Gay Celebs Who Are Married To People Of The Opposite Sex

The entertainment industry has seen many public figures navigate the complexities of their personal identities while in the public eye. Some celebrities have spent significant portions of their lives in marriages with members of the opposite sex before or after coming out. These relationships often highlight the evolving nature of social standards and the personal journeys of individuals within the LGBTQ community. Many of these stars continue to maintain strong connections with their former spouses and families as they live their authentic lives. Understanding these historical and contemporary examples provides a broader perspective on the diversity of human experiences in Hollywood.

Alan Cumming

The Scottish actor was married to actress Hilary Lyon for eight years during the late eighties and early nineties. He later identified as bisexual and then as a gay man. Cumming has often spoken about the pressures he felt to conform early in his career. He eventually found happiness with graphic artist Grant Shaffer whom he married in a civil ceremony.

Wanda Sykes

Comedian Wanda Sykes was once married to music producer Dave Hall in a relationship that lasted from 1991 to 1998. She came out as a lesbian in 2008 during a rally against Proposition 8 in California. Sykes revealed that her previous marriage was a part of her journey toward understanding her true self. She is now married to Alex Niedbalski and they have two children together.

Portia de Rossi

Before her high profile marriage to Ellen DeGeneres the actress was married to documentary filmmaker Mel Metcalfe. They were wed from 1996 to 1999 while she was starring on the show ‘Ally McBeal’. De Rossi later admitted that she entered the marriage partly to stay in the United States on a green card. She eventually came out and has been a prominent advocate for the LGBTQ community ever since.

Barry Manilow

The legendary singer was briefly married to his high school sweetheart Susan Deixler in 1964. He stated that he was deeply in love with her but was not ready to settle down at that young age. Manilow kept his private life out of the spotlight for decades until he officially came out in 2017. He had been in a committed relationship with his manager Garry Kief for nearly forty years before their marriage.

Elton John

In 1984 the global pop icon married sound engineer Renate Blauel in a traditional ceremony in Australia. The marriage lasted four years and occurred during a period when the singer was struggling with his public identity. John later expressed deep regret for the pain the situation caused Blauel as he came to terms with being gay. He eventually married David Furnish and they have become icons of queer representation in music.

Rock Hudson

One of the most famous leading men in Hollywood history was married to Phyllis Gates for three years in the fifties. Gates was the secretary of his agent and many believed the union was arranged to hide his sexuality. Hudson remained a closeted gay man for most of his life to protect his successful acting career. His health struggles later in life brought significant attention to the AIDS epidemic and the challenges faced by gay actors.

Anthony Perkins

The star of the classic thriller ‘Psycho’ was married to photographer Berry Berenson for nearly two decades. They had two sons and remained together until his death from complications related to AIDS. Perkins was known to have had numerous relationships with men before and during his career in film. He reportedly sought therapy to help him manage his attraction to the same sex while maintaining his family life.

Little Richard

The pioneer of rock and roll was married to Ernestine Campbell for several years starting in 1959. Throughout his life he oscillated between identifying as gay and renouncing his sexuality due to his religious beliefs. He was famous for his flamboyant style and high energy performances that broke traditional gender norms. Richard often spoke about the conflict between his personal identity and his deep spiritual convictions.

Clive Davis

The influential music executive was married twice to women and had four children across those relationships. In his autobiography he revealed that he had been in several committed relationships with men later in life. Davis described his sexuality as a journey of discovery that did not diminish the love he had for his former wives. He remains a powerful figure in the entertainment industry and a rare example of a public figure coming out late in life.

Joel Grey

The award winning star of ‘Cabaret’ was married to actress Jo Wilder for twenty four years. They had two children including actress Jennifer Grey who rose to fame in ‘Dirty Dancing’. Grey came out as a gay man at the age of eighty two during an interview with a major magazine. He explained that his family and friends had known the truth for a long time before he decided to share it with the public.

Meredith Baxter

The actress known for her role in ‘Family Ties’ was married to three different men over several decades. She had five children and was a beloved figure in American television throughout the seventies and eighties. Baxter came out as a lesbian in 2009 and later married her partner Nancy Locke. She has been open about her experiences with domestic abuse and her path to self acceptance in her memoir.

