Jim Parsons comes out as gay in newspaper profile

Jim Parsons attends a benefit at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 21, 2012, in Beverly Hills, Calif.

/ Jason Merritt/Getty Images for Alzheimer's Association

(CBS News) Jim Parsons has revealed in an interview that he is gay and that he is in a long-term committed relationship - the first time the "Big Bang Theory" star has opened up about his sexuality.

Pictures: Jim Parsons

The information was revealed in a New York Times profile about the Emmy-winning actor, who is currently starring on Broadway in a revival of "Harvey."

While referring to his previous role in the play "The Normal Heart," a drama about the HIV/AIDS crisis, the article states that the play resonated with him: "Mr Parsons is gay and in a 10-year relationship, and working with an ensemble again onstage was like nourishment, he said."

The article did not state the identity of Parsons' partner, but there has been speculation that his partner is Todd Spiewak, with whom he has been seen at multiple events and whom he thanked during his 2010 Emmy Award acceptance speech.

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Jim Parsons

[chaoscowgirl]

LOL this isn't news, it's pretty obvious that he is without him even saying it. I was just surprised they gave him a "girl" "friend" in Big Bang Theory.

[KelseyTaylor]

Neil Patrick Harris has girlfriends on his Show and he's gay.

[nathanforrest80]

I don't give a hoot what his sexual preference is. He is funny and I love the character Sheldon...couldn't find a better person for the role.

[jcat918]

Why does every homosexual individual feel compelled to "come out"? To be perfectly honest, I don't want to know and don't really. Whether you are gay, straight or in love with a monkey or a macaw, just keep it to yourself, please; because I don't really care.

[Jaylah54]

This is like breaking the news that the sun is hot.

[slownewsday_5000]

Celebs do like to share their private lives... keeps them in the spotlight. Just like hetero celebs coupling up, or celeb kids, etc.

[Scimajor]

I don't care. The show is hilarious and so is he. His personal life is none of my business.

[toosmart4u]

Its not surprising if you have ever seen the TV show he is on. The guy is funny as can be! I'm an old phart that was brought up to think that being gay made someone a lesser person. I have managed to see through that flawed way of thinking from the past. Let these gay and lesbian folks live their lives in peace.

[geezerdude]

GAG!

[slownewsday_5000]

Let me guess - you're fantasizing again.

I'm straight. Have you ever been married? Marriage isn't about sex, for anyone.

[slownewsday_5000]

by slownewsday_5000
If you're a Catholic, you shouldn't care about gays one way or another. You should start cleaning the molesters out of your church. .

by picklepants7
i would think you would approve of that sort of behavior since you're a member of nambla.

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Interesting - pickle equates the problems in the Catholic Church with NAMBLA. That's one serious problem!!

Well done, pickle - well done.

.

[mjshiznit]

I don't see what the big deal is. He is still hilarious, and it's still one of my favorite shows. I don't like to picture two dude's gettin' it on, so I don't. Therefore, homosexuality doesn't bother me. I think it bothers people who have homosexual issues themselves.

I have a friend who is gay and have known him since highschool. It's been over 10 years, and somehow I still like women. I've been able to fend off the gay virus, so it's really not as dangerous as people think it is. Just take a lot of vitamin C before you go near a homosexual.

By the way, girls on girls = awesome.

[slownewsday_5000]

by formerlyluvnut May 24, 2012 8:35 PM EDT
I'm NOT religious & I think it's sick & perverted. It's common sense. Biology. Simple.

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Suuuuure you aren't religious.

If you weren't, you wouldn't give a single crap about what people do sexually in their private lives.

Do you also picture your hetero-couple friends having sex? Your neighbors?

It's not about sex any more than being hetero is - it's about being in love with another consenting adult.

.