Gay Celebs Who Are Married To People Of The Opposite Sex

Many celebrities have publicly shared their journeys of self-discovery, including their sexual orientations and relationships. It’s common to see stars who were previously married to people of the opposite sex continue to navigate family connections after coming out. These stories reflect changing societal views and the personal growth of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Examining these experiences helps us better understand the wide range of lives and relationships in the entertainment industry.

Alan Cumming

Scottish actor Alan Cumming was married to Hilary Lyon for eight years in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He later came out as bisexual and then as gay. Cumming has frequently discussed the pressure he felt to fit certain expectations at the beginning of his career. He ultimately found lasting happiness with graphic artist Grant Shaffer, and they married in a civil ceremony.

Wanda Sykes

Wanda Sykes was married to music producer Dave Hall for seven years, from 1991 to 1998. In 2008, she publicly came out as a lesbian while protesting California’s Proposition 8, explaining that her previous marriage helped her discover her true identity. She is now married to Alex Niedbalski, and they share two children.

Portia de Rossi

Before marrying Ellen DeGeneres, Portia de Rossi was married to documentary filmmaker Mel Metcalfe from 1996 to 1999, during her time on the TV show ‘Ally McBeal’. She later revealed she married him partly to obtain a green card and stay in the U.S. De Rossi has since come out as gay and become a well-known supporter of LGBTQ+ rights.

Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow married his high school sweetheart, Susan Deixler, in 1964, but the marriage didn’t last. He later shared that he loved her very much but wasn’t prepared for marriage at the time. For many years, Manilow kept his personal life private. In 2017, he publicly came out and revealed he had been with his manager, Garry Kief, for almost forty years before they married.

Elton John

In 1984, the famous singer married Renate Blauel in a traditional Australian wedding. The marriage ended after four years, a time when he was grappling with questions about his identity. He later spoke about how much pain he caused Blauel, as he realized and accepted he was gay. He eventually married David Furnish, and the two have become well-known figures representing LGBTQ+ people in the music industry.

Rock Hudson

Rock Hudson, one of Hollywood’s biggest stars, was married to Phyllis Gates for three years during the 1950s. Many suspected the marriage was a cover-up to conceal his homosexuality. He kept his sexual orientation private throughout most of his life, fearing it would harm his career. Later, his battle with illness brought much-needed attention to AIDS and the difficulties faced by gay performers.

Anthony Perkins

Anthony Perkins, famous for his role in the movie ‘Psycho,’ was married to photographer Berry Berenson for almost twenty years, and they had two sons together. He remained with Berenson until her husband’s death from AIDS-related complications. Throughout his life and career, Perkins also had relationships with men and reportedly went to therapy to navigate his feelings while staying committed to his marriage and family.

Little Richard

The father of rock and roll was married to Ernestine Campbell for several years, beginning in 1959. Throughout his life, he struggled with his identity, sometimes embracing his attraction to men and at other times rejecting it because of his religious faith. He was known for his energetic performances and bold fashion choices, which challenged traditional ideas about gender. Richard frequently discussed the tension between who he truly was and his strong religious beliefs.

Clive Davis

This prominent music executive had two marriages and four children. Later in life, he shared in his autobiography that he also had long-term relationships with men. He described understanding his sexuality as a process and emphasized that it didn’t change his feelings for his ex-wives. Even after coming out later in life, he continues to be a major force in the entertainment world, serving as an example for others.

Joel Grey

The celebrated actor known for ‘Cabaret’ and actress Jo Wilder were married for twenty-four years and had two daughters, one of whom is actress Jennifer Grey, famous for ‘Dirty Dancing’. At the age of eighty-two, Grey publicly came out as a gay man in an interview, revealing that his family and friends had been aware of his identity for quite some time.

Meredith Baxter

Best known for her role on ‘Family Ties,’ Meredith Baxter has had a full life, including marriages to three different men and raising five children. A popular face on American television in the 70s and 80s, she later came out as a lesbian and married her partner, Nancy Locke. In her memoir, Baxter bravely shared her experiences with domestic abuse and her journey towards self-acceptance.

Kelly McGillis

Kelly McGillis, known for her role in ‘Top Gun,’ was married twice, first to Boyd Black and then to Fred Tillman, with whom she had two daughters. She became a prominent actress and sex symbol in the 1980s, starring in both popular and well-regarded films. In 2009, she publicly shared that she is a lesbian. After a period of self-discovery, she later entered a civil union with Melanie Leis.

