Jill Biden Outbid at LGBT Benefit Auction for Walk-On TV Role
Former First Lady Jill Biden unsuccessfully bid $35,000 for a chance to appear in the second season of the HBO Max series “Heated Rivalry” during a charity auction benefiting New York City’s LGBT Community Center.
According to Variety, Biden participated in the live auction during the organization’s Center Dinner in New York City, where attendees bid on exclusive experiences to raise money for the nonprofit.
The auction package included a walk-on role in the second season of the queer hockey drama, along with dinner with members of the show’s cast.
Biden submitted a bid of $35,000 but was ultimately outbid.
The package was eventually sold twice, with two separate bidders each paying $125,000.
Following the auction, Biden acknowledged the outcome in a post on X.
“Guess I won’t be heading to the cottage after all — but it was worth a shot! What a wonderful evening supporting @LGBTCenterNYC,” she wrote.
The event honored “Heated Rivalry” creator Jacob Tierney and producing partner Brendan Brady with the Cultural Impact Award for their contributions to LGBTQ representation in entertainment.
Rachel Reid, author of the “Game Changers” book series on which the television adaptation is based, presented the award.
Center CEO Dr. Carla Smith praised the pair’s work in advancing LGBTQ storytelling.
“Tierney and Brady have elevated and centered queer characters as fully realized leads whose desires, conflicts and tenderness are treated with dignity,” Smith said.
“By championing our voices, they have brought queer joy and storytelling to the mainstream media and have created work that affirms and advances our community.”
Brooks Brothers CEO Ken Ohashi was also recognized during the event, while Melanie C, better known as Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls, performed for attendees.
“Heated Rivalry” is based on Reid’s bestselling hockey romance novels.
The show’s second season will adapt “The Long Game” and is expected to premiere on HBO Max in April 2027.
Production is scheduled to begin later this summer.
Stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are expected to reprise their leading roles, joined by returning cast members François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Nadine Bhabha, Sophie Nélisse and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova, per Variety.
Earlier this year, Tierney said he intends to remain faithful to Reid’s novels while writing the new season.
“I think I realized a little while ago that what I have to do is go back to where my head was at the first time I wrote, which was love these books and try to make the smartest thing I can make of it,” he said.
The annual Center Dinner serves as one of the LGBT Community Center’s major fundraising events, supporting programs and services for LGBTQ individuals throughout New York City.
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