Neil Patrick Harris A 'Content Gay Man'

Former 'Doogie Howser' Star Wanted To End Speculation About His Sexuality

(CBS)  Neil Patrick Harris has decided to tell the world he's gay.

"(I) am quite proud to say that I am a very content gay man living my life to the fullest," Harris tells People magazine's Web site.

The 33-year-old actor said he decided to reveal his sexuality to end "speculation and interest in my private life and relationships."

Harris may be referring to an Oct. 23 item on the Web site Canada.com that claimed he had helped his "longtime sweetheart," actor David Burtka, land a part on his hit CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother."

That was followed by an unconfirmed report Nov. 1 that a publicist for Harris said the actor is "not of that persuasion."

Perez Hilton, Defamer.com and other gossip blogs jumped on the topic, eager to "out" the actor.

Hilton, who is openly gay, counts Harris' coming out as a victory. "We are so proud (despite the naysayers) in having a hand in bringing about change," writes the self-defined "Queen Of All Media," using the royal "we."

Harris rose to fame on TV as a teen, playing the namesake doctor on the series "Doogie Howser, M.D."

He plays the womanizing Barney Stinson on the CBS show "How I Met Your Mother."

[rbird8728]

Before you judge, remember that our national success rate for regular heterosexual marriage is only about 50% and the rest end in divorce. Would you purchase an auto with that kind of guarantee?

[mrharge]

90% of Hollywood is gay.

[anniebanny]

So what's the big deal. Someone else has decided that it's time to let people know what they have been hiding,(not that it's any of our busuness. That's totally personal!) Has anyone considered WHY folks hide their sexuality? They/we hide because they/we don't like to be bashed, scorned,homeless,un-employed or a long list of other indignities. While it's no one elses business whom a person dates, marries or lives with...we all like to know what 'public folks' are doing. They turn into roll models, heroes etc. Thank You Neil Patrick Harris for choosing to tell us all that you have become ..."a very content gay man"... Welcome to the club of outted individuals! oh ps to those who think our numbers are growing.. we ARE everywhere,always have been,we're just a bit louder about not getting equal treatment!

[anniebanny]

Wow... blogs really need to be read from the bottom up!!

[kevzgrl]

I think it's great that Neil has finally revealed his true self - having to hide who/what you are is not good for anyone, so "You go, Neil!" My husband and I don't feel our marriage is threatened by gay people being allowed to marry - I have a very dear friend who is gay and I hope that someday she finds the happiness and contentment that I have with my husband. She is a wonderful person, and deserves it - not to have some narrow-minded, holier-than-thous push her back in the closet and treat her like a second-class citizen. This country is all about freedom, is'nt it?

[jewelq]

Good for you Neil! It is your work that counts - and it is, and always has been excellent- nobody should give a @#*& about that part of your life. No entity should ever force another person to reveal intimate and private details about their lives - that is what is shameful.

[sandycat2]

Well, don't you think their is the same percentage of *** who abuse their mates and abuse their children if they have any? And if they got married they would be divorced in like numbers? Or do you just beleive that because they are gay they are somehow better than the rest of us? Well, they aren't better. They are just gay.