Gay Actors Who Dated Women To Hide Their Sexuality

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For many years, Hollywood and the entertainment industry kept the private lives of its male stars very hidden. Actors often felt they had to appear straight to protect their careers and stay popular. This frequently meant having public relationships or marriages with women to meet what fans and studio executives expected. Looking back at the lives of these performers reveals the pressures they faced to conform to certain standards behind the scenes.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was a hugely popular actor in Hollywood during the mid-1900s, known for films like ‘Pillow Talk’ and ‘Magnificent Obsession’ and for portraying a classic, masculine image. He married Phyllis Gates in 1955, though they divorced after a few years, in an effort to maintain his public image. Sadly, Hudson was one of the first famous people to die from complications related to AIDS in 1985. His diagnosis, and the revelation of his private life, brought much-needed global attention to the AIDS epidemic.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant was the classic, charming Hollywood leading man, known for films like ‘North by Northwest’ and ‘To Catch a Thief’. He was married five times, to women including the famous socialite Barbara Hutton and actress Betsy Drake. For many years, there were whispers about his sexuality and a close bond with actor Randolph Scott, but Grant never publicly discussed these rumors. He carefully maintained a public image as a romantic hero throughout his life. Even today, he remains a mysterious and fascinating figure from cinema’s golden age.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins is most famous for his unforgettable and unsettling role as Norman Bates in the 1960 thriller, ‘Psycho’. In the early stages of his career, studio publicity often paired him with young actresses to build his image as a romantic leading man. He later married photographer Berry Berenson in 1973, and they had two children. Throughout his life, Perkins privately grappled with his identity while presenting a public image of a devoted family man. He sadly died in 1992 from complications related to AIDS.

Tab Hunter

Tab Hunter was a popular movie star and teen idol in the 1950s, known for films like ‘Battle Cry’ and ‘The Girl He Left Behind.’ Though often photographed with actresses such as Natalie Wood and Debbie Reynolds, many of these dates were set up by his agents to conceal his personal life. Later, Hunter wrote about the immense pressure he faced hiding his true identity while being presented as the perfect all-American guy. After stepping away from Hollywood, he lived a peaceful life with his partner.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin achieved international fame with his song ‘Livin’ la Vida Loca’ and a role on ‘General Hospital’. He was in a long-term, highly publicized relationship with Mexican TV host Rebecca de Alba, which helped him maintain a public image as a heterosexual icon in both English and Spanish-speaking communities. In 2010, Martin publicly came out as gay, explaining he had previously worried that revealing his true self would harm his career.

Lance Bass

Lance Bass became famous as part of the boy band NSYNC, and later developed passions for space exploration and acting. While NSYNC was popular, he dated actress Danielle Fishel (from ‘Boy Meets World’) for about a year. Bass has spoken about feeling pressured to keep his sexuality private to protect his band’s image and appeal to their young fans. He publicly came out in 2006 with a magazine cover story and has since worked as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the entertainment industry.

Richard Chamberlain

Richard Chamberlain achieved widespread fame playing Dr. Kildare and starring in the popular miniseries ‘The Thorn Birds’. He became known as a miniseries star and often played romantic roles alongside well-known actresses. Throughout most of his career, he kept his personal life private, fearing it would harm his image as a leading man. In his 2003 autobiography, Chamberlain publicly shared that he is gay, explaining he had been afraid of being outed earlier in his career due to the prevailing attitudes in the entertainment industry. He chose to wait until later in life to reveal his truth.

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr became incredibly famous for his roles in the popular TV shows ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘Ironside’. To carefully control his public image, he created a false backstory, claiming he had a deceased wife and a son who died of leukemia. The media believed this story for many years. In reality, Burr lived a private life with his partner, Robert Benevides, whom he met while filming ‘Perry Mason’. The truth about his fabricated past wasn’t revealed until after his death in 1993.

Robert Reed

Robert Reed, a skilled actor with formal training, became famous for his role as Mike Brady on ‘The Brady Bunch’. He was married to Karen Steele for a time and they had a daughter, which helped solidify his image as a family man on television. While he found the show’s scripts straightforward, Reed was committed to his role and enjoyed working with his fellow actors. Years later, his castmates shared that they knew he was gay but respected his privacy and helped him keep it hidden. Reed died in 1992, and details about his health weren’t revealed until after his passing.

Dick Sargent

Dick Sargent is best known for taking over the role of Darrin Stephens on the hit TV show ‘Bewitched’. During his successful television career, he kept his personal life private, wanting to maintain his status as a leading actor. He carefully created a traditional public image that matched the family-friendly nature of shows he appeared in during the 1960s and 70s. In 1991, Sargent publicly came out as gay and dedicated the rest of his life to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, often sharing his experiences within the entertainment industry.