Kelly McGillis

The ‘Top Gun’ star was married to Boyd Black and later to Fred Tillman with whom she had two daughters. She was a major sex symbol in the eighties appearing in blockbusters and critically acclaimed dramas. McGillis publicly came out as a lesbian in 2009 during an interview with a digital media outlet. She eventually entered into a civil union with Melanie Leis after years of exploring her identity.

Anna Paquin

The ‘True Blood’ actress has been married to her co star Stephen Moyer since 2010. She identifies as bisexual and has been a vocal supporter of queer rights throughout her career. Paquin has frequently addressed misconceptions about bisexual individuals being in heterosexual marriages. She maintains that her marriage to a man does not change her sexual orientation or her commitment to the community.

Aubrey Plaza

The star of ‘Parks and Recreation’ married screenwriter Jeff Baena in 2021 after a long term relationship. She publicly shared that she falls in love with girls and guys which solidified her identity as queer. Plaza is known for her deadpan humor and unique roles in both independent films and television. Her marriage is a prominent example of a bisexual woman in a committed relationship with an opposite sex partner.

Oscar Wilde

The legendary playwright and poet was married to Constance Lloyd and the couple had two sons together. While Wilde was a family man he also engaged in high profile romantic relationships with several men. His relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas eventually led to his arrest and imprisonment for gross indecency. Wilde remains one of the most famous historical figures associated with the struggle for gay visibility and rights.

Cole Porter

The celebrated composer and songwriter was married to socialite Linda Lee Thomas for over thirty years. Their marriage was widely known to be a platonic arrangement that provided social stability for both parties. Porter had numerous relationships with men throughout his life which he kept separate from his public marriage. Despite the nature of their union Porter and his wife were deeply devoted to each other until her death.

Cary Grant

The silver screen icon was married five times to women including prominent actresses like Dyan Cannon and Betsy Drake. While Grant never officially came out rumors about his relationships with men persisted throughout his Hollywood career. He was particularly close with actor Randolph Scott with whom he shared a home for many years. His suave persona made him one of the most successful and enduring leading men in cinema history.

Danny Kaye

The multi talented performer was married to songwriter Sylvia Fine from 1940 until his passing. Fine wrote many of his most famous songs and was an integral part of his professional success. Behind the scenes Kaye was often linked to male colleagues including a long rumored relationship with Laurence Olivier. He was a major star of stage and screen known for his physical comedy and musical range.

Laurence Olivier

One of the greatest actors of the twentieth century was married to actresses Jill Esmond and Vivien Leigh before marrying Joan Plowright. Biographies published after his death detailed several intense romantic relationships he had with men during his life. Olivier was a giant of the British theater and a highly respected film star who won multiple awards. He balanced a complex personal life with a career that spanned over sixty years.

Robert Reed

The actor who played the iconic father on ‘The Brady Bunch’ was married to Karen Rinehart for five years. He was a closeted gay man who feared that coming out would destroy his career in television. Reed was highly respected by his co stars for his professionalism and his commitment to the quality of the show. He kept his private life strictly separate from his public image as a quintessential American patriarch.

Charles Laughton

The acclaimed actor and director was married to actress Elsa Lanchester for over thirty years until his death. Lanchester revealed in her autobiography that Laughton told her early in their marriage that he was gay. They remained together in a supportive partnership that allowed them both to pursue their artistic passions. Laughton won an Academy Award for his role in ‘The Private Life of Henry VIII’ and remains a legendary figure.

Agnes Moorehead

The star of ‘Bewitched’ was married twice to men but was long rumored within Hollywood circles to be a lesbian. She was incredibly private about her personal life and never confirmed the rumors during her long career. Moorehead was a highly versatile actress who excelled in radio and film before finding television stardom. Her professional legacy is defined by her powerful performances and her distinct screen presence.

Tallulah Bankhead

The bold and outspoken actress was married to John Emery for four years during the height of her fame. She was famous for her wit and her open discussion of her attraction to both men and women. Bankhead was a trailblazer who refused to conform to the social standards of the era in which she lived. She remains a cult icon known for her husky voice and her unapologetic lifestyle.

