PHOTOSJussie Smollett Saves Fans’ Life, Says Coming Out On Ellen Prevented Girl From Committing Suicide Over Her Sexuality
April 14 2015, Published 8:34 p.m. ET
Jussie Smollett has become a household name since his primetime debut on the hit Fox series Empire. But the actor told E! News recently that he is still coming to terms with his growing fame and how he's touching the lives of others through his acting.
Speaking to E!, Smollett -- who confirmed he is gay back in March during an interview at The Ellen DeGeneres Show -- said that he was recently moved to tears by the impact he had on one fan.
"I get really incredible people," Smollett said. "This girl came to a signing and she showed me she had cuts on her arm and she said, I swear to god, she said she was about to commit suicide and just happened to see me on Ellen and it changed her life. And she cried to me and I literally started bawling, 'cause I am a little sucker for emotion…But that stuff right there is crazy to think that you can have such a affect on someone's life. It touches me in a really, really deep way."
In his chat with Ellen DeGeneres, Smollett said that he previously chose not to discuss his sexuality since he didn’t feel any need to share the details of his personal life.
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“There’s never been a closet. That I’ve been in. I don’t own a closet, I got a dresser, but I don’t have a closet, but I have a home and that is my responsibility to protect that home. … So that’s why I choose not to talk about my personal life,” Smollett said.
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He continued, “But there is without a doubt, no closet that I’ve ever been in, and I just wanted to make that clear, but it was most important for me to make that clear to you on your show at this time in the world. And that’s where I’m at. … So, let’s not read into it in the wrong way when I say that I don’t talk about my personal life, I’m saying that. But it is in no way to hide or deny who God made me.”
And Smollett received tons of support after his interview with DeGeneres, including from his castmate Serayah McNeill who, told OKMagazine.com that it was “great” he chose to speak out about his sexuality. “You are who you are, and it’s not going to limit him. He’s a great actor, and that’s just who he is. I think that in our society, its not a big deal anymore. It’s great for him that he can actually just step out and be who he is,” McNeill said. Are you looking forward to the second season of Empire? Tweet us @OKMagazine or let us know in the comments section below.
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