Matt Bomer's High School Photos: 'White Collar' Star's Sophomore Year

Having been the target of tabloid speculation regarding his sexuality for some time, "White Collar" star Matt Bomer came out recently at the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards. The chiseled actor thanked his "beautiful family," including his partner and three children, in his acceptance speech.

But long before Bomer was front-and-center gathering awards and making speeches, he was a fresh-faced high school student in Klein, Texas -- Snakkle got its hands on Bomer's sophomore year photo, in which the actor flashes his signature smile.

And although he wouldn't know it at the time, 18 years later, his "proudest accomplishment" would be far greater than taking a successful yearbook photo.

"I'd really especially like to thank my beautiful family: Simon, Kit, Walker, Henry," he said Saturday during his acceptance speech for his New Generation Arts and Activism Award. "Thank you for teaching me what unconditional love is. You will always be my proudest accomplishment."

Check out Bomer's high school photos below and head over to Snakkle for more.

Check out other celebrities who have come out as gay:

Related on HuffPost:

Comments

[popart]

05:48 AM on 02/16/2012

why do they always come out of a closet...why not a steamer trunk or an amoire...and why do they have to be in a closet or a steamer trunk or whatever in the first place...are we not all of us just what we are and who we are from the day that we are born.

[verbalosity]

08:16 AM on 02/16/2012

Okay, how about it's always such a happy occasion when a male actor admits that he likes to check out other guys bulges at the beach.

[almchrl13]

09:34 AM on 02/16/2012

No more than straight guys do?

[CheapTrick]

10:23 AM on 02/16/2012

Our communities put us in there.

[rudabaga]

03:14 AM on 02/16/2012

He definitely got a nose job. Doesn't even look like the same person anymore. Still hot though.

[JLGreenlee]

02:55 AM on 02/17/2012

When? In high school? He has a teeny, tiny nose in that yearbook picture!

[themissingmink]

09:22 AM on 02/17/2012

What? He just looks 20 years older. I've seen photos of him at various ages, and he hasn't had any work done. When you look as good as he did in your teens, why on earth would you bother?

[robjh1]

12:26 AM on 02/16/2012

"Having been the target of tabloid speculation regarding his sexuality for some time," GLAAD should protest against these tabloid actions which could have ruined Bomer's career. No one should be forced out or forced to speak of their sexuality unless they want to.

[marcusisyoung]

05:28 PM on 02/16/2012

While I agree, a celebrity shouldn't have to speak on anything they don't want to...how would tabloid speculation ruined his career? I totally missed that, robjh.

There's been tabloid speculation about him and numerous celebrities and their careers remain intact.

Hugh Jackman, Jodie Foster, George Clooney etc. you name it.

[Sarge617]

08:52 PM on 02/15/2012

"FLAUNTED" Huff Po favorite description of anyone who is photographed, I just comments the same on their article about kim kardashian

[Marv Evre]

08:33 PM on 02/15/2012

Janet Napolitano?

[turbogtrmstr]

07:39 PM on 02/15/2012

OK, Who will be next to take the giant step and come out finally? Lets name names since they are all coming out nowadays like we should play the National Anthem.

[marcusisyoung]

05:29 PM on 02/16/2012

That's up for speculation. My gut is telling me Anderson Cooper, but in which form is beyond me.

[themissingmink]

09:21 AM on 02/17/2012

"like we should play the National Anthem" - What? You seem to have a serious problem with gay people for no apparent reason; you might want to look into that.

[verbalosity]

06:48 PM on 02/15/2012

Who is Mark Boner?

[wilray]

04:54 PM on 02/17/2012

Someone you've been dreaming of.

[LMPE]

04:53 PM on 02/15/2012

I have to admit that I'd never even heard of Matt Bomer until he came out. Even so, good for him!

[verbalosity]

06:52 PM on 02/15/2012

It's always such a happy occasion when someone comes out of the closet.

[turbogtrmstr]

07:35 PM on 02/15/2012

If it was a happy day, he would have done it sooner. Let's not make everyone who come's out after year's and year's out to be a saint.

[turbogtrmstr]

07:36 PM on 02/15/2012

The brave ones are the ones who came out early even if people picked on them. They are the ones to be celebrated, not the ones who hid for years. You have it mixed up.

[DennyCrane]

04:30 PM on 02/15/2012

Big deal if he's gay. So are most Republicans. They try to hide it by spouting anti-gay rhetoric.

[LMPE]

04:54 PM on 02/15/2012

I keep wondering when someone's going to catch Rick Santorum dressed like Jeannie.

[signgrrl]

06:26 PM on 02/15/2012

WHAT a horrible mental picture.

[FalleavesMD]

03:12 PM on 02/15/2012

I adore this guy. He's so darn good-looking too! I'm glad he's happy with his spouse and their kids but when I first saw him on tv I told myself I wouldn't be surprised if he was gay. Most of the gorgeous men always are. Le sigh...At least I can still window-shop. Nothing wrong with window-shopping

[rockysparks]

05:30 PM on 02/15/2012

It's true. We are. LOL!

[Progressive49]

07:04 PM on 04/24/2012

You are wonderful!

[mimidec67]

02:14 PM on 02/15/2012

He is one beautiful man.

[Arn Arn]

01:34 PM on 02/15/2012

I thought it was Ellen.

[rockysparks]

05:31 PM on 02/15/2012

No, you didn't. Think, that is.

[Amanda-B-Rekondwith]

01:16 PM on 02/15/2012

I wish I could tell him that I'm straight.

[practiceempathy]

01:46 PM on 02/15/2012

Do you mean you wish you had an opportunity to meet him up close??

[MrDblD]

01:08 PM on 02/15/2012

Who is Matt Bomer???

[Flip75]

01:30 PM on 02/15/2012

Someone who would tell you to stop asking asinine questions and consult a source like Google or IMDB. You're on a computer, for crying out loud - turn off the porn and learn something!

[theroundearth]

05:00 PM on 02/15/2012

The guy in the photo.

[trobts]

01:03 PM on 02/15/2012

OMG all the good ones are on the other team (not that I'd have a chance with this hunk). Very discouraging. I'm happy he is happy, though.

[yellowdoggie]

08:25 AM on 02/16/2012

There is someone for everyone. Sometimes there are quite a few people for everyone. Get off the computer and go meet someone! :-)

[situationcritical]

10:34 AM on 02/16/2012

If Matt Bomer being gay surprises you, don't come to California where the gays consider him mildy "Texas" attractive.