Anna Paquin

Anna Paquin, known for her role in ‘True Blood,’ has been married to her co-star Stephen Moyer since 2010. She openly identifies as bisexual and has long been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Paquin often speaks out about the common misunderstanding that being married to someone of the opposite sex negates a person’s bisexuality, emphasizing that her marriage doesn’t change her sexual orientation or her dedication to the queer community.

Aubrey Plaza

Aubrey Plaza, famous for her role in ‘Parks and Recreation,’ married screenwriter Jeff Baena in 2021 after dating for a while. She’s openly talked about being attracted to both men and women, embracing her identity as queer. Plaza is well-known for her dry wit and often plays distinctive characters in independent films and on TV. Her marriage highlights the fact that bisexual women can have fulfilling, long-term relationships with partners of any gender.

Oscar Wilde

Oscar Wilde, the celebrated playwright and poet, was married to Constance Lloyd and they had two sons. Despite being a husband and father, Wilde also had well-known romantic relationships with men. His affair with Lord Alfred Douglas ultimately led to his arrest and imprisonment on charges of indecency. Today, Wilde is remembered as an important figure in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and recognition.

Cole Porter

The famous composer and songwriter was married to socialite Linda Lee Thomas for more than thirty years. While publicly married, their relationship was understood to be a close friendship that offered both of them social security. Throughout his life, Porter had many romantic relationships with men, which he kept private. Despite the unusual nature of their marriage, Porter and his wife remained deeply committed to each other until she passed away.

Cary Grant

Cary Grant, a legendary movie star, was married five times, including to actresses Dyan Cannon and Betsy Drake. Though he never publicly discussed his sexuality, rumors of relationships with men followed him throughout his career. He had a particularly strong and long-lasting bond with actor Randolph Scott, even sharing a home with him for many years. Grant’s charming and sophisticated style helped make him one of the most beloved and memorable leading men in film history.

Danny Kaye

Danny Kaye was a remarkably talented entertainer who was married to songwriter Sylvia Fine for over three decades, until his death. Fine was the creative force behind many of his biggest hits and played a crucial role in his career. Though married to Fine, Kaye was also rumored to have had close relationships with male colleagues, most notably actor Laurence Olivier. He was a hugely popular performer on stage and in film, celebrated for his comedic timing and musical abilities.

Laurence Olivier

Laurence Olivier, considered one of the most important actors of the 1900s, had a complicated personal life. He was married three times – to Jill Esmond, Vivien Leigh, and Joan Plowright – and later in life, biographies revealed he also had significant romantic relationships with men. Despite this complexity, Olivier was a hugely influential figure in British theater and a celebrated film star, enjoying a successful career for more than sixty years and earning numerous awards.

Robert Reed

Robert Reed, best known as the dad on ‘The Brady Bunch,’ was married to Karen Rinehart for five years. However, he was secretly gay and worried that revealing this would end his television career. His co-stars greatly admired him for being a dedicated and professional colleague, always focused on making the show the best it could be. He carefully kept his personal life hidden, maintaining the wholesome image of a traditional American father.

Charles Laughton

The celebrated actor and director Charles Laughton was married to Elsa Lanchester for more than thirty years, until his passing. In her autobiography, Lanchester shared that Laughton confided in her early in their marriage that he was gay. Despite this, they built a loving and supportive relationship that allowed both of them to flourish creatively. Laughton is remembered as a legendary performer, having won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Henry VIII in ‘The Private Life of Henry VIII’.

Agnes Moorehead

Elizabeth Montgomery, best known for ‘Bewitched,’ was married twice, but Hollywood often speculated she was a lesbian. She kept her personal life very private and never addressed these rumors publicly throughout her career. Before becoming a TV star, Montgomery was a talented and adaptable actress with a strong background in both radio and film. She’s remembered for her captivating performances and unforgettable presence on screen.

Tallulah Bankhead

Tallulah Bankhead was a famously witty and outspoken actress who married actor John Emery and remained married to him for four years, during the peak of her career. She was known for openly talking about her attraction to people of all genders and challenged the social norms of her time, making her a true pioneer. Today, she’s still admired as a unique icon, remembered for her distinctive deep voice and her refusal to apologize for living life on her own terms.

Marlene Dietrich

Marlene Dietrich enjoyed a decades-long marriage to Rudolf Sieber, despite periods of living apart. A known bisexual, she had relationships with numerous prominent figures throughout her life. She was also a celebrated fashion icon, famous for defying traditional gender expectations by frequently wearing masculine clothing in her films. Her career stretched from the early days of German silent films all the way to major Hollywood productions.