Marlene Dietrich

The international film star was married to Rudolf Sieber for decades even though they lived separate lives for much of that time. She was openly bisexual and had relationships with many famous men and women throughout her career. Dietrich was a fashion icon who often challenged gender norms by wearing men’s clothing on screen. Her career spanned from the silent era in Germany to major Hollywood productions.

Niecy Nash-Betts

The comedian and actress was married to Donielle Tucker and later to Jay Tucker before coming out. In 2020 she surprised fans by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. Nash explained that she had never been in a relationship with a woman before meeting her current spouse. She has since become a vocal advocate for living authentically regardless of one’s past relationship history.

Billie Joe Armstrong

The lead singer of Green Day has been married to Adrienne Nesser since 1994 and they have two sons. He has been open about his bisexuality since the nineties and has often discussed it in interviews. Armstrong has used his platform to support queer causes and challenge heteronormative standards in rock music. His long term marriage is frequently cited as an example of bisexual stability and visibility.

David Bowie

The visionary musician was married to Angie Bowie and later to the legendary supermodel Iman. He famously came out as bisexual in the early seventies which was a revolutionary move at the time. Bowie constantly reinvented his persona and pushed the boundaries of gender and sexuality in popular culture. He remained a supportive ally and a queer icon until his death in 2016.

Maria Bello

The actress was in a long term relationship with Dan McDermott with whom she shares a son. In 2013 she wrote a powerful essay for a major newspaper detailing her transition into a relationship with a woman. Bello described her journey as an evolution of her understanding of modern love and partnership. She has since been an advocate for more fluid definitions of identity and family.

Amber Heard

The actress was married to Johnny Depp and has had high profile relationships with several other men. She has identified as bisexual for many years and was in a long term relationship with photographer Tasya van Ree. Heard has spoken about the challenges of being out in Hollywood and the pressure to choose a label. She continues to work in major film franchises while being open about her personal life.

Evan Rachel Wood

The ‘Westworld’ star was married to actor Jamie Bell and they have a son together. She came out as bisexual in 2011 and has been a passionate activist for the community ever since. Wood has used her personal experiences to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by bisexual individuals. She remains a prominent figure in the industry known for her complex roles and her social advocacy.

Margaret Cho

The comedian was married to Al Ridenour for over a decade and has been open about their unconventional relationship. She identifies as bisexual and frequently incorporates themes of queer identity into her stand up comedy. Cho has been a tireless advocate for Asian American visibility and LGBTQ rights throughout her career. Her work often challenges societal norms regarding race and gender and sexuality.

Ani DiFranco

The independent folk musician was married to sound engineer Andrew Gilchrist for several years. She has long identified as bisexual and has written many songs about her relationships with both men and women. DiFranco is known for her feminist lyrics and her commitment to social justice issues. She has successfully navigated the music industry on her own terms while remaining true to her identity.

Miley Cyrus

The pop star was married to actor Liam Hemsworth after a decade of on and off dating. She identifies as pansexual and has often spoken about her fluid attraction to people regardless of their gender. Cyrus has been a major supporter of queer youth through her charitable foundations and public advocacy. Her marriage and subsequent relationships have been closely followed by fans and the media alike.

Sia

The singer and songwriter was married to filmmaker Erik Anders Lang for two years before their separation. She has identified as queer and has spoken about her attraction to people of various genders. Sia is known for her powerful vocals and her use of wigs to protect her privacy during performances. She continues to be a major force in the pop music world while maintaining an enigmatic public persona.

Megan Fox

The actress was married to Brian Austin Green for ten years and they have three children together. She has been open about her bisexuality since 2008 and has frequently mentioned it in interviews. Fox has described her sexuality as a natural part of who she is rather than a choice. She remains a high profile figure in Hollywood who is known for both her blockbuster films and her personal style.

Drew Barrymore

The actress and talk show host has been married three times to men including actor Tom Green and Will Kopelman. She publicly came out as bisexual in the early 2000s and has discussed her past relationships with women. Barrymore has been in the public eye since she was a child and has navigated her career with transparency. She is a beloved figure who has successfully transitioned from film star to media mogul.

