#22: Zachary Quinto

Year They Came Out of the Closet: 2011

Zachary John Quinto, an acclaimed American actor and film producer, publicly came out as gay in October 2011. His decision was sparked by the tragic suicide of Jamey Rodemeyer, a gay teen, prompting Quinto to realize that “living a gay life without openly identifying it is simply not enough to contribute meaningfully to the road toward true equality.”

Coming out in Hollywood’s often critical and unforgiving world is no small feat, making Quinto a true hero in more ways than one. Fans first fell for his compelling performances in Heroes, and since then, he has continued to inspire with his authenticity.