‘White Lotus’ Star Sam Nivola Says DMs ‘Flooded with Thirsty Older Men’

Sam Nivola, the 21-year-old actor who played Lochlan Ratliff in the latest season of HBO’s "The White Lotus", has quickly become a household name thanks to the series’ critical and commercial success. In a recent interview, Nivola disclosed that his social media direct messages, particularly on Instagram, have been "flooded with thirsty older men" since the season aired, noting a sharp uptick in interest from LGBTQ+ fans around the world .

The actor expressed both surprise and a sense of humor about the situation, describing the deluge of attention as a unique aspect of his new-found fame. While Nivola did not specify the content of the messages, he acknowledged that much of the outreach has been flirtatious and flirted with the boundaries of what he expected from his growing public profile .

Nivola’s character, Lochlan Ratliff, became a central figure in conversations about queerness, sexuality, and visibility in mainstream media. The role, which involved complex storylines and intimate scenes, resonated strongly with LGBTQ+ audiences. The enthusiastic engagement on social platforms, particularly from gay men and older admirers, underscores the hunger for authentic queer representation and the unique relationships fans build with actors who portray such roles .

The attention Nivola has received is not limited to digital spaces. Queer media outlets and fan communities have amplified discussions around the importance of diverse LGBTQ+ characters, as well as the actors who bring them to life. For many, the influx of messages to Nivola is part of a larger phenomenon: LGBTQ+ fans often seek to connect with performers who project vulnerability and complexity in their portrayals, forging a sense of community and visibility that extends beyond the screen .

Nivola’s sudden exposure has also led to broader conversations about the expectations placed on rising stars when it comes to fan interactions, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. While some public figures have struggled with the pressures of being labeled sex symbols, Nivola has approached the attention with a pragmatic and inclusive mindset, acknowledging the positive aspects of being embraced by LGBTQ+ audiences .

Industry observers note that the kind of attention Nivola describes is not new, but social media platforms have intensified the immediacy and volume of fan interaction. For LGBTQ+ fans, especially those who may have lacked representation in earlier eras of television, reaching out to actors like Nivola is a way to celebrate progress and affirm their own identities .

Advocates and commentators within the LGBTQ+ community have pointed out that while the direct messages can be playful or even flirtatious, they also reflect a deeper cultural shift. As more mainstream shows like "The White Lotus" feature nuanced queer characters, the lines between fandom, representation, and personal celebrity are increasingly blurred. Actors like Nivola become symbols not only of on-screen desire but of real-world progress toward inclusive storytelling.