Actors Who Divorced Their Wives to Come Out But Remain Best Friends

Becoming true to themselves in Hollywood can be a complicated process, especially when it involves personal life changes that happen publicly. For some male actors who were previously married to women, coming out as gay or bisexual meant completely changing their family dynamics. Interestingly, despite going through divorce, these actors have remained close friends with their ex-wives. This shows a positive shift towards respect and support even after relationships end. They acknowledge and appreciate their past marriages while embracing their new, authentic lives.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming, a talented Scottish actor, was married to Hilary Lyon from 1985 to 1993. He later came out as bisexual and went on to marry Grant Shaffer. Cumming has often shared that he remains close to Lyon and values their continued positive relationship. He stresses that all of his past relationships were meaningful and contributed to his personal growth. They continue to support each other’s work in the entertainment industry.

Phillip Schofield

Phillip Schofield and Stephanie Lowe were married for almost thirty years before he publicly came out in 2020. Even though they are no longer a couple, they’ve stayed close as a family, especially for their two daughters. Schofield often praises Lowe for her constant support, calling her an amazing person. They continue to celebrate holidays and important family events together, presenting a united front to the world. Their relationship is a well-known example of how a marriage can evolve into a lasting and supportive friendship.

Joel Grey

The actor, known for ‘Cabaret,’ and actress Jo Wilder were married for twenty-four years and raised two children together. He publicly came out as gay in 2015, well after their divorce in the early 1980s. Despite the divorce, Grey has always spoken lovingly about his marriage and insists he deeply loved his wife during their time together. He’s remained close to his family and cherishes the decades-long friendship he shares with Wilder. His life story illustrates the complicated nature of identity, particularly within the world of classic Hollywood.

Barry Manilow

I’ve always been fascinated by Barry Manilow’s story. I learned he was married to his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, back in the sixties, but it didn’t last. He eventually came to terms with being gay, but kept that part of his life private for a long time, understandably wanting to protect his career. From what I understand, he and Susan parted ways amicably, and he’s said he really did love her, even though their marriage was short. He finally found lasting happiness with his manager, Garry Kief, and they had a private wedding in 2014. It’s lovely to hear that Susan has always spoken so kindly of him and wishes him well – it seems they both handled things with grace and respect.

Christopher Biggins

The celebrated English actor was married to Beatrice Norbury in the early 1970s. During their marriage, he came to terms with being gay, and they decided to divorce peacefully. He and Norbury remained friends and he speaks fondly of her. Later, he found lasting love with Neil Sinclair, and they officially became civil partners in 2006. Biggins remains a well-known personality in British entertainment, admired for his openness about his life.

Peter Allen

The Australian entertainer was married to Liza Minnelli for seven years, beginning in the late 1960s. They divorced in 1974, and Allen then lived openly as a gay man until his death in the early 1990s. Even after their divorce, Allen and Minnelli remained very close friends and continued to perform together. Minnelli often spoke about her strong affection for him and how much she valued their friendship. Their special bond was later portrayed in the popular Broadway musical, ‘The Boy from Oz’.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins, known for his role in ‘Psycho,’ was married to photographer Berry Berenson from 1973 until he died in 1992. Though he had relationships with men throughout his life, Perkins remained devoted to Berenson and their two sons. They deeply respected each other, and Berenson was his main source of support and companionship during their marriage. After his death, his family continued to celebrate his life and all its complexities. Many see their marriage as proof of a strong connection that went beyond typical expectations.

Michael Redgrave

The celebrated actor was married to Rachel Kempson for fifty years, from 1935 until his death in 1985. He was honest with her about his attraction to men, and they built a strong, loving marriage. Kempson was a constant source of support throughout his successful career, and together they created a family known for its acting talent. They were each other’s closest friends and partners, sharing a deeply honest and devoted relationship that lasted their entire lives.

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness, the famous actor from ‘Star Wars,’ shared a loving marriage with Merula Salaman for over sixty years, until his death in 2000. Despite his own personal struggles with identity and private relationships, he remained deeply committed to his wife. Salaman was his steadfast companion, and the couple enjoyed a peaceful life away from the pressures of Hollywood. They were famously inseparable, and she sadly passed away just a few months after he did. Their long and supportive relationship is remembered as one of cinema’s most enduring partnerships.

Denholm Elliott

The talented British actor shared a thirty-year marriage with Susan Robinson before he passed away in 1992. He was open about being attracted to both men and women, and he and Robinson had a uniquely honest and open relationship. They were best friends and partners, and she later wrote a book detailing their life together and his battle with illness. Throughout his health struggles, Robinson was his dedicated caregiver and unwavering support. Their relationship showed that a marriage built on deep friendship and honesty could flourish, even outside of traditional norms.

