Actors Who Came Out as Queer After Turning 50

Coming out is a deeply personal journey that happens at different stages for everyone in the entertainment industry. For many male actors the decision to share their authentic selves occurred later in life after decades of navigating the public eye. These performers have often cited a desire for personal peace and the shifting cultural landscape as primary reasons for their announcements. Their stories highlight the importance of visibility and the courage required to speak one’s truth regardless of age.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey is an acclaimed actor best known for his iconic role in the film ‘Cabaret’. He shared his truth with the world in 2015 at the age of eighty two. The performer noted that he had been open about his identity with close friends and family for quite some time. He felt that coming out publicly was a significant personal milestone that brought him a sense of freedom. His career has left an indelible mark on both Broadway and cinema across several generations.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a versatile actor who appeared in major projects like ‘Titanic’ and ‘Alias’. He confirmed his sexual orientation in 2013 when he was sixty three years old. The actor has maintained a long term relationship with his partner for many years prior to the public announcement. He preferred to keep his private life out of the spotlight but felt it was the right time to speak his truth. Garber remains a respected and beloved figure in the global entertainment community.

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow is a world renowned singer and actor famous for the television film ‘Copacabana’. He publicly came out as gay in 2017 at the age of seventy three. The performer explained that he had avoided the subject for years to protect his professional image and his fans. He expressed great relief at the positive reaction he received from his dedicated followers. Manilow has enjoyed a legendary career spanning several decades in music and theater.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain became a massive star through the series ‘Dr. Kildare’ and the miniseries ‘Shogun’. He chose to come out in his memoir published in 2003 when he was sixty nine years old. The actor previously feared that being open about his sexuality would damage his status as a leading man. He now advocates for living authentically regardless of public perception or industry standards. His announcement was seen as a major moment for older actors in the television industry.

George Takei

George Takei gained worldwide fame as Hikaru Sulu in the original ‘Star Trek’ series. He came out as gay in 2005 at the age of sixty eight. The actor decided to speak out after a legislative veto regarding same sex marriage in California. He has since become a prominent advocate for civil rights and social justice. Takei continues to engage with a massive global audience through his creative projects and digital presence.

Jim Nabors

Jim Nabors was a television icon who starred in ‘Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.’ and ‘The Andy Griffith Show’. He married his longtime partner in 2013 at the age of eighty two. This announcement served as his public coming out after many years in the limelight. The actor lived a private life in Hawaii while maintaining his status as a popular performer. His revelation was met with widespread warmth and support from his peers and fans.

Kevin Spacey

Kevin Spacey is an award winning actor known for films like ‘The Usual Suspects’ and the series ‘House of Cards’. He publicly addressed his sexuality for the first time in 2017 when he was fifty eight years old. The announcement came during a period of significant controversy surrounding his personal conduct in the industry. He stated that he chose to live his life as a gay man moving forward. The revelation prompted widespread discussion across the entertainment world.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a golden age Hollywood heartthrob who starred in the film ‘Damn Yankees’. He came out publicly in his 2005 autobiography at the age of seventy four. The actor spent his youth maintaining a traditional public image while hiding his true self from the public. He later produced a documentary about his life titled ‘Tab Hunter Confidential’. His story shed light on the immense pressures faced by closeted stars in mid century Hollywood.

Dick Sargent

Dick Sargent is best remembered for playing Darrin Stephens on the hit sitcom ‘Bewitched’. He came out as gay in 1991 at the age of sixty one. The actor timed his announcement to coincide with National Coming Out Day to maximize visibility. He spent the remainder of his life as an active advocate for the community and its rights. Sargent received significant praise for his bravery in speaking out during that era of television.

Kevin Conroy

Kevin Conroy was the voice of the Caped Crusader in ‘Batman: The Animated Series’ for many years. He publicly discussed his experiences as a gay man in a 2022 comic book story released when he was sixty six. The actor detailed the challenges he faced in the industry before finding success as a voice performer. His vulnerability touched fans who had grown up listening to his iconic work. Conroy is remembered as the definitive voice of his character for generations of viewers.

