Sean Hayes Comes Out in The Advocate

By Sarah Crow Posted Mar 8th 2010 04:42PM

After years of speculation about his personal life, 'Will and Grace' actor Sean Hayes has finally acknowledged, albeit circuitously, that he's gay in an interview with The Advocate.

Hayes, who became a household name in the late 90s for his role as Jack McFarland on the NBC comedy, has been notoriously mum about his sexual orientation until now.

In the interview, which appears in April's issue of The Advocate, the actor says, "I never have had a problem saying who I am... I am who I am. I was never in, as they say. Never."

Hayes is a member of an ever-growing list of celebrities who have come out in the media after hitting the big-time.

*NSYNC heartthrob Lance Bass famously appeared on the cover of PEOPLE magazine alongside the words "I'm Gay" in July of 2006 after rumors of an alleged relationship with 'Amazing Race' winner Reichen Lemkuhl hit the blogosphere.

Actor Neil Patrick Harris, who first became famous for his eponymous role on 'Doogie Howser, M.D. and more recently for his role as Barney Stinson on 'How I Met Your Mother,' opened up to the same magazine just months later in November 2006. In his interview, Harris told PEOPLE, "I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest."

As for why Hayes took so long in making his sexual orientation public, he says, "Nobody owes anything to anybody. You are your authentic self to whom and when you choose to be, and if you don't know somebody, then why would you explain to them how you live your life?"

He adds, "I feel like I've contributed monumentally to the success of the gay movement in America, and if anyone wants to argue that, I'm open to it. You're welcome."

Tags: gay, neil patrick harris, sean hayes, will and grace

Comments

(297)

Tuesday 09 March

By tammy

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stfu.......................you and ur religion ..........stffffffffu

By csi8299

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Just thought I'd offer you some support Sandy. Remember that if the world loves you then you are a part of the world and that the world hated Jesus.

By bgs

Now if we can get away from Bible bashing and gay bashing, I am not surprised Sean is gay. Not only did he play the part TOO well on Will and Grace (and he did a great job of making us all laugh), when he was asked years ago about his sexual preference and he said he would not tell, that was as good as telling. I have never known a straight man who would not tell that he was straight but I have known gay guys who said they wouldn't tell. When they don't tell, it usually means they are. I am not bashing, I am just saying, this is not a surprise.

By Nick Mayor

And you spoke with God when? Jesus clearly hated bigots and so I think you are going on the express train to hell.

By Christian

actually Glen Beattie, GOD did say that homesexualtiy is a sin. GOD doesnt like homosexuality, ha also said that men shal be with women and nothing else. There shall be no man and man or women and women. Dont believe me, read the Bible

By Patrick

And Glen..you were there when Levitius said that huh?

By jchouforme

Um, God never said that.

I might not be super religious, but I do know that much.

I believe that God loves everyone equally. and everyone has a chance at eternal life, just by believing.

By AWC

This is the last straw. Normally, I don't care what other people think...let 'em have their say. Not anymore...Sandy, you are a dirty, crotch-rotted skank. Go STRAIGHT to hell! God doesn't like you and neither do I!!! People like you that are so quick to judge will pay for it in the long run!

By Dave

yo Sandy......how bout you worry about Sandy....btw, what does that bible say about casting stones? also may God bless any children you may have. it would be hell growing up with an attitude like yours.

Wednesday 10 March

By Randy

I understand that homosexuality is an abomination. (Lev 18:22)But I don't understand some of the other scriptures. Sandy, maybe you can explain them to me.
1. I'm deep in debt so I want to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this age and time, what do you think is a fair price??
2. A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than being gay. I don't agree. Can you settle this??
3. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodua 35:2 clearly states he must be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself??
4. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden (Lev 19:27). How should they die?? Am I morally obligated to kill them??
Thank you for any help you can give me. I know that God's word is eternal and unchanging, but it is so hard to determine how to follow some of what is written in the Bible.

Thursday 11 March

By deb

Homosexuality is an abomination unto the lord.

So is:

Shellfish
Shaving
Adultery
Divorce
Working on the Sabbath
Touching the skin of a dead pig (there goes football!)
Polyester

Quote one, quote them all. Idiot.

Friday 12 March

By Red

Okay god Sandy, if you say so then it must be true.

NOT!

Monday 08 March

By Kezia

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I'm glad that he is living a happy life proud of the person he is. Everyone deserves to be happy. Legalize Gay!!

By Mike

It's not illegal to be gay, moron.

By mitchw1973

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Thank you Glen!

By DebraLee51

I could care less whether someone is gay or straight. If you are an entertainer, just be funny, or talented or sing with the best of them. Sean Hayes has always been all of the aforementioned.

By RBJonas

Sean was always the best part of the Will and Grace show. I never even questioned the fact that he was gay, and I certainly never cared!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Maria

Wow....what a surprise! I had no idea!

By Bill

Geez- surprised the heck out of me also!!!

By Mildred Rodriguez

WHY?
I almost fell on my butt, when I hearf that That big hunk ROCK HUDSON was gay. He is gone, I still cared for him.

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