Aussie Actor Hugh Sheridan Opens Up About Being With Men & Women

Australian actor and heartthrob Hugh Sheridan is publicly opening up about his sexuality.

In a heartfelt personal essay for Stellar Magazine, the 35-year-old, Logie-winning Packed to the Rafters star reveals he has had relationships with both men and women, and although he doesn't feel the need to label his sexuality, he wanted to publicly talk about it so that his openness can possibly help other generations of closeted queer people live their lives. 

"In many ways, I wish I didn’t have to write this, but I feel a responsibility to others who may come after me," he wrote. "By sharing my story now, and becoming more transparent, maybe I can help to give others who are private a break. We might live and let them live as they wish. I believe labels are for clothes, not for people."

In his essay, Hugh also shared the heartbreaking story of how he fell in love with another man while attending Sydney's National Institute for Dramatic Arts when he was younger, but was cautioned by some of his older gay mentors to keep the relationship under wraps for fear of his budding acting career being hurt due to the homophobia of the time. 

"I was told that if I was anything but straight I’d never find work," Hugh recalled. "And that I needed to hide my newfound love."

While it's sad that Sheridan had to keep a huge part of himself hidden for so long, he said that his mentors were just "trying to protect" him and had his "best interests at heart," because "that was just the reality" of the time.

We're now super glad that Hugh and other actors now live in an era where they can be honest with their fans and live their most authentic lives! Congrats Hugh, and welcome to the fam!