Paul Lynde

Paul Lynde was a popular comedic actor best known for his frequent appearances on the game show ‘The Hollywood Squares’ in the 1970s. Despite his playfully suggestive and often flamboyant humor, his publicists worked to maintain a traditional public image by arranging appearances with women. This was an attempt to dispel any speculation about his private life and appeal to a wider audience. Though Lynde never publicly acknowledged his sexuality, many fans understood his on-screen persona to be a reflection of his true self. He continued to be a familiar face on television until his death in 1982.

Charles Laughton

Charles Laughton was a celebrated English actor, famous for his performances in films like ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ and ‘Witness for the Prosecution’. He and actress Elsa Lanchester were married for more than thirty years and often worked together. Their relationship was unconventional, allowing Laughton to uphold a proper public persona during a time of strict social norms. Lanchester later discussed the difficulties they faced due to those norms. Today, Laughton remains highly regarded as one of cinema’s finest character actors.

Tyrone Power

I’ve always been captivated by Tyrone Power! He was just the dashing hero of the ’30s and ’40s, especially when he played Zorro. It’s fascinating to learn about his personal life, too – he was married three times, to women like the beautiful Annabella and Linda Christian. But beyond what the public knew, he apparently had other relationships the studio kept quiet – they really worked to maintain that perfect romantic image. It’s so sad he died so young, right in the middle of filming. He truly embodies the glamour of old Hollywood, and I think he’ll always be remembered as one of the greats.

Cesar Romero

Cesar Romero was a talented actor best known for playing the Joker in the 1960s ‘Batman’ TV show, and he also appeared in numerous musical films. Though often called a lifelong bachelor by the press, he was frequently seen with famous actresses at premieres. This helped him maintain a reputation as a stylish and charismatic figure without ever revealing his romantic life. Romero continued working consistently in Hollywood for decades and never publicly discussed his sexuality before his death in 1994.

Danny Kaye

Danny Kaye was a remarkably talented performer known for his work in movies like ‘White Christmas’ and ‘The Court Jester’, where he showcased his skills as an actor, singer, and dancer. He shared a long and successful marriage with songwriter Sylvia Fine, who played a key role in guiding his career and creating much of his performance material. Their strong relationship was well-known in Hollywood and helped counter gossip about his personal life. Kaye was often the subject of speculation regarding a close friendship with Laurence Olivier. Throughout his life, he remained a popular and respected figure, dedicating much of his time to supporting international charities.

Jim Nabors

Jim Nabors became famous for his role as Gomer Pyle on ‘The Andy Griffith Show’ and his own series. He carefully maintained a clean-cut, traditional public image that appealed to many viewers. Despite frequent gossip, he kept his personal life private, especially during the height of his career. In 2013, after same-sex marriage was legalized in Washington state, Nabors married his partner of many years. He explained that he simply wanted to live an authentic life without turning it into a public debate.

Kevin Spacey

As a movie fan, I always admired Kevin Spacey’s talent – especially his Oscar wins for ‘The Usual Suspects’ and ‘American Beauty.’ For years, he was incredibly private about his personal life, dodging questions about his sexuality and often appearing with female companions at events. This naturally led to a lot of media speculation, but he consistently said he preferred to keep those two worlds separate. Then, in 2017, amidst some serious public issues, he came out publicly via social media. Unfortunately, his career has been really marked by the legal and professional difficulties that followed.

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow is a beloved singer and actor who became a pop culture icon with songs like ‘Copacabana’. He was briefly married to his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, but the marriage was annulled. For many years, Manilow worried that revealing he was gay would cause him to lose his largely female fanbase and damage his career. He and his manager, Garry Kief, were together for nearly forty years before marrying, and he kept their relationship private. In 2017, Manilow publicly shared his story and was amazed by the positive response.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey is famous for his Oscar-winning role as the Master of Ceremonies in the movie ‘Cabaret’. He and actress Jo Wilder were married for twenty-four years and had two children, including actress Jennifer Grey. For many years, he presented a public image of a conventional family man, even while enjoying a thriving Broadway career. In 2015, at the age of 82, Grey publicly came out, explaining that it had taken him a long time to feel comfortable sharing that part of himself.

David Hyde Pierce

I’ve always been a huge fan of David Hyde Pierce, especially his brilliant portrayal of Niles Crane on ‘Frasier.’ What I admire most is that throughout the entire eleven seasons, he really prioritized his work and kept his personal life private. He didn’t want labels or personal details to distract from his acting, and I respected that so much. It meant a lot when he eventually shared that he was gay and introduced his partner, Brian Hargrove. Since then, I’ve been even more impressed by his commitment to important causes like Alzheimer’s research and the fight for marriage equality. He’s a truly talented actor and a genuinely good person.

