Kevin Spacey Addresses Gay Rumors In Daily Beast Interview

Oscar winner Kevin Spacey, long the topic of rumor and innuendo regarding his sexuality, spoke -- or refused to speak -- about whether or not he is gay, in a new interview with The Daily Beast.

The interviewer, Kevin Sessums, is openly gay, and said the community has long welcomed Spacey as one of them -- but asks Spacey why he, a noted gay marriage advocate, has not come out and returned the favor.

"Look, I might have lived in England for the last several years but I'm still an American citizen and I have not given up my right to privacy," Spacey says, trying to stray from the subject. But when Sessums says that he does not believe one's sexuality was a private matter, Spacey gets even more defiant.

"People have different reasons for the way they live their lives. You cannot put everyone's reasons in the same box. It's just a line I've never crossed and never will," he says. Later, he asserts that not revealing his sexuality publicly does not qualify as living a lie.

Still, Spacey possibly alludes to the answer, saying, "Look, at the end of the day people have to respect people's differences. I am different than some people would like me to be."

The interview wasn't all about Spacey's sexuality -- in fact, the thrust of the talk was about his new movie, 'Casino Jack,' which opens on Friday. Based on the crimes of former Republican financier Jack Abramoff -- with Spacey playing lead -- it chronicles the rise and fall of GOP donors, aides and Congressmen, including former House Majority Leader Tom Delay (seen in this exclusive clip).

For more, including talk about Spacey's theater company in England, click over to The Daily Beast for the full interview.

Comments

[tanamarie]

09:03 PM on 12/20/2010

Why not go after George Clooney? If you want to out gay actors?

[Kevin Bocking]

08:08 PM on 12/22/2010

You're kidding right?

[dmzrn]

11:28 AM on 12/20/2010

God bless this fine actor for providing a superb model of dignity.

If he IS "gay", and he does manage to live a full and dignified life WITHOUT "sharing" his most personal of matters, why can't everyone else? Just asking.

[kenhamlett]

09:19 PM on 12/19/2010

I am a gay man who believes that people have the right to maintain their privacy. That said, there is a double standard that needs to be addressed. Some men decide to live straight lives in public, sometimes even criticizing homosexuality in the name of religion or public morals, then live actively gay lives in private. Often, these people seem to expect that other gay men (and I am sure it is the same among lesbians) will simply keep their secrets and tell their same lies. This happens with actors, but it also happens in our daily lives with bankers, butchers and every other profession. At this point in my life, it is fine if they decide not to discuss their personal activities -- I respect that position. But, they should not assume or try to require that others keep their secrets for them. They should not become angry over this sort of speculation. They simply cannot have it both ways, and it is time they dealt with the reality of that.

[hollace]

08:44 PM on 12/19/2010

That's rich...he's Defiant for not answering a question that he necer answers...because he sets his own rules about privacy?

[MsVella]

02:57 PM on 12/19/2010

I never knew there were rumours that he might be gay....

[almostaudrey]

02:08 PM on 12/19/2010

http://www.cinema.com/news/item/458/helen-hunt-dating-kevin-spacey.phtml

[almostaudrey]

02:07 PM on 12/19/2010

But...Wait...Kevin Spacey and Helen Hunt were once in love. So then what's true? 1) Helen is straight and Kevin is straight? Or 2) Helen is gay (her baby daddy not withstanding) and Kevin is gay? Guessing #2 is correct.

[mick e]

11:24 AM on 12/19/2010

Is Spaceys orientation, in any way relevent ? Content of character is really what matters.

[The Morrigan]

11:59 AM on 12/19/2010

I absolutely agree. Look at Errol Flynn & Rock Hudson...who cared then & now? They were great actors, as is Kevin Spacey. His sexual orientation, as is all of ours, should remain private. Case closed!

[valeskas]

10:15 AM on 12/19/2010

If Kevin Spacey, does not want to talk about his sexuality, I am fine with it, everyone needs to have privacy and we the public should understand. Love Kevin, love his movies.

[grange]

05:47 AM on 12/19/2010

Spacey has every right to say no comment. He is a talented actor and director and that is what counts.

Some people have a fluid and changing sexuality and may not wish to be classified as straight , gay or bi.

The public care about this much less than the meeja assume.

[littlebrowngirl]

10:48 PM on 12/18/2010

I think it is disgusting that people feel like they have the right to know what people do in thier private lives. I could care less. He is a brilliant actor. Respect his privacy. Plus why do some gay folks feel like they have to "out" other gay folks? If he does not want to share the details, then back off.

[spiritedopinion]

05:17 PM on 12/18/2010

Kevin Spacey is a compelling actor who has been in some excellent movies...who cares about his sexuality.

[Bobby Milford]

10:22 AM on 12/18/2010

If you can't own it, it makes it appear as if there's something to hide. Neil Patrick Harris doesn't make it a secret, but treats it as heterosexuals treat their heterosexuality. And remember, it would be a non-issue if people weren't fired for it or made to feel inferior by religious leaders and bigots.

[laaambchop]

11:10 AM on 12/19/2010

I disagree.

...this comes down to respect...some people are very private, and this should be respected, not regarded with suspicion...

I don't like it when relative strangers ask me nosy questions either...I happen to think it is rude...

[MaybeMilo]

10:14 AM on 12/18/2010

More power to him, and who really cares? It's none of our business.

[rjhuntington]

08:55 AM on 12/18/2010

I don't think it's anyone's business bu this.