Jane Lynch: Ellen DeGeneres "Blazed the Trail" for Me to Come Out

NEW YORK (CBS) Jane Lynch is recently married and openly gay, and she said Ellen DeGeneres is to thank in part for her openness about her sexuality.

The Emmy-winning actress appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" on Wednesday, and noted the importance of the actress-comedian's decision to come out in the '90s.

Pictures: Jane Lynch
Pictures: Ellen DeGeneres

"I was more closeted in my life when I was younger. By the time I started to do work where people knew who I was, I just never made the choice to hide that I was gay," Lynch explained to DeGeneres. "And, not just because you're sitting with me, but that's because of people like you. You were at the height of your fame and you came out. And that just blazed a trail for me. It really did. It made it so much easier for me what you did."

DeGeneres pointed out that there are still many in the industry who believe they can't be open about their sexuality because it will hurt their careers. Lynch said that she understood, but added that she thinks her experience could be in part because of the roles she takes.

"It's because I'm a character actor I think. If Julia Roberts were gay I think it would be harder," Lynch said. "She's an ingenue. You want to project your hopes and dreams for love" on actors like Roberts and Brad Pitt.

"So, Julia Roberts is gay?" DeGeneres quipped.

Lynch went along with the gag. "That's what I'm saying. Right here on this show. She won't admit it. I'm here to tell you she's gay. You're welcome Julia."