In 1999, "Queer as Folk", a frank, funny and touching portrait of gay life set on Manchester's bustling Canal Street, debuted on Britain's Channel 4 to a flurry of debate, critical acclaim and public notice. Gillen starred in the eight-part hour-long series as Stuart Alan Jones, a confident philanderer, making the most of his freedom and desirability with an exceptionally active social life. The smallest alteration of the actor's looks (a little more color added to his pallid complexion, a bit more grease in his hair), and his complete immersion in the role caused an amazing transformation to a dashing and desirable sexual force. Gillen's portrayal showcased Stuart's charm as well as his faults, making for an interesting and oddly likable character. He reprised his role in 2000's "Queer as Folk 2", a two-episode finale to the popular series. Next up for the actor was a starring role in "Buddy Boy", which played at the Venice and Toronto film festivals in 1999 and enjoyed a US release the following year, Here, he was cast as Francis, a shy and pious young man who develops a voyeuristic interest in a neighbor woman (Emmanuelle Seigner) that leads him to intriguing revelations,