Celebs Who Came Out as Queer After 50 and Look Happier Than Ever

There is no expiration date on living authentically or sharing your truth with the world. For many public figures, the decision to come out happens later in life after decades of navigating careers and personal relationships under the public eye. These celebrities chose to reveal their sexuality after the age of 50 and found immense relief in finally being themselves. Their stories inspire fans and show that it is never too late to embrace who you really are.

George Takei

The ‘Star Trek’ icon kept his sexuality private for decades to protect his acting career and maintain his professional standing. He publicly came out as gay at the age of 68 in response to legislation regarding same-sex marriage in California. Takei has since become a prominent activist for LGBTQ+ rights and shares a happy life with his husband Brad Altman. His decision to live openly revitalized his public image and allowed him to advocate for social justice issues.

Holland Taylor

This celebrated actress opened up about her romantic life during a podcast interview when she was 72 years old. She revealed that she was in a serious relationship with a younger woman who was later identified as actress Sarah Paulson. Taylor expressed that she had never really hidden her sexuality but simply lived her life without making a public declaration. Her relationship continues to be a source of joy and public interest.

Barry Manilow

The legendary singer waited until he was 73 years old to officially confirm his sexuality to the public. He maintained silence for years because he feared disappointing his predominantly female fan base. Manilow eventually revealed that he had married his manager Garry Kief in a private ceremony at their home. The overwhelming support from his fans proved his fears were unfounded and allowed him to live authentically.

Meredith Baxter

Known for her role as a beloved television matriarch in ‘Family Ties’ she came out as a lesbian at age 62. Baxter explored her sexuality later in life after several marriages to men and finding herself unhappy. She shared her truth during a television interview to preempt tabloid rumors that were circulating at the time. The actress has stated that embracing her identity brought her a profound sense of relief and honesty.

Joel Grey

The Academy Award-winning star of ‘Cabaret’ publicly discussed his sexuality for the first time at the age of 82. Grey explained that he grew up in an era where being gay was not accepted and he felt pressure to conform to societal norms. He spoke about his family and his enduring love for his children while embracing this part of himself. His announcement was met with widespread love from the Broadway community and his fans.

Caitlyn Jenner

The Olympic gold medalist captivated the world by announcing her transition and identifying as a woman at age 65. Her journey was documented in a high-profile interview and a subsequent reality television series that sparked global conversations. Jenner appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair to introduce her authentic self to the public. This pivotal moment marked a significant shift in mainstream visibility for the transgender community.

Jodie Foster

This acclaimed actress and director acknowledged her sexuality publicly while accepting an award at the Golden Globes when she was 50 years old. She delivered a moving speech that thanked her former partner Cydney Bernard and addressed her need for privacy throughout her long career. Foster emphasized that she had been out to her friends and family for years before making a televised statement. Her approach highlighted the balance between public celebrity and private life.

Victor Garber

The versatile actor known for his roles in film and theater confirmed he is gay at the age of 63. He acknowledged his relationship with artist Rainer Andreesen during an interview when asked about details on his Wikipedia page. Garber noted that he had been with his partner for over a decade and assumed everyone already knew about his personal life. He prefers to keep his private affairs quiet but lives openly and happily.

Robin Roberts

The ‘Good Morning America’ anchor acknowledged her sexuality at age 53 through a Facebook post at the end of the year. She thanked her longtime partner Amber Laign while reflecting on her recovery from a serious illness. Roberts had been open with her colleagues and friends but chose to share her truth with the public on her own terms. Her announcement was praised for its understated elegance and gratitude.

Richard Chamberlain

This television heartthrob known for ‘The Thorn Birds’ came out as gay in his memoir at the age of 69. He wrote about the pain of hiding his true self to maintain his status as a leading man during a more conservative era in Hollywood. Chamberlain expressed regret for not being open sooner but found peace in finally telling the truth. He continues to act and speaks candidly about the pressures of the entertainment industry.

Cassandra Peterson

Famous for her character Elvira she revealed her relationship with a woman in her memoir when she was 70 years old. Peterson shared that she fell in love with her assistant Teresa Wierson after years of friendship. She worried that her horror fan base might reject her but felt it was necessary to be honest about her life partner. The revelation was received with enthusiasm and support from her loyal following.

Clive Davis

The music industry titan revealed he is bisexual in his autobiography at the age of 80. Davis wrote candidly about his relationships with men following the dissolution of his two marriages. He explained that he opened himself up to the possibility of love regardless of gender later in his life. His disclosure shed light on the fluidity of sexuality even for those in the public eye for decades.

Tim Cook

The CEO of Apple became the first chief executive of a Fortune 500 company to publicly come out as gay at age 53. He wrote an essay explaining that he valued his privacy but felt a responsibility to help others by being visible. Cook stated that he considers being gay among the greatest gifts God has given him. His leadership continues to inspire LGBTQ+ individuals in the business and technology sectors.

Kelly McGillis

The ‘Top Gun’ actress came out as a lesbian during an interview when she was 51 years old. She stated that her decision was part of a personal journey toward living an honest and sober life. McGillis mentioned that she was done with dating men and wanted to be true to her feelings. She now focuses on her family and personal well-being rather than Hollywood expectations.

Niecy Nash-Betts

This actress surprised fans by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts when she was 50 years old. Nash explained that she had never suppressed her sexuality but simply fell in love with a person rather than a gender. She previously had been married to men but found a new and profound connection with her wife. Her joyful wedding photos highlighted her happiness and refusal to be labeled by her past.

Phillip Schofield

The British television presenter made an emotional announcement about his sexuality on social media and TV at the age of 57. He expressed that he had been struggling with his identity for some time while being married to his wife. Schofield received immense support from his co-hosts and the public for his bravery in stepping forward. He credited his family for their love and understanding during his coming out process.

Wayne Brady

The comedian and host came out as pansexual at the age of 51. He shared his journey in an interview and expressed that he is capable of loving anyone regardless of their gender. Brady noted that he had done a lot of work on his mental health before feeling ready to share this part of himself. He hopes his openness will allow him to live more authentically moving forward.

Tab Hunter

The 1950s matinee idol confirmed the long-standing rumors about his sexuality in his autobiography at the age of 74. Hunter described the difficulties of living a double life in Hollywood while maintaining a clean-cut image for the studios. He wrote about his relationships with Anthony Perkins and his longtime partner Allan Glaser. His honesty provided a glimpse into the hidden history of gay actors in the studio system.

If you know of any other inspiring celebrities who shared their truth later in life, please share your thoughts in the comments.