Jim Parsons and Ellen Barkin were both at the play The Normal Heart, a mostly autobiographical history (written by Larry Kramer) about a gay activist/writer/ founder of a HIV advocacy group, living through the AIDS outbreak in mid-80's. Jim Parsons took up the role of Tommy Boatright (with his acting being well appraised by the critics), while Ellen Barkin interpreted Dr. Brookner, in what was her Broadway debut role.