Niecy Nash-Betts

The comedian and actress was first married to Donielle Tucker, then to Jay Tucker, before publicly coming out. In 2020, she surprised many by announcing her marriage to singer Jessica Betts. She shared that she had never been in a relationship with a woman prior to meeting her wife. Since then, she’s become a strong voice for embracing who you are, no matter your past relationships.

Billie Joe Armstrong

Green Day’s frontman, Billie Joe Armstrong, has been married to Adrienne Nesser since 1994, and they share two sons. He publicly came out as bisexual in the nineties and has often talked about it in interviews. Armstrong has consistently used his fame to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and push back against traditional expectations within the rock music scene. Many people point to his lasting marriage as a positive example of bisexual commitment and representation.

David Bowie

David Bowie, a truly innovative musician, had two significant marriages, first to Angie Bowie and later to supermodel Iman. In the early 1970s, he bravely announced he was bisexual, a remarkably forward-thinking act for the time. Throughout his career, Bowie continually transformed his image and challenged conventional ideas about gender and sexuality, becoming a beloved supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and a lasting icon until his passing in 2016.

Maria Bello

The actress and Dan McDermott were together for many years and share a son. In 2013, she publicly shared her experience of falling in love with a woman in a moving newspaper article. She described this as a natural progression in how she viewed love and relationships. Since then, she’s become a strong voice for accepting different ways people define themselves and their families.

Amber Heard

Amber Heard was married to Johnny Depp and has been linked to several other well-known figures. She’s been openly bisexual for many years and had a long-term relationship with photographer Tasya van Ree. Heard has discussed the difficulties of being openly queer in Hollywood and the expectation to define her sexuality. Despite this, she continues to appear in major films while remaining honest about her personal life.

Evan Rachel Wood

Evan Rachel Wood, known for her role in ‘Westworld’, was married to Jamie Bell and they share a son. She publicly came out as bisexual in 2011 and has been a dedicated advocate for the LGBTQ+ community ever since, often drawing on her own experiences to highlight the specific issues faced by bisexual people. Wood continues to be a well-known actress and activist, celebrated for both her compelling performances and her commitment to social causes.

Margaret Cho

The comedian and Al Ridenour were married for more than ten years and have always been honest about their unique relationship. She’s openly bisexual and often talks about LGBTQ+ issues in her comedy. Throughout her career, she’s consistently worked to increase representation for Asian Americans and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her comedy often questions traditional ideas about race, gender, and sexuality.

Ani DiFranco

Ani DiFranco, an independent folk singer, was married to sound engineer Andrew Gilchrist for several years. She openly identifies as bisexual and often writes songs exploring her relationships with people of all genders. Known for her feminist viewpoints and dedication to social justice, DiFranco has built a successful music career by staying true to herself and her values.

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus and actor Liam Hemsworth were married after dating for about ten years, though they had periods of being apart. Miley has publicly shared that she’s pansexual, meaning she’s attracted to people regardless of gender. She’s a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ youth, supporting them through her charity work and public voice. Her romantic life, including her marriage and later relationships, has often been a topic of interest for fans and the media.

Sia

As a longtime fan, I’ve always been fascinated by Sia. She was married to filmmaker Erik Anders Lang for a couple of years, but they’ve since gone their separate ways. She’s openly talked about being queer and being attracted to people of all genders, which I really admire. Of course, everyone knows her for that incredible voice! And it’s interesting how she uses wigs – she’s said it’s to maintain some privacy, which I totally get. Even with all the attention, she still feels very mysterious, and she continues to be a huge presence in pop music.

Megan Fox

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green were married for a decade and share three children. She publicly came out as bisexual in 2008 and has often discussed it in interviews, explaining that it’s simply a part of who she is, not a conscious decision. Still a prominent celebrity, Fox is well-known for both her successful movies and her unique fashion sense.

Drew Barrymore

Drew Barrymore is an actress and talk show host who has been married three times, including to actors Tom Green and Will Kopelman. She openly shared she was bisexual in the early 2000s and has spoken about her relationships with women. Having been famous since childhood, she’s always been honest about her life and career. She’s a well-loved celebrity who has successfully moved from being a movie star to a powerful figure in the media.

Vanessa Carlton

Singer Vanessa Carlton, known for her song ‘A Thousand Miles,’ has been married to musician John McCauley since 2013. She publicly shared that she is bisexual during a performance at a Pride event in 2010. Carlton continues to create music that is deeply personal and has gained a loyal following. Her marriage highlights how queer artists can find fulfilling relationships with partners of any gender.

