Actors Who Waited Decades to Divorce Their Wives and Come Out

For years, many in the entertainment world felt they had to hide who they really were to succeed in their careers. Some well-known male actors stayed married for decades because of pressure to meet societal expectations, before finally choosing to live openly and honestly. Balancing the demands of Hollywood, public scrutiny, and family life while keeping secrets was incredibly difficult for them. Their experiences coming out later in life demonstrate how much more accepting society has become towards LGBTQ+ people.

Phillip Schofield

Phillip Schofield is a well-known British TV personality and actor who has been a public figure for over three decades. He was married to Stephanie Lowe for 27 years before coming out as gay in February 2020. He shared this personal news through a social media post and a heartfelt interview on ‘This Morning’. Since then, he’s discussed the difficulties he faced keeping his sexuality private for so long. His family has consistently supported him as he lives openly as a gay man.

Joel Grey

Joel Grey is a well-known actor, famous for playing the Master of Ceremonies in the movie ‘Cabaret.’ He and actress Jo Wilder were married for 24 years and have two children, including actress Jennifer Grey. At the age of 82, the veteran actor publicly came out as gay in an interview with People magazine, explaining it was a process that unfolded over many years. He remains a talented performer, and his decision to live openly later in life has become a significant part of his story.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins is most famous for his unforgettable role as Norman Bates in Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho.’ He was married to photographer Berry Berenson for almost twenty years, and throughout his life, he carefully guarded his privacy. It wasn’t until after his death in 1992 that details about his personal life, including his bisexuality, became public. He’s remembered as a remarkably talented actor with a complex and private life.

Charles Laughton

Charles Laughton was a celebrated actor and director, famous for winning an Oscar for his portrayal of Henry VIII in ‘The Private Life of Henry VIII’. He and actress Elsa Lanchester were married for over thirty years, until his death in 1962. In her autobiography, Lanchester shared that Laughton confided in her early in their marriage about being gay, a secret they maintained throughout their lives. Despite this, they remained married and continued to collaborate on many projects. Laughton’s successful career as a performer contrasted with a deeply personal and complex private life.

Laurence Olivier

As a lifelong movie and theatre fan, I’ve always been in awe of Laurence Olivier. He really was one of the greats of the 20th century, acting for decades. Most people know he was married to Vivien Leigh for twenty years, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1960. It’s only in recent years, after biographies came out detailing his life, that we’ve gotten a fuller, more honest picture of him – including his intimate relationships with men. Despite everything, his performances, especially in films like ‘Rebecca’ and on stage as ‘Hamlet’, continue to be legendary and cement his place as a true icon.

Vincent Price

As a huge classic movie fan, I always loved Vincent Price – that voice was instantly recognizable! He was a master of horror, especially in films like ‘House of Wax’. I recently learned something fascinating about him through his daughter Victoria’s writing. She revealed that my childhood horror icon was actually bisexual, but kept that part of his life completely private. Apparently, he worried it would harm his career back then, which was a sad reality for many actors in those days. It’s amazing to me how he managed to keep such a big part of himself hidden, and it makes me appreciate his talent and impact even more. He truly was a unique presence on screen, and his work continues to thrill and delight fans like me.

Tyrone Power

Tyrone Power was a hugely popular movie star known for his charming looks and roles in adventure films like ‘The Mark of Zorro’. Though he presented a perfect image as a leading man during Hollywood’s Golden Age, and was married three times, biographies reveal he had secret relationships with men. He died tragically at the young age of forty-four, leaving behind a memorable body of work. Historians have since examined his personal life to better understand the difficulties faced by celebrities of that time.

Burt Lancaster

Burt Lancaster was a commanding figure in Hollywood, famous for his physically demanding roles, particularly in films like ‘From Here to Eternity’. He and Norma Anderson were married for twenty-three years and had five children. After his death, it became known through biographies and other sources that he had relationships with both men and women. Lancaster was a very private person who carefully cultivated an image as a strong, masculine leading man. His successful and varied career solidified his place as a true film icon.

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando is widely considered a hugely important figure in film history, thanks to iconic roles in movies like ‘A Streetcar Named Desire’ and ‘The Godfather’. His personal life was often public, with three marriages and many relationships attracting media coverage. In a 1976 interview, he openly discussed having had same-sex experiences and said he felt no shame about it. He lived a complicated life for decades, pushing boundaries around what it meant to be a man and a celebrity. For an actor of his fame, his honesty about his sexuality was remarkably progressive.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant was known for his incredible style and charm in films like ‘North by Northwest’ and captivated audiences for decades. Despite five marriages, rumors about his sexuality and close friendship with Randolph Scott followed him throughout his life. Though he never publicly discussed his sexual orientation, many biographers have written about his personal journey with identity. He carefully cultivated a public persona as a charming romantic lead during his successful Hollywood career, and continues to be a beloved movie icon remembered for his wit and charisma.