Vanessa Carlton

The singer of the hit song ‘A Thousand Miles’ has been married to musician John McCauley since 2013. She publicly came out as a bisexual woman during a performance at a pride event in 2010. Carlton has continued to release music that explores personal themes and has built a dedicated fan base. Her marriage is another example of a queer artist finding happiness with an opposite sex partner.

Jason Mraz

The Grammy winning musician was married to Christina Carano for several years before their divorce. He came out as a member of the LGBTQ community in 2018 and has used his music to promote love and acceptance. Mraz has spoken about the importance of being honest about his identity even after being in a heterosexual marriage. He remains a popular artist known for his positive message and soulful acoustic sound.

Alice Walker

The Pulitzer Prize winning author of ‘The Color Purple’ was married to Melvyn Leventhal for nine years. She has been open about her relationships with women and her identity as a queer woman of color. Walker is a legendary figure in literature whose work explores the intersections of race and gender and sexuality. Her personal life has been as pioneering as her writing which has influenced generations of readers.

Lorraine Hansberry

The playwright of ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ was married to Robert Nemiroff while privately identifying as a lesbian. She was active in early gay rights organizations and wrote letters to various publications under a pseudonym. Hansberry was a significant figure in the civil rights movement and used her art to address social injustice. Her secret life was only fully revealed to the public years after her untimely death.

Richard Pryor

The ground breaking comedian was married seven times to five different women throughout his life. After his death his widow confirmed that he had experienced romantic relationships with men including actor Marlon Brando. Pryor was known for his raw and honest approach to comedy which often dealt with personal struggles and social issues. He is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of stand up comedy.

Marlon Brando

The legendary actor was married three times to women and had many children during his long career. In various interviews he admitted to having had sexual experiences with men and expressed a lack of shame about it. Brando was a pioneer of method acting and remains one of the most respected figures in cinema. His personal life was as complex and ground breaking as the roles he played on the silver screen.

Billie Jean King

The legendary tennis star was married to Larry King for over twenty years starting in 1965. She became a public figure for her advocacy of gender equality in sports and her legendary match against Bobby Riggs. King was outed during a lawsuit in 1981 while she was still married to her husband. She has since been a tireless campaigner for LGBTQ rights and remains a highly influential icon in the sports world.

Alec Guinness

The legendary actor famous for ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ was married to Merula Salaman for decades. While he was a devoted husband biographers have revealed that Guinness struggled with his attraction to men for much of his life. He was a very private individual who practiced a traditional lifestyle while navigating his internal identity. Guinness remains one of the most decorated and respected actors of his generation.

W. Somerset Maugham

The prolific British novelist and playwright was married to Syrie Wellcome for over a decade. They had a daughter together while Maugham maintained a long term relationship with his partner Gerald Haxton. He was one of the most popular writers of his time and his work often subtly addressed themes of identity and secrets. Maugham lived a cosmopolitan life that was marked by both professional success and personal complexity.

Virginia Woolf

The modernist author was married to Leonard Woolf for nearly thirty years until her death. She was a member of the Bloomsbury Group which was known for its unconventional views on marriage and sexuality. Woolf had a famous and intense romantic relationship with fellow writer Vita Sackville West. Her marriage provided her with stability and support while she explored her identity through her pioneering literature.

Frida Kahlo

The celebrated Mexican artist was famously married to muralist Diego Rivera in a relationship marked by passion and conflict. She was openly bisexual and had numerous affairs with both men and women during her marriage. Kahlo used her art to explore her physical pain and her complex identity as a woman in the early twentieth century. She remains a global icon of art and a symbol of queer and feminist strength.

Josephine Baker

The world famous dancer and activist was married to four different men during her lifetime. She was also known to have had romantic relationships with women including several prominent figures in the Parisian art scene. Baker was a pioneer who broke racial barriers in entertainment and served as a spy during the second world war. Her life was defined by her refusal to be defined by traditional social or sexual boundaries.

Angelina Jolie

The Academy Award winning actress has been married to Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton and Brad Pitt. She has identified as bisexual for many years and has been open about her past relationships with women. Jolie is known for her extensive film career as well as her humanitarian work with the United Nations. Her high profile marriages have often been the subject of global media attention while she continues to advocate for diverse human rights.

Please share your thoughts on these complex celebrity relationships in the comments.