In an ideal world, sexual orientation would be a non-issue. Still, we understand that public figures coming out can profoundly affect societal acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. Here are 15 celebrated individuals who, for their reasons, chose not to declare their homosexuality during their lifetime.
Their impact on the world is indisputable, and while they may not have openly identified as gay, their legacy continues to inspire and influence today.
Cary Grant
Despite having been married five times to different women, Cary Grant was often speculated to be gay Randolph Scott, whom he lived with intermittently for over a decade. There were also rumors of his involvement with male floozies.
Freddie Mercury
Although Freddie Mercury kept his sexuality private, those close to him knew he identified as gay. His intimate circle, including friends and family, had insight into this aspect of his life.
Rock Hudson
Rock Hudson never publicly disclosed his sexual orientation, but it was an open secret among his close circle in Hollywood.
Robert Reed
Despite those close to him being aware of his sexual orientation, Robert Reed kept his sexuality hidden from the public eye. Barry Williams, his fellow cast member, stated, “Robert chose not to address this aspect of his life. It was not a topic of conversation for him – end of story.”
Anthony Perkins
Anthony Perkins never openly addressed his sexuality, maintaining an intensely private persona and fearing potential alienation in the realm of Hollywood.
Liberace
Although known for his flamboyant stage presence, Liberace never publicly acknowledged his sexual orientation as gay. He pursued legal action against a publication for defamation when they falsely claimed he was gay. Betty White, a close friend of Liberace, mentioned that the musician was gay.
Montgomery Clift
Montgomery Clift, the celebrated actor, battled alcoholism and concealed his homosexuality due to societal expectations. This struggle took an enormous toll on him psychologically. Elizabeth Taylor, his close confidante, described him as “one of the most tormented individuals she had ever encountered.”
William Haines
William Haines was a famous stage and silent film actor who was open about homosexuality in the 1920s. He refused to hide his sexual orientation despite pressure from studio executives, knowing that it would mean the end of his career.
Roddy McDowall
Roddy McDowall was a child star in the 1930s who never publicly came out as gay, but it was well-known within Hollywood circles. He lived with his longtime partner, former publicist Robert Benjamin until McDowall died in 1998.
Paul Lynde
Paul Lynde was a famous comedian and game show regular in the 1950s and ’60s who kept his sexuality private. He eventually came out as gay, but only after he had been typecast into “Uncle Arthur” roles in which his homosexuality was used for comedic effect.
John Travolta
John Travolta was publicly outed as gay by a former lover in 1997, though he has never confirmed this. However, he is widely accepted to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community and has become an advocate for the rights of LGBTQ+ people in recent years.
Laurence Olivier
Laurence Olivier was a celebrated British actor, producer, and director known for his Shakespearian roles in the 1930s. He acted alongside Vivien Leigh in multiple films but also had a long-distance relationship with writer/teacher Danny Kaye, whom he had met in the Royal Navy.
Raymond Burr
Raymond Burr made up stories about a fake marriage to a woman who died and had a child who failed to cover up the fact that he was gay.
Randolph Scott
Randolph Scott had a close relationship with fellow actor Cary Grant and even shared a home with him for ten years. In his later years, he married Helen Chadwick, 17 years his junior, but it is widely believed that the marriage was based more on friendship than anything else.
Dirk Bogarde
Dirk Bogarde had a long-term relationship with his manager, Anthony Forwood, who was also his life partner. The couple never married but were close until Forwood died in 1991.
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