Wayne Brady

Wayne Brady is a multi talented actor and host known for the show ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’. He came out as pansexual in 2023 at the age of fifty one. The performer shared that he had spent significant time reflecting on his identity and mental health. He received overwhelming support from the public and his many entertainment colleagues. Brady continues to be a major force in television and theater today.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was a leading man in Hollywood classics like ‘Giant’ and ‘Pillow Talk’. His sexual orientation became public knowledge in 1985 when he was fifty nine years old. This revelation occurred alongside the news that he had contracted a serious illness. The announcement significantly changed public perceptions of health and the lives of closeted actors. Hudson remains a pivotal figure in the history of visibility in cinema.

Nigel Hawthorne

Nigel Hawthorne was a distinguished British actor known for his role in ‘The Madness of King George’. He was accidentally outed by a journalist in 1995 when he was sixty six years old. Following the incident he attended the Academy Awards with his longtime partner by his side. The actor eventually spoke openly about his life in his posthumous autobiography. He is remembered for his incredible range and stage presence.

Charles Nelson Reilly

Charles Nelson Reilly was a theater actor and comedian famous for his appearances on ‘The Match Game’. He spoke more openly about his sexual orientation in his later years through his one man show in 2002. At the age of seventy one he discussed his life and career with greater transparency. The performer was known for his eccentric personality and quick wit on television. He maintained a long and successful career in the performing arts.

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando is widely considered one of the greatest actors of all time for his work in ‘The Godfather’. He mentioned his experiences with both men and women during an interview in 1976 at the age of fifty two. The actor stated that he was not ashamed of his past and viewed his sexuality as a normal part of life. This candid admission was relatively rare for a star of his stature at the time. Brando continued to challenge social norms throughout his legendary life.

Brian Boitano

Brian Boitano is an Olympic gold medalist who transitioned into acting and television hosting. He came out as gay in 2013 at the age of fifty. The announcement occurred just before he served as a delegate for the United States at a major international event. He noted that being a role model was an important part of his decision to speak out. Boitano has since appeared in various specials and programs as a public figure.

Arthur Laurents

Arthur Laurents was a playwright and screenwriter who occasionally performed and directed. He came out publicly in his 2000 memoir at the age of eighty three. The creator discussed his relationships and the challenges of being gay in Hollywood during the blacklist era. He was instrumental in the creation of ‘West Side Story’ and ‘Gypsy’. Laurents remained an influential voice in the theater world until his passing.

George Maharis

George Maharis rose to fame starring in the television series ‘Route 66’. He lived a very private life for decades before confirming his sexual orientation in his later years. At the age of eighty two he discussed the impact of his identity on his career during various interviews. The actor was a major teen idol during the 1960s. He left a lasting legacy through his work on television and in the music industry.

Thom Christopher

Thom Christopher is an actor best known for his role as Hawk on ‘Buck Rogers in the 25th Century’. He also gained popularity for his work on the daytime soap opera ‘One Life to Live’. The performer has been open about his sexual orientation in the latter part of his career. He discussed his identity and long term partnership in interviews after turning fifty. Christopher remains active in the theater community and television.

Mark Patton

Mark Patton is an actor who starred in ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge’. He stepped away from the industry for many years before returning to discuss his life as a gay man. At the age of fifty five he appeared in the documentary ‘Scream, Queen! My Nightmare on Elm Street’. The film explores his experiences with the themes of his most famous role. Patton is now a celebrated figure in the horror community for his honesty.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero was a versatile actor famous for playing the Joker in the ‘Batman’ television series. He was known to be a lifelong bachelor while maintaining a busy career in film and television. In his later years he confirmed his sexual orientation in interviews with theater biographers. The actor lived to the age of eighty six and remained active in Hollywood social circles. He is remembered for his suave persona and distinctive voice.

James Coco

James Coco was a talented character actor who received an Academy Award nomination for ‘Only When I Laugh’. He was known within the industry as a gay man but spoke more openly about his life in his final years. The actor achieved great success on both the stage and the screen during his prolific career. He passed away at the age of fifty six leaving behind a legacy of comedic and dramatic performances. Coco is remembered for his unique screen presence and timing.

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness was a legendary actor famous for his role in ‘Star Wars’. His sexual orientation was documented through his personal journals and biographies released in his later life. The actor lived to the age of eighty six and was known for his incredible versatility on the screen. While he remained private during much of his life his truth became a part of his public legacy. Guinness is celebrated as one of the finest performers of the twentieth century.

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