Charles Laughton

Charles Laughton, the famous actor and director, and Elsa Lanchester were married for more than thirty years. Early in their marriage, Laughton shared his true self with Lanchester, and they decided to continue their life together as partners and close friends. They worked together on many projects, known for their strong creative connection. Lanchester stayed with Laughton until he passed away in 1962, and she later detailed their special bond in her autobiography. Their relationship is widely considered one of Hollywood’s most enduring and successful unconventional marriages.

Little Richard

The rock and roll legend had a short marriage to Ennette Gwynn in the late 1950s. Though he wrestled with questions of identity related to his faith, he and Gwynn remained on good terms after their divorce. He often acknowledged her support during a difficult time in his life and as he began his career. Throughout his life, he balanced his public image with his personal beliefs, and he stayed connected with people from his past, including Gwynn. Their brief marriage remained an important and fondly remembered part of his life story.

Robert Reed

Before becoming famous as the dad on ‘The Brady Bunch’, the actor was married to Karen Rinehart for several years, divorcing in 1959. He chose to keep his personal life private, fearing it could harm his career as a wholesome family figure, but he and Rinehart remained friendly. They had a daughter together and were committed to co-parenting her with love and stability. He was known as a devoted father and someone who prioritized family. He’s remembered both for his famous roles and for the quiet strength he demonstrated throughout his life.

Clive Davis

This successful music executive and actor has been married twice and has multiple children. In his 2013 autobiography, he publicly came out as bisexual, revealing a long-term relationship with a man. He’s known for having a close and friendly relationship with his ex-wives and is a strong presence in his large family. He often throws lavish parties where both his family and former partners are included, demonstrating a progressive and open approach to family and a commitment to being truthful about his personal life, especially within the entertainment world.

Laurence Olivier

Laurence Olivier, the celebrated Shakespearean actor, had three wives, including the renowned Vivien Leigh. Though their relationship was often turbulent, he and Leigh shared a strong creative connection that continued even after they divorced. He later found lasting happiness with Joan Plowright, but always treated his ex-wives with respect. Olivier also had significant relationships with men throughout his life, which he wrote about in his autobiography. His capacity for such multifaceted connections highlights his immense talent and complex personality as a theatrical icon.

Danny Kaye

Danny Kaye and songwriter Sylvia Fine enjoyed a loving partnership for over forty years, both in their personal lives and professionally. She penned much of the material that launched his career, making him famous worldwide. Despite other relationships in Kaye’s past, he and Fine remained deeply committed to each other until his death. Together, they had a daughter and dedicated themselves to charitable work globally. Their marriage was central to Kaye’s success and provided him with consistent support throughout his life.

Cole Porter

As a movie lover, I’ve always been fascinated by the story of Cole Porter and his wife, Linda Lee Thomas. They were married for thirty-four years, and even though Cole had relationships with men, their connection was incredibly real and deep. Linda was his rock – his closest friend and the person who always believed in him, supporting his career and helping him navigate the social scene. They were truly best friends and stayed inseparable until she passed away in 1954. It’s a relationship that really stands out as a beautiful example of a strong, successful partnership built on love and genuine connection, even if it wasn’t a traditional romance.

Thomas Beatie

The actor, who is also a public figure and advocate, was married to Nancy Beatie for more than ten years. After their divorce, they worked through a difficult time, both legally and emotionally, but prioritized remaining friends for the sake of their children. He later remarried, but he and Nancy continued to successfully co-parent together. He’s spoken publicly about the value of family and staying positive after a major life change. Their experience has helped shift how the media portrays modern families.

Gareth Thomas

Gareth Thomas, the former Welsh rugby player and actor, was married to Jemma Thomas for several years. He came out as gay in 2009, and their divorce was challenging. Despite this, they’ve remained friends and maintained a respectful relationship. Gareth has often talked about the guilt he felt and how much he appreciated Jemma’s support as he came to terms with his sexuality. They still keep in touch, and he frequently acknowledges her strength and understanding. His decision to come out publicly was a significant moment for athletes in professional sports.

John McEnery

Actor David McEnery and Stephanie Beacham were married for over six years in the 1970s. Even after their divorce, they remained good friends and successfully raised their two daughters together. Later in life, McEnery came out as gay and received support from both his family and colleagues in the acting world. Beacham has often spoken fondly of their marriage and their lasting friendship. Their story is a heartening example of how divorced couples can continue to be a loving family through open communication and mutual respect.

Tell us what you think about these enduring friendships in the comments.

2026-03-22 03:17