regret over the lack of sensitivity towards the LGBTQ+ community during the making of the movie.

Why it matters

The Silence of the Lambs is considered a horror classic, but its depiction of the Buffalo Bill character has been the subject of ongoing criticism for its potential to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals. Levine's willingness to address these concerns and acknowledge the film's shortcomings is significant, as it demonstrates a growing awareness and sensitivity towards LGBTQ+ representation in media.

The details

In the film, Buffalo Bill is a serial killer who skins his female victims. While the character is not explicitly stated to be transgender, the portrayal has been viewed by many as reinforcing negative stereotypes about transgender people. Levine has now admitted that certain lines in the script and his performance were "unfortunate" and that he has gained a better understanding of transgender issues over the years. The film's producer, Edward Saxon, also acknowledged that they were not sensitive enough to the potential impact on the LGBTQ+ community during the making of the movie.

  • The Silence of the Lambs was released in 1991.
  • Levine's comments come 35 years after the film's release.

The players

Ted Levine

The actor who portrayed the character of Buffalo Bill in The Silence of the Lambs.

Jodie Foster

The actress who played the lead role of Clarice Starling in The Silence of the Lambs.

Anthony Hopkins

The actor who played the iconic character of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs.

Edward Saxon

The producer of The Silence of the Lambs who acknowledged the film's lack of sensitivity towards the LGBTQ+ community.

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What they’re saying

“There are certain aspects of the movie that don't hold up too well. We all know more, and I'm a lot wiser about transgender issues. There are some lines in that script and movie that are unfortunate.”

— Ted Levine, Actor who played Buffalo Bill (The Hollywood Reporter)

“[It's] just over time and having gotten aware and worked with trans folks, and understanding a bit more about the culture and the reality of the meaning of gender. It's unfortunate that the film vilified that, and it's fucking wrong. And you can quote me on that.”

— Ted Levine, Actor who played Buffalo Bill (The Hollywood Reporter)

“We were really loyal to the book. As we made the film, there was just no question in our minds that Buffalo Bill was a completely aberrant personality — that he wasn't gay or trans. He was sick. To that extent, we missed it. From my point of view, we weren't sensitive enough to the legacy of a lot of stereotypes and their ability to harm.”

— Edward Saxon, Producer of The Silence of the Lambs (The Hollywood Reporter)

The takeaway

The Silence of the Lambs' enduring legacy has been complicated by its portrayal of the Buffalo Bill character, which has been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about transgender individuals. Levine and the film's producers have now acknowledged these concerns and expressed regret over the lack of sensitivity, demonstrating a growing awareness of the importance of accurate and respectful representation in media.