Jason Mraz

Jason Mraz, the Grammy-winning singer, was married to Christina Carano before they divorced. He publicly shared that he is part of the LGBTQ+ community in 2018 and often uses his music to encourage love and understanding. Mraz has discussed how important it was for him to be true to himself, even after being married to a woman. He continues to be a well-loved artist, known for his uplifting lyrics and heartfelt acoustic music.

Alice Walker

Alice Walker, the acclaimed author of ‘The Color Purple,’ was married to Melvyn Leventhal for nine years. She’s publicly discussed her relationships with women and identifies as a queer woman of color. A celebrated literary figure, Walker’s work powerfully examines the connections between race, gender, and sexuality. Both her life and writing have been groundbreaking, inspiring readers for decades.

Lorraine Hansberry

Lorraine Hansberry, the author of ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ led a complex life. While married to Robert Nemiroff, she privately identified as a lesbian. She was a dedicated advocate for gay rights, participating in early organizations and writing anonymously for different publications. Hansberry was also a vital voice in the civil rights movement, using her plays to highlight issues of social injustice. The full story of her personal life wasn’t known publicly until after her death at a young age.

Richard Pryor

Richard Pryor, a hugely innovative comedian, was married seven times to five different women during his life. After he passed away, his wife revealed he had also had romantic relationships with men, including actor Marlon Brando. Pryor was famous for his brutally honest comedy, which often explored his own difficulties and important social problems. He’s widely considered one of the most important and influential comedians of all time.

Marlon Brando

Okay, let me tell you about Marlon Brando. He was a true icon, and his life was just as fascinating – and complicated – as the characters he brought to life. He was married three times and had a large family, but he was also incredibly open about his sexuality. He spoke candidly about relationships with men and refused to be ashamed of it, which was pretty groundbreaking for the time. Beyond all that, Brando practically invented modern acting with his ‘method’ approach, and remains one of the most influential figures in film history. He wasn’t just a performer; he was a revolutionary.

Billie Jean King

Tennis great Billie Jean King was married to Larry King for more than two decades, beginning in 1965. She gained widespread recognition not only for her incredible tennis career – including her famous match against Bobby Riggs – but also for fighting for equal opportunities for women in sports. In 1981, while still married, her sexual orientation was publicly revealed during a legal case. Since then, she’s been a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and continues to be a powerful and respected figure in the world of sports.

Alec Guinness

Alec Guinness, the celebrated actor known for roles in films like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai,’ shared a long marriage with Merula Salaman. Though devoted to his wife, accounts from his biographers suggest he privately wrestled with same-sex attraction throughout his life. A deeply private man who valued tradition, Guinness navigated these personal struggles discreetly. He is remembered as one of the most accomplished and highly regarded actors of his time.

W. Somerset Maugham

Somerset Maugham, a highly successful British author and playwright, was married to Syrie Wellcome for more than ten years and they had a daughter together. Throughout his life, Maugham also had a long-lasting relationship with Gerald Haxton. A popular writer of his era, his novels and plays frequently hinted at themes of identity and hidden truths. Maugham led a worldly and complex life, balancing his achievements with personal intricacies.

Virginia Woolf

Virginia Woolf and Leonard Woolf were married for almost thirty years, until her death. She was part of the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of friends known for challenging traditional ideas about relationships and intimacy. Woolf also had a passionate romantic connection with the writer Vita Sackville-West. While her marriage offered her a secure and supportive foundation, she used her groundbreaking writing to explore questions of identity and self-discovery.

Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo, the renowned Mexican artist, had a famously intense and complicated marriage with fellow artist Diego Rivera. She openly identified as bisexual and had many relationships with people of all genders throughout their marriage. Kahlo’s art often reflected her personal struggles with physical pain and her experiences as a woman navigating a changing world in the early 1900s. Today, she’s celebrated worldwide as an artistic icon and a symbol of both LGBTQ+ pride and female empowerment.

Josephine Baker

Josephine Baker, the internationally celebrated dancer and activist, had a complex personal life, marrying four times and also having relationships with women, including artists in Paris. She was a groundbreaking performer who challenged racial prejudice and bravely served as a spy during World War II. Throughout her life, Baker consistently defied expectations and refused to be limited by conventional social norms or expectations around sexuality.

Angelina Jolie

Angelina Jolie, a celebrated actress and humanitarian, is known for both her successful film career and her work with the United Nations. She has been married three times – to Jonny Lee Miller, Billy Bob Thornton, and Brad Pitt – and has publicly discussed her relationships with both men and women, identifying as bisexual. Her marriages have frequently drawn significant media coverage, and she remains a dedicated advocate for human rights around the world.

Please share your thoughts on these complex celebrity relationships in the comments.

2026-02-17 06:22