Sean Hayes

Sean Hayes is best known for his role as Jack McFarland on the sitcom ‘Will and Grace’. While playing a gay character on television, he kept his own sexuality private for many years during the show’s original run, explaining he didn’t feel prepared to be a public figure for the LGBTQ+ community at that time. Hayes publicly came out in 2010, discussing the difficulties faced by openly gay actors in Hollywood. Since then, he’s become much more open about his personal life, including his marriage.

Matt Bomer

Matt Bomer first gained widespread recognition for his roles in the TV show ‘White Collar’ and the movie ‘Magic Mike’. Early in his career, he kept his personal life private and often played romantic leads opposite women, which helped him establish himself as a talented and adaptable actor without unwanted media attention. In 2012, while accepting an award for his humanitarian work, Bomer publicly shared that he was married with children. Since then, he’s become a strong advocate for more diversity and inclusivity in the stories told through film and television.

Wentworth Miller

Wentworth Miller became famous worldwide for his role in the popular TV series ‘Prison Break’. In the mid-2000s, he publicly said he wasn’t gay, feeling it was necessary to protect his show’s success and maintain his image as an action hero. He later shared that keeping his sexuality hidden added to his difficulties with mental health and depression. In 2013, Miller publicly came out as gay, explaining in a letter that he wouldn’t attend a film festival in Russia because of their discriminatory laws against LGBTQ+ people. Since then, he’s been a strong voice for both mental health awareness and LGBTQ+ rights.

Colton Haynes

As a big fan of shows like ‘Teen Wolf’ and ‘Arrow,’ I always thought Colton Haynes had this carefully crafted image. It turned out, a lot of that was manufactured by his team. They actually pushed him to hide his true self – he’s gay – because they were worried it would hurt his career, especially since he was being marketed as a teen idol. He’s talked about how incredibly freeing it was when he finally came out publicly in 2016 after years of keeping it a secret. It’s really inspiring to see him now, still working and openly sharing his story to help others who might be going through something similar.

Jonathan Bennett

Jonathan Bennett is best known for playing Aaron Samuels in the popular movie ‘Mean Girls’. After the film’s success, he kept his personal life private for several years while continuing to work as a host and actor. He’s explained that being seen as a romantic lead put pressure on him to maintain a certain image. Eventually, Bennett publicly came out and has since hosted many shows and appeared in several holiday movies. Now, he openly shares his life and marriage, and regularly posts about his experiences on social media.

Rupert Everett

Rupert Everett rose to fame with the film ‘My Best Friend Wedding’ and began his career as a classic Hollywood leading man. During the 1980s, he primarily played straight characters and was often publicly associated with well-known women. Everett was a pioneering actor in coming out as gay, a decision he feels changed the kinds of roles he received. He’s since written memoirs detailing his experiences in Hollywood and the challenges of being openly gay in the acting world. He continues to be a highly regarded actor in film and theater.

Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a talented and adaptable actor, famous for his work in films like ‘Titanic’ and the TV show ‘Alias’. Throughout his impressive career on stage and screen, he’s maintained a private personal life, rarely speaking about his sexuality. He’s always been highly regarded by colleagues and fans for his dedication to his craft and his ability to convincingly portray diverse characters. In 2013, Garber subtly confirmed he was in a long-term relationship during an interview. He continues to be a popular and respected actor, consistently appearing in major projects.

Luke Evans

Luke Evans is a well-known actor who has appeared in big films like ‘Dracula Untold’ and the ‘Fast and Furious’ series. When he started his career in the UK, he was open about being gay. However, as he became famous in Hollywood, his public image changed to fit the typical leading man role. For a while, he kept his personal life private and was sometimes seen with women in public. More recently, Evans has been openly sharing his true self with his fans. He continues to be a highly successful actor in the industry.

Zachary Quinto

Zachary Quinto gained widespread recognition for his roles in ‘Heroes’ and as Spock in the recent ‘Star Trek’ movies. When he first became famous, he intentionally kept his personal life private, believing it was important to be a neutral canvas for his characters. However, in 2011, he publicly came out as gay after being deeply affected by the suicide of a young gay teenager. Since then, he’s used his public profile to advocate for important social and political issues, all while continuing to thrive as an actor.

