By Linda Massarella

PUBLISHED: 18:00 EST, 23 May 2012 | UPDATED: 18:51 EST, 23 May 2012


Fan favourite: Actor Jim Parsons poses with his Golden Globe award for Best Actor on January, 16, 2012

Fan favourite: Actor Jim Parsons poses with his Golden Globe award for Best Actor in Los Angeles back in January

He didn't shout it from the rooftops, but Jim Parsons has admitted he's gay.

The information about The Big Bang Theory's actor's sexual preference – and the fact he's been in a 10-year relationship with a man - was mentioned toward the bottom of a New York Times' story today.

Times writer Patrick Healy, discussing a Broadway play the 39-year-old actor was in last year wrote, 'The Normal Heart resonated with him on a few levels: Mr Parsons is gay and in a 10-year relationship… '

Unlike other actors who identify as gay, such as Ellen DeGeneres or Modern Family's Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Parsons has been very quiet on the subject.

Although he starred as a gay man in the Broadway play The Normal Heart, in his Emmy winning role as Sheldon in The Big Bang Theory, he plays a nerdy scientist who has little social or romantic skills.

He has also failed to reveal who his lover is.

Parsons has won countless acting awards, but has yet to bring his 'other half.'

Now that he's out of the closet, gay writers hope he'll be a more vocal in his defense of other homosexual actors.

In a recent edition of Out magazine, columnist Michael Musto called for Jim Parsons, as well as other actors such as Queen Latifah, to come out of the closet loudly and proudly, calling it  the 'honourable – and sensible – thing to do.'

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Nerdy scientist: The character Sheldon has little social or romantic skills

The gang: Jim Parsons helps celebrates the 100th episode of The Big Bang Theory in Los Angeles Dec 15, 2011

The gang: Jim Parsons helps celebrates the 100th episode of The Big Bang Theory in Los Angeles December 2011


Here's what other readers have said. Why not debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have been moderated in advance.

I'm shocked at the portrayal of the gay community. Under no circumstance should every homosexual feel obligated to come out in the so called conventional manner known in Hollywood! The advocates of the gay community have emulated to create a society where homosexuality is acceptable and for others to be in the comfort of knowing so. By suggesting that they have a duty to come out in such a manner creates a subliminal class system, whereby homosexuals are perceived as glamorous and superior to heterosexuals; ultimately defeating the purpose of such advocation for equality. He is one of the greatest comedy talents and his legacy should be a proportionate reflection of that as opposed to being perceived as an actor that seems timid in accordance to the stereotype of a gay man. I love you, Jim Parsons! Keep the great work and continue to inspire us with it!

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He hasn't been quiet about his sexuality, he's just not referred to it unless there's been a reason to. There's a big difference between the two, and it's no-one else's business anyway. Whether a woman's pregnant and someone's sexuality are two areas where some people seem to think they have a right to know and/or publicise something that doesn't remotely involve them. It's rude and invasive - people will talk about their private life when they're ready.

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It has been known he is gay for years so this is old news. I don't see what the big deal is, after all you wouldn't have a headline screaming that an actor is straight would you?

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Oh Good Lord. WHO didn't already know this and I have to ask once again: WHY THE HECK DO I NEED TO KNOW WHO YOU ROCK SOCKS WITH AT NIGHT ANYWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Do you want to be accepted as the person you are, your accomplishments, abilities or be labeled? Up to you.

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Who cares if he's gay. As long as he doesn't use it to get sympathy or for a political agenda it shouldn't matter.

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Fantastic actor~! I respect his rights and the fact he hasn't shoved it on everyone...shame on the Out Magazine for such sleazy tactics

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You could have knocked me over with a feather! not . anyway I love Jim and I hope big bang is on for years to come

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Good God! I don't give a flying that the man is gay, I care about his acting. Parsons is hysterical on The Big Bang Theory! So many gay people moan and complain about being treated differently by society because they are gay, yet demand that everyone treat them as special when they come out as gay. You can't have it both ways. WE DON'T CARE IF YOU'RE GAY! Thank you Mr. Parsons for not making your private life part of your career. Love your acting, don't care about your private life.

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He's 39? Seriously? I thought he was way younger.

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I was surprised when he said on a tv show last week that he was 39. I'm not surprised he's gay. If you google image him there are lots of pictures of him about town with his partner. He shouldn't have felt the need to share his private life and it makes no difference to me. I love him on Big Bang Theory and hope he has success in Harvey this summer.

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