Gay US Ambassador becomes Netflix star as documentary series goes global
Gay US Ambassador Rufus Gifford is leading a new life as a reality superstar – after his unlikely documentary series went global.
Gifford, a 42-year-old Boston native, was a close political ally of Barack Obama during his election bid.
He was appointed as the US Ambassador to Denmark in 2013 – one of a number of openly gay diplomats championed by Obama.
Mr Gifford has lived up to the post in style, by accidentally becoming one of Denmark’s biggest TV stars when he landed his own Danish reality series ‘Jeg er ambassadøren fra Amerika’ (I am the Ambassador from America).
The show, which follows his work across the country, was so successful in Denmark that it’s now been picked up by Netflix for distribution across the world.
Mr Gifford wrote: “When I agreed to do a documentary series on DR3 over two years ago, I thought only a few thousand people would see it.
“Well, today it premieres on Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and other countries.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I believe this would happen. And while I am incredibly nervous about the show being aired all over the world – especially in my home country – I believe in it with all my heart.
“Just as it has done in Denmark, I hope very much that it will serve as a vehicle through which you learn a little about the US, a little about Denmark, a little about diplomacy and the unique bond between people and nations.
“And hopefully make you smile and laugh a little along the way. Most of all I hope you enjoy. Enormous thanks to all who believed in the project and made it happen.”
Mr Gifford tied the knot to husband Stephen in a ceremony in Denmark last year.
