#33: Meredith Baxter

Year They Came Out of the Closet: 2009

Meredith Baxter, born June 21, 1947, is an accomplished American actress and producer who ventured into the beauty industry with her skincare line, Meredith Baxter Simple Works. On December 2, 2009, Baxter came out as a lesbian during interviews on Today with Matt Lauer and Sirius-XM’s Frank DeCaro Show.

She revealed her first same-sex relationship began in 2002, leading her to realize why her previous relationships with men had failed. Her journey through complex, often abusive marriages, struggles with alcoholism, and self-discovery are chronicled in her book. In 2013, Baxter married Nancy Locke, embracing her authentic self.