[1][2] The term also refers, in some areas, to anyone who acted on behalf of another, in any transaction, to conceal a person's true identity.
[2] Often, in the early to mid-20th century, a beard companion was used by homosexual individuals to conceal one's sexual orientation through the disguise of a heterosexual relationship.
[2] In some situations, such as that of Vita Sackville-West and Harold Nicolson, the pair in the beard relationship may have children together despite a lack of sexual attraction.
[2] Today, the term beard or lavender dating is used less as a result of greater acceptance of homosexuality in both the United States and Western Europe, but is still occasionally used by young individuals from traditional communities or conservative countries.
The titular talent agent is the beard, pretending to date Tina, a single woman who is actually having an affair with married singer Lou Canova, Danny's client.