Raymond Burr

Raymond Burr was famous for playing lead roles in the TV shows ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘Ironside’ for many years. He had a short-lived marriage to Isabella Ward in the late 1940s. For over three decades, he lived with his partner, Robert Benevides, but kept their relationship private. To safeguard his career, he often made up stories about having been married and having children. The truth about his long-term relationship and his sexuality wasn’t revealed until after his death in 1993.

David Bowie

David Bowie was a groundbreaking musician and actor known for challenging conventions in both music and film, notably in ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’. He and Angela Barnett were married for a decade before divorcing in 1980, and they shared one son. Early in his career, Bowie publicly discussed his sexuality, initially identifying as gay and later clarifying he was bisexual. He constantly explored his identity and how he expressed his gender, inspiring countless artists and fans. His later marriage to Iman was another example of his open and celebrated life.

Barry Manilow

I’ve been a Barry Manilow fan for years, and it’s amazing to think about his incredible career – all those hit records and TV appearances! It was interesting to learn about his personal life too. He was married briefly back in ’64, but that didn’t last. For a really long time – almost forty years! – he kept his relationship with Garry Kief private. He finally shared that he’s gay in 2017, and he said he was worried about what his fans would think if he’d done it sooner. It was such a relief for him when everyone was so supportive, and honestly, it made me love him even more as an artist and a person.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson was a hugely popular movie star in the 1950s and 60s, famous for romantic comedies like ‘Pillow Talk’. He was married for three years to Phyllis Gates, a relationship many believed was set up by his agent to hide rumors about his personal life. For decades, he lived a secret life while remaining a major movie star. In 1985, he bravely revealed he had AIDS, which also led to the public understanding that he was gay. His death was a pivotal moment, changing how people talked about AIDS and LGBTQ+ rights.

Robert Reed

Robert Reed, best known as Mike Brady on ‘The Brady Bunch,’ was married to Patricia Anne Gaby in the 1950s, and they had a daughter together. During his time on the show, which focused on family values, he kept his sexuality private to protect the program’s image. Later, his co-stars shared that they were aware of and supportive of him during filming. Reed passed away in 1992, and his story is now often cited as an example of how many in Hollywood kept their personal lives hidden during that time.

Elton John

As a lifelong film and music fan, I’ve always been captivated by Elton John’s incredible career. Beyond his amazing music, including his work on films like ‘The Lion King’, his personal story is truly inspiring. He was married to Renate Blauel in the 80s, but after that marriage ended, he openly embraced his identity as a gay man – something he’d hinted at back in 1976 when he identified as bisexual. He’s been so brave in sharing his journey to self-acceptance, both in his autobiography and the film ‘Rocketman’. Now, he’s a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ rights and a tireless champion in the fight against HIV and AIDS, which I deeply admire.

Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is a talented Scottish actor who’s worked in theatre and film, including the movie ‘The Anniversary Party’. He was married to Hilary Lyon for eight years, and they divorced in 1993. After his divorce, he became more open about identifying as bisexual and being attracted to people of all genders. He’s been a strong supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, often sharing personal stories in his writings. He later found lasting love with Grant Shaffer, first through a civil partnership and then marriage.

Clive Davis

Clive Davis is a highly influential figure in the music industry, known for discovering and working with many famous artists and being the subject of several documentaries. He was married twice, first to Janet Adelberg for over ten years, and then to Stephanie Rose for more than twenty. In his 2013 autobiography, Davis publicly came out as bisexual, sharing that he’d had relationships with men since the 1970s. He spoke about the difficulty of reconciling his public career with his personal identity, and his announcement was widely reported and well-received within the music industry.

Cole Porter

Cole Porter was a highly successful composer and songwriter known for his work in classic Hollywood movies and Broadway musicals. Though he was married to Linda Lee Thomas for thirty-five years, until her death, he also had relationships with men. Their marriage was characterized by deep respect and friendship, and he maintained a private life separate from his public persona. Today, many of his popular songs are seen as reflecting his hidden identity and the nuances of his personal life. He continues to be a major figure in American musical history.

Peter Allen

Peter Allen was a charismatic Australian singer and actor, best known for his energetic stage presence and appearances in musicals, including ‘The Boy from Oz’. He was married to Liza Minnelli for seven years in the 1960s and 70s, and while he kept his sexuality private during their marriage, it became more widely known after their divorce. Later in life, he shared a fifteen-year relationship with Gregory Connell until Connell’s passing. Allen’s life is now remembered for its colorful spirit and the genuine connections he ultimately forged.