Neil Patrick Harris

Neil Patrick Harris started his career as a young actor on the show ‘Doogie Howser M.D.’ and became hugely popular later on as Barney Stinson in ‘How I Met Your Mother’. Before publicly coming out as gay in 2006, he dated women, including actress Christine Taylor, to fit the expectations of his public image. He’s spoken about how he eventually realized it was more important to be true to himself than to maintain a certain image in Hollywood. Since then, Harris has become a well-known openly gay actor and has hosted many major awards ceremonies. He’s often admired for his talent in a variety of roles and for being a dedicated family man.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons earned a place among television’s top-paid actors thanks to his role as Sheldon Cooper on ‘The Big Bang Theory’. During the show’s most popular years, he intentionally kept his relationship with Todd Spiewak private, wanting his work to be the focus and avoiding unwanted media attention. In 2012, a journalist alluded to his sexuality, which Parsons felt was the right moment to publicly confirm it. He later married Spiewak and remains a prominent figure in the entertainment world.

Clay Aiken

Clay Aiken became famous as the second-place finisher on ‘American Idol’ and quickly became a popular figure. For years, he carefully crafted an image as a clean-cut, Southern singer and steered clear of discussing his private life, even publicly dating women to counter rumors. In 2008, shortly after his son was born, Aiken publicly came out as gay. Since then, he’s moved into a career focused on politics and advocacy, while still performing from time to time.

James Dean

James Dean captured the feeling of teenage angst and frustration in films like ‘East of Eden’ and ‘Rebel Without a Cause’, quickly becoming a cultural icon. The studio actively promoted a rebellious image for him, often pairing him with young actresses like Pier Angeli and publicizing their relationships to attract a large female fanbase. Though his personal life and sexuality are still debated, many think these publicized relationships were carefully planned to build his image. Dean tragically died in a car crash at just twenty-four years old, cementing his status as a lasting Hollywood legend.

Montgomery Clift

Montgomery Clift was a remarkably talented and impactful actor, famous for his deeply emotional and realistic performances, particularly in films like ‘A Place in the Sun’. Though Hollywood promoted him as a classic romantic hero and often paired him with Elizabeth Taylor, their close friendship was also used to shield his private life from public view. Clift battled the pressures of the studio system and the need to conceal his true identity throughout his career. Even with his personal struggles, his impact on acting continues to be felt today.

Sal Mineo

Sal Mineo became famous as a young actor, earning an Academy Award nomination for his work in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’. Like many teen stars of the era, he sometimes engaged in staged relationships, such as with Jill Haworth, to stay in the public eye and maintain his popularity with fans. In the 1960s, Mineo was also one of the first actors to begin openly discussing his sexuality. His life was tragically cut short by murder in 1976, and his story continues to be a memorable and moving part of Hollywood’s history.

John Gielgud

John Gielgud was a highly acclaimed actor of the twentieth century, performing on stage and in films for many years. In the 1950s, he faced public controversy after a private incident in a public place. Despite this, he preserved a respectable image and continued to win awards and recognition for his work. Gielgud was famous for his beautiful voice and memorable roles in films like ‘Arthur’ and numerous Shakespearean productions. He worked consistently until his death in 2000 and is celebrated as one of the greatest actors in theater history.

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness was a celebrated British actor, best known for his roles in films like ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ and as Obi-Wan Kenobi in ‘Star Wars’. He enjoyed a long marriage of over sixty years to Merula Salaman, and they had one son. Though he appeared to be a devoted family man, Guinness privately wrestled with questions about his identity, as revealed in journals and letters published after his death, which hinted at complex feelings regarding his sexuality. He was knighted for his contributions to the arts and is still considered one of cinema’s most respected actors.

Laurence Harvey

Laurence Harvey was a popular actor in the 1950s and 60s, starring in well-known films such as ‘Room at the Top’ and ‘The Manchurian Candidate’. He had three high-profile marriages, including to actress Margaret Leighton and model Joan Perry. Many in the film industry believed these relationships were carefully constructed to bolster his image as a leading man. Harvey was a driven and ambitious person, determined to succeed in Hollywood. His life and career were cut short by his early death, and biographers have since been fascinated by his personal story.

James Coco

James Coco was a gifted character actor known for films like ‘Man of La Mancha’ and ‘Only When I Laugh’. He frequently played funny or unusual characters and was a popular guest on talk and variety shows. Coco intentionally kept his private life very private, believing it would help him continue to get diverse acting roles. He never spoke publicly about his personal life, and fans generally respected his privacy. He died in 1987 and is fondly remembered for his energetic performances.

Liberace

Liberace was a hugely popular pianist and entertainer, instantly recognizable for his dazzling outfits and energetic performances. Throughout his career, he carefully concealed his personal life, particularly his sexuality, from the public. He even took legal action against someone who hinted he was gay and often appeared with well-known women to maintain a heterosexual public image. He purposefully cultivated this image to appeal to his many female fans. Liberace kept his true self private until his death in 1987 from complications related to AIDS.

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2026-02-20 06:59