Harrison Browne makes a cameo in the latest episode of Heated Rivalry. (IMDb/HBO)
Harrison Browne makes a cameo in the latest episode of Heated Rivalry. (IMDb/HBO)
Heated Rivalry hockey fans have noticed a familiar face in the latest episode of the steamy gay sports drama, and it’s none other than trans ice hockey star Harrison Browne.
Browne became the first openly trans professional ice hockey player, paving the way for other LGBTQ+ sports stars.
Based on Rachel Reid’s Game Changers novel series, the show charts the rivalry between two professional hockey players, Canadian Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Russian Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Over the years, they engage in a passionate but secret romance.
In the show’s most recent episode, ‘Rose’, the 32-year-old trans hockey star appears in a brief moment that delighted fans. Here’s everything you need to know about the hocked player turned actor.
Who is Harrison Browne?
Browne played as a centre for the Metropolitan Riveters and Buffalo Beauts during his professional hockey career, from 2015 to 2018.
In 2016, Browne shared that he’s a trans man and was the first openly trans athlete in a professional team sport during his career. He did not hormonally transition until the end of his professional career to avoid violating anti-doping regulations.
In 2017, Browne announced he’d be retiring to continue his gender transition in privacy. During that season, he won the Isobel championship Cup, becoming the first openly transgender athlete to win a national championship in a team sport.
However, he couldn’t stay off the ice and played one more season before retirement. Browne won the championship with the Metropolitan Riveters, helping the team win their first Isobel Cup. Browne then retired in 2018.
In Heated Rivalry, Harrison Browne (R) plays Connors. (HBO)
Who is Harrison Browne in Heated Rivalry?
With all of hype around Heated Rivalry, fans were delighted about Browne’s inclusion in the show.
Browne confirmed the rumours that he was appearing on the show on Thursday (11 December), posting: “See you tonight y’all!!”
In the show, Browne portrays Connors, Ilya’s teammate and player for the Boston Raiders.
He has a key moment in the latest episode, showing Ilya a news article that devastates the skater.
Posting about the role on his Instagram stories, Browne shared: “Representation matters yall! I had imposter syndrome getting this role not feeling masculine enough or big enough and that caused a lot of shame within myself because I was literally a pro hockey player!!!”
“But the second I stepped on that set I knew I belonged and my visibility in this story is important, queer hockey stories are important!
“I stand proud as a transman WITH AN EPIC MOUSTACHE.”
Harrison Browne is the writer, director and star of Pink Light. (R Austin Ball/Pink Light/Harrison Browne)
Is Harris Browne an actor?
As well as dominating on the ice, Browne has established himself as a talented actor.
Since retiring from hockey, he’s featured in an episode of the sci-fi series Y: The Last Man and the Canadian drama Murdoch Mysteries.
Additionally, Browne appeared in three episodes of the 2019 mystery drama series Nancy Drew.
In 2024, Browne channelled his acting talent into a semi-autobiographical short film, Pink Light. The film premiered in the Short Cuts program at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival.
The film follows a trans man transported back to his younger pre-transitioned self, where he shares a surprising connection with a frat boy.
Has Harris Browne written a book?
If hockey star, actor and writer-director wasn’t enough, Browne is also an author.
Earlier this year, Browne and his sister, investigative journalist Rachel Browne, released a non-fiction book titled Let Us Play.
The book examines transgender inclusion in sports, addressing misconceptions about the participation of trans and non-binary athletes.
Browne’s first-hand experience as a transgender athlete is interwoven with calls for a new path forward.