John Barrowman talks about the importance of coming out

Torchwood actor John Barrowman why, if more actors came out, there wouldn’t be such a perception that being openly gay was a ‘problem’ for a career.

In the past several openly gay actors have said it is better for someone to remain in the closet if they want a successful career in acting. There’s a perception within the industry – and perhaps society as a whole – that being open about being gay can damage someone’s career. Yet there are examples out there of actors who have come out and still enjoy successful careers – the likes of Sir Ian McKellan. Openly gay actor John Barrowman, star of Torchwood, has discussed the importance of more actors coming out.

“We still have a whole lot of people out there who are not openly gay because they think it’s going to affect their jobs and stuff. Now I’m not out there to out people, and if that’s what you choose to do, that’s your choice, and I don’t see anything wrong with that. But I must say, if you’re doing it because you think it’s detrimental to your career, the more of us who come out and do things openly – I guarantee you, there’s a lot of us in Hollywood. And if we all just come out and don’t worry about it – in fact, not even come out, just live.

If we could just be ourselves and live and not pretend and not lie and not have beards, things would be a lot different. And the public, in a way, has to accept that stuff. If a big Hollywood A-lister came out, do you really think it’s going to affect the films? People are not that stupid. – John Barrowman speaking to After Elton.

The list of openly gay/bisexual actors and actresses has increased over the past decade or so especially within the television industry. On both sides of the Atlantic there are numerous high profile examples of openly gay actors enjoying successful careers in prime-time shows. However, in terms of Hollywood there is still a lack of openly gay actors/actresses in high profile roles in big budget films – though there are a few admittedly.

Torchwood Miracle Day launches on Starz, in America, on July 8th and in the UK on July 14th on BBC One.