Sean Hayes Comes Out in The Advocate

Sean Hayes Comes Out in The Advocate

After years of speculation about his personal life, 'Will and Grace' actor Sean Hayes has finally acknowledged, albeit circuitously, that he's gay in an interview with The Advocate.

Hayes, who became a household name in the late 90s for his role as Jack McFarland on the NBC comedy, has been notoriously mum about his sexual orientation until now.

In the interview, which appears in April's issue of The Advocate, the actor says, "I never have had a problem saying who I am... I am who I am. I was never in, as they say. Never."

Hayes is a member of an ever-growing list of celebrities who have come out in the media after hitting the big-time.

*NSYNC heartthrob Lance Bass famously appeared on the cover of PEOPLE magazine alongside the words "I'm Gay" in July of 2006 after rumors of an alleged relationship with 'Amazing Race' winner Reichen Lemkuhl hit the blogosphere.

Actor Neil Patrick Harris, who first became famous for his eponymous role on 'Doogie Howser, M.D. and more recently for his role as Barney Stinson on 'How I Met Your Mother,' opened up to the same magazine just months later in November 2006. In his interview, Harris told PEOPLE, "I am happy to dispel any rumors or misconceptions and am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest."

As for why Hayes took so long in making his sexual orientation public, he says, "Nobody owes anything to anybody. You are your authentic self to whom and when you choose to be, and if you don't know somebody, then why would you explain to them how you live your life?"

He adds, "I feel like I've contributed monumentally to the success of the gay movement in America, and if anyone wants to argue that, I'm open to it. You're welcome."