Damon Charles: 1st List of Gay/Lesbian/Bi Actors and Industry People, Both in Front and Behind the Camera

The list below is NOT in random order. Marlon Brando is first, then all names after are in alphabetical order by last name. If you are looking for a particular person then you need to scroll to the last name.

In no way is this list meant to "OUT" anyone.

I have purposely NOT listed anyone of "speculation" like other sites may have ... only those where confirmation by either personal accounts or public records prove the source of information on their sexuality.

Some are people I personally knew or have known and allowed me to put their name on this list, or some have been publicly outed (with proof) by other sources. Many have personally come out as gay, lesbian, or bisexual themselves. While gay, lesbian, and bi, "gender impersonators" are on here, transsexuals are not.

Some of the people on this list may have lived or are living a heterosexual lifestyle. But at one time or another they have either admitted to being gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and all have either outed themselves or have already been outed.

There are countless other people in the industry that we know are gay, lesbian, or bisexual. For whatever reason, they are "open" only to those working in THE INDUSTRY and choose to keep it a secret to the general public.

Sadly not everyone on this list is or was happy with their sexuality. Even when (true) rumors of people I personally knew as friends, and worked with surrounded them, like Merv Griffin, Rock Hudson, and Liberace (plus too many others of today and the past), their self-loathing for who they were made them feel the need to hide their sexuality, and in some instances bring legal actions to those who tried to out them.

You may not know some of the names or recognize the photos of the people on my list who worked in the past, but it is important to know the past in order to live in the present, and to look forward to a happier future within ourselves. You need to know that you are in good company.

Hopefully someday, maybe not in my lifetime (but I was wrong about same sex marriages becoming a reality, so hopefully I am wrong here too), people will just be people, and lists like this will not be needed. Until that day comes, this list is dedicated to the closeted, possibly tormented talented individuals, that may need to see that THERE IS a good future (and happy life) ahead of them if they can accept themselves for who they are.

Many of the performers and behind-the-scene people are or were my friends, and I kept their secret until their deaths, or they decided to come out themselves. Rock Hudson once told me that if anyone really knew or believed he was gay, he would die. When it was announced that he had AIDS he said to me, "Now everyone knows I'm gay, and I'm dying."

Those already in the entertainment industry know that it can still harbor homophobia, even though the industry claims otherwise. For any of these people on this list to have "come out on their own" was not so much an act of bravery, but more of being comfortable in their own skin. I thank each and every person that has personally allowed me to add them to this list, and I appreciate the positive responses I've received in person and on the Internet. I truly believe that every person on this list has or had the ability to save the life of at least one person who is or was struggling with their true identity.

Andrew Levinson, my spouse, is a big help in making this list grow quicker and bigger. We celebrated our 53rd year together July 24, 2024, and our 16th legal anniversary of marriage on June 20th, 2024, and continue to work together on this list, trying to be a positive role model for others. It used to be that if you wanted to write me or make comments, you could do it on the IMDb Message Board at the bottom of the Damon Charles webpage. Unfortunately on February 17, 2017, IMDb discontinued this feature on all pages. Sadly, contacting me now is impossible as I am not on Facebook or any other social networks. I hereby give you full permission to feel free and put a link to this list on YOUR Facebook or other social media pages. Let's make this "List" soar with viewers to help those still not in their happiest state realize they are are in good company and not alone. I do appreciate all the responses I did get in the past, and more than appreciate all the positive feedback I had been getting for having it up.

Be well, safe, and most of all happy ... Thanks, Damon Charles, (and Andrew Levinson too)