The journey to self-discovery and identity is a deeply personal one. It’s like a marathon, not a sprint. For some of our favorite household names, it’s a marathon that continues into the golden years.
Age is just a number when embracing your truth, after all. Here are 14 LGBTQ+ celebrities who proved it’s never too late to come out and proudly own who you are.
Kevin Spacey
After decades of success in Hollywood, including two Academy Awards and a Golden Globe, Kevin Spacey came out as gay in 2017 at the age of 58.
He tweeted, “I have had relationships with both men and women. I have loved and had romantic encounters with men throughout my life, and I choose now to live as a gay man.
George Takei
Renowned for portraying Hikaru Sulu in the Star Trek series, George Takei made a public declaration at 68 in 2005. In an interview with California’s Frontiers magazine, he courageously revealed he is gay.
He shared that he had been in a committed 18-year relationship with his partner, Brad Altman. Since then, Takei has emerged as a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, utilizing his influential platform to foster awareness and champion equality.
Jim Nabors
Jim Nabors, beloved for his portrayal of Gomer Pyle in The Andy Griffith Show and later in his spin-off series, came out at 82.
He married his partner of 40 years, Stan Cadwallader, in 2013 after same-s!x marriage became legal in Washington State.
Richard Chamberlain
After years of speculation about his sexu@l!ty, actor Richard Chamberlain publicly came out at the age of 64 in 2003. He came out in his “Shattered Love” memoir.
Sally Ride
Sally Ride made history as the first American woman in space. She died at the age of 61. Although she never publicly came out during her lifetime, her obituary revealed that she had been with her partner, Tam O’Shaughnessy, for over 25 years.
Pat Patterson
Wrestling legend Pat Patterson came out as gay at the age of 73 in 2014. Patterson bravely revealed his true self as gay during an emotional episode of WWE Legends’ House.
He had kept his sexu@l orientation a secret for most of his career but finally decided to share his truth with the world.
Suze Orman
Financial guru Suze Orman publicly came out in 2007 at the age of 56 after keeping her sexu@l orientation private for most of her life. She has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a vocal supporter of same-s!x marriage.
David Ogden Stiers
David Ogden Stiers, known for his role as Major Winchester in the TV series MAS*H, came out at 66 in 2009. In an interview with an Oklahoma City blog, he said, “I am gay. Very proud to be so.”
Clive Davis
Music producer and executive Clive Davis came out as bisexu@l at the age of 80 in his 2013 autobiography, “The Soundtrack of My Life.” He opened up about his relationships with men and women throughout his life.
Kelly McGillis
Actress Kelly McGillis, best known for her roles in Top Gun and Witness, came out as a lesbian at the age of 51 in 2009 during an interview with SheWired.
Joel Grey
After years of speculation, Broadway icon Joel Grey publicly came out as gay in 2015 at the age of 82. He waited eight decades to come out. “I don’t like labels,” Grey said, “but if you have to put a label on it, I’m a gay man.”
Oliver Sacks
Famed neurologist and author Oliver Sacks publicly came out in 2015 at the age of 82 in his memoir, “On the Move: A Life.” He shared that he had been in a long-term relationship with another man.
Neal Baer
TV producer Neal Baer, known for his work on hit shows like ER and Law & Order: SVU, came out as gay in 2014 when he was in his 50s. He has since become an advocate for LGBTQ+ representation in the media.
Jim Ferlo
Jim Ferlo, a former state senator from Pennsylvania, came out as gay at the age of 63 in 2014. He became the first openly gay member of the Pennsylvania State Senate. He publicly disclosed his sexu@l!ty during a press conference on LGBT hate crimes. He said, “I’m gay. Get over it.”
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