Little Richard

I’ve always been captivated by Little Richard. He truly was one of the first rock and roll stars, and I even remember seeing him in ‘Down and Out in Beverly Hills’! It’s fascinating to learn about his life – he was married briefly in 1959, a time when he was deeply religious. Throughout his incredible career, he was so open about the challenges he faced with his identity and sexuality, often describing himself as gay or bisexual. And his performances! They were so bold and boundary-pushing, with a style that really broke the mold. He wasn’t afraid to be himself, and I think that’s why he had such a huge and lasting influence on music and pop culture. He really paved the way for so many artists who followed.

Oscar Wilde

I’ve always been fascinated by Oscar Wilde. He was incredibly talented – a truly brilliant playwright and performer who captivated audiences back in the late 1800s. He and his wife, Constance Lloyd, had two sons, but his personal life soon became very public, and unfortunately, not in a good way. His relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas led to trials that were devastating for him. They revealed his sexuality and ultimately led to his imprisonment and the end of both his marriage and career. Now, looking back, he’s seen as someone who suffered for being himself, and he remains a hugely important figure in literature and theatre.

Danny Kaye

Danny Kaye was a popular actor and comedian famous for his energetic physical comedy and films like ‘The Secret Life of Walter Mitty’. He and songwriter Sylvia Fine enjoyed a forty-seven-year marriage that played a key role in his successful career. Though happily married for many years, rumors circulated about close relationships he had with other men, including speculation about an affair with Laurence Olivier. Kaye was a private individual and never spoke publicly about these rumors. Today, he’s remembered for his entertaining work and his dedication to humanitarian causes, which remain his most important legacy.

Barry Humphries

Barry Humphries, a beloved Australian actor and comedian, was famous for creating the unforgettable character Dame Edna Everage. Throughout his decades-long career as a dynamic and often challenging performer, he married four times and remained a prominent public figure. Though he often presented a conventional image, accounts of his life suggest a more nuanced personal story. A truly gifted entertainer, Humphries used his characters to playfully critique society and its expectations, becoming a globally recognized name in comedy through his work in theater and film.

Rip Taylor

Rip Taylor was a lively and colorful actor and comedian, famously known as the ‘Prince of Confetti’ because he always brought a burst of energy to his TV appearances and movies. He and showgirl Elizabeth Edwards were married in the 1950s, but they later divorced. Throughout much of his career, Rip kept his personal life private, but many interpreted his vibrant personality and style as hints about his true self. He enjoyed a long career in entertainment and became more open about his sexuality later in life. Audiences loved his one-of-a-kind humor and unforgettable, larger-than-life personality for many years.

Jeremy Brett

Jeremy Brett is best known for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes in a beloved 1980s and 90s television series, and many consider him the most authentic depiction of the character. He was married to actress Joan Wilson, and they had one son together, but later divorced. Brett was bisexual and maintained several long-term relationships with men privately throughout his life. His commitment to acting, combined with his personal complexities, enriched his iconic performance as the detective. He died in 1995, leaving behind a lasting legacy of exceptional work and a dedicated following.

Duncan James

I’ve been a fan of Duncan James for years! He first became famous with the band Blue, and I really enjoyed watching him on ‘Hollyoaks’ too. For a long time, he was with someone and they have a daughter together, but they never got married. It took a lot of courage, but he eventually shared that he’s bisexual, and later identified as gay, after years of people wondering. He’s talked about how tough it was being in a boy band and being afraid of what coming out would do to his career. Now, I really admire him for being so open and using his platform to push for more LGBTQ+ representation in the media. He’s a real inspiration!

David Campbell

David Campbell is a well-known Australian actor who excels in musical theater and on television. He’s been happily married to Libby Billington since 2008, and they have three children. Recently, David publicly shared that he is bisexual and spoke about his previous relationships with men. He’s become an advocate for honesty and LGBTQ+ support, using his visibility to encourage others. He continues to enjoy a successful career while prioritizing his family life.

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness was a highly acclaimed actor celebrated for his versatility, starring in iconic films like ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ and ‘Star Wars’. He shared a sixty-two year marriage with Merula Salaman, lasting until his passing in 2000. Those close to him knew he privately grappled with his sexuality and had relationships with men. A deeply private and religious man, he carefully shielded his personal life from public scrutiny. Guinness’s career is still considered one of the most impressive in film history, thanks to his remarkable ability to embody diverse characters.

Please share your thoughts on these stories in the comments.

2026